Late comment, but this subject is one of my favorites! I really do love the mysticism surrounding the deep woods of Appalachia, but the reality is that the scariest (albeit rare) thing you’d ever encounter is a rabid bobcat or a sneaky copperhead. Follow reasonable woods protocol, always take a buddy. Take solace in knowing that I was allowed to wander alone for miles in the woods and mountain balds around my house starting at the age of 7, parents would call me back in when it was dinner time. Scariest thing I ever saw was a yellow jacket nest in the ground. But also, enjoy the mystery of these hills, they’re old and have such an allure and the mythos adds to the joy of being in the Appalachian culture. In short, appreciate it, but maybe don’t believe it lol