Location: Old Alton Bridge (Goatman’s Bridge)
Address: Near 960 Old Alton Rd, Argyle, TX 76226
Access: Open to the public for walking/hiking; parking available near trailheads
Nearby Info: Sits within the Old Alton Trail system between Denton and Copper Canyon in Texas
The Backstory of Old Alton Bridge
Old Alton Bridge, better known today as Goatman’s Bridge, was built in 1884 as a through-truss iron bridge connecting the small settlement of Old Alton with Denton. What we found especially interesting is that this bridge wasn’t originally known for anything spooky. It was simply a functional crossing over Hickory Creek for travelers, farmers, and early residents heading into town.
The name “Old Alton” comes from a frontier community that vanished long before Denton grew into a city. By the 1920s, the town had died out, but the bridge remained.
The paranormal legend came later.
The Legend of the Goatman
There are a few variations of the story, and part of what makes this location so compelling is that no one can tie the tale to verifiable historical records. Still, the core version repeated over and over goes like this:
The Most Common Story
A Black goat farmer named Oscar Washburn supposedly lived near the bridge in the 1930s. After successfully marketing his products, someone hung a sign near the roadway reading “This way to the Goatman.” Members of the local KKK were said to have been enraged by his success.
They allegedly kidnapped Washburn, placed a noose around his neck, and threw him off the bridge. But when they looked down, the story claims the rope was empty. From there, Washburn’s spirit half-man, half-goat was said to haunt the bridge.
Problems With the Legend
Local historians have never located records proving Washburn existed in the area. That doesn’t mean the legend wasn’t inspired by a real event; it simply means nothing documented lines up cleanly.
Still, the tale stuck, and Goatman’s Bridge has been synonymous with paranormal encounters ever since.
Reported Paranormal Activity
This place has a long reputation for strange events. After spending time digging through firsthand accounts, ranger notes, paranormal team videos, and local news interviews, several themes show up again and again:
1. Red Glowing Eyes
Hikers at night have repeatedly reported red eyes staring at them from the tree line. A few say the eyes moved toward them quickly before vanishing.
2. Loud Footsteps or Hoofbeats
Visitors describe hearing pacing, stomping, or heavy movement around the bridge, especially on the metal decking.
3. Overwhelming Feelings of Dread
Nearly every paranormal team that films here mentions sudden discomfort or the sensation that something is watching them from just beyond the tree line.
4. Scratches or Physical Marks
Some ghost hunters claim they’ve left the bridge with unexplained scratches on their arms or backs.
5. Voices Under the Bridge
One of the eeriest encounters we found was from investigators who swear they heard a deep voice respond to questions during an EVP session under the bridge.
6. Shadow Figures
Multiple teams report tall, solid black silhouettes appearing near the bridge’s entrance. A few say the figures charged at them but vanished before making contact.
What we thought was most surprising is that even hikers not looking for paranormal activity often report weird sounds or the feeling of someone walking behind them.
Visiting Today
The bridge is pedestrian-only now, part of a scenic trail system. During the day, the area feels peaceful and wooded, but once the sun starts to set, the whole atmosphere changes.
If you go:
- Bring a flashlight
- Stay on marked trails
- Be cautious, wildlife is common in the area
- Expect other paranormal groups at night; this place is busy during Halloween season
We couldn’t believe how quickly the woods go quiet after dusk. The silence hits harder here than at a lot of other haunted places we’ve visited.
Never trespass or enter any restricted area when visiting a haunted location. Ghost hunting can be dangerous—always use caution and put safety first.
Sources
- Denton County Historical Commission – Old Alton Community History
https://dentoncounty.gov - Texas Hauntings: Goatman’s Bridge Overview
https://www.texashauntedhouses.com - Ghost Adventures – Travel Channel Episode Notes
https://www.travelchannel.com
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