The Chilling Legends of Tyler’s ‘Werewolf Road’

(KNUE-FM) If you grew up in Tyler, you probably heard about the infamous Werewolf Road that was south of town back in the day especially around Halloween. Some people remember it as Werewolf Lane, which may be helpful.

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My first experience of Werewolf Road was back in middle school when a bunch of friends had a sleepover at a friend's house who lived not too far from the place of 'legend.' Her dad took us on a hayride at night that included a spookily slow drive down the road. It became extra spooky when we rounded the curve that led us around the old cemetery.

A Tyler Teenage Rite of Passage

East Texas is full of haunting legends. This may come as a surprise to those new to our area. After all, in many ways, our East Texas cities are some of the friendliest, coziest towns you can find anywhere. But every area has its own local legends and haunted lore. And Tyler is no exception.

READ MORE: Is Camp Ford in Tyler, TX Really Haunted? History & Ghost Stories

Practically a "rite of passage" for many a Tyler teenager, the infamous 'Werewolf Road' ranks high up on the list of scary stories, and alternatively, funny memories of finding ourselves oh-so-very frightened. That includes me, too.

Residents from the Tyler, Texas area spent some time reminiscing about 'Werewolf Road' and swapped stories that will both amuse and, in some cases, terrify.

Barron Cemetery and the Creepy Turn

John Sigler remembers the road like so many of us did back in the day: 

"The tree limbs hung over the road and it was dark. Like you were in a tunnel of sorts."

Yes, that's how I remember it, too.

The scariest part to many was always the turn next to the Barron Cemetery.

The cemetery was not particularly tended to--which added to the spookiness. There were many stories of teenagers scaring each other and/or engaging in some "initiation" for new members of high school sports teams or dance teams, etc.

Steven Davis recalls that one night, while driving by the cemetery, his car stalled and wouldn't start. I'm afraid that if that'd happened to me, my HEART would've stalled. I can't imagine ever having been brave enough to drive down that road at night by myself anyway. You?

J Scott Clark remembers:

"I can’t think of more scary times, when I finally got to take my ‘66 Chevrolet fleet side down that road. All dark, trees covering the road, pulling up to the old rod iron fence, headlamps off. Killing the engine and praying the old girl would crank before the ghosts took us to hell."

OH. MY. Speaking of hellish things, some of the worst stories told involved what many feared were strange rituals being performed in the name of a Satanic figure or some form of dark witchcraft. Even the most skeptical among us couldn't help but be perplexed or fascinated.

Strange Rituals and Frightening Finds

There were many mornings when strange remnants of the evening past were found in the old cemetery. Among these were bits of burned clothing, animal remains, weird symbols, and more.

Darin Stewart recalled a time when he and his friends were hanging out in the cemetery when a massive headstone toppled over:

"We thought we were tough…..but we ran to the car and fled…..scared as could be. When we turned right onto 69 towards town we noticed a ‘big book’ in the middle of the road.

 

We turned around to get it, it was a Bible! It changed the way I looked at Werewolf Lane forever! Last time we (I) ever entered the cemetery!"

Can't say I blame him. Ah, but we could go on. We'd love to hear YOUR "Werewolf Road" story.

Local Memories That Still Haunt Us

Depending on your perspective, you may or may not be pleased to know that what we remember as 'Werewolf Road' is no longer there, as a result of the construction of Loop 49. Although some of the road still exists, as well as Barron Cemetery, it's not what it once was.

The End (Sort Of) of Werewolf Road

Jill Glenn Steigman said the road that "was Skidmore Lane/Road and now is Marsh Farms Road" has a lovely subdivision at the end of it.

Jerry Butch Redfearn says the road "got cut in half by Loop 49. The cemetery can still be accessed off of 69, just south of 49. The old bridge can be accessed off of Paluxy just north of 49."

Oh yeah, the bridge. I'd forgotten about that part. 

How about you?

Any scary stories or memories of Werewolf Road you'd like to share with the rest of us? 'Tis the season, after all. Please share them with me at tara.holley@townsquaremedia.com.