Deep within the Green Mountains of Vermont lies an enigmatic area known as the Bennington Triangle—a place infamous for numerous disappearances, including the chilling vanishing of Paula Jean Welden in 1946. The Bennington Triangle, a term coined by author Joseph A. Citro, has long been associated with strange events, paranormal activity, and an inexplicable sense of unease that looms over the region. The mysterious disappearance of Paula Welden remains one of the most baffling missing person cases in modern history, a true unsolved mystery that still haunts those who dare to traverse the area today.

The Disappearance of Paula Jean Welden

It was December 1st, 1946, when Paula Welden, an 18-year-old sophomore at Bennington College, decided to go for a hike on the Long Trail, a renowned path that runs through the Green Mountains. Paula, known for her adventurous spirit and outgoing personality, had been intrigued by the local hiking trails and wanted to take advantage of the brisk, sunny afternoon. She dressed warmly, donning her bright red parka, jeans, and sneakers—not ideal gear for hiking in the chilly mountains but suitable for a quick adventure before the day ended.

Paula told her roommate she would be back by dinner and set off alone, hitchhiking her way to the trailhead, a common practice in those days. She was last seen by several witnesses along the trail, including a couple who saw her walking about 100 yards ahead of them. They noted her bright red jacket as she disappeared into the dense woods. That would be the last confirmed sighting of Paula Jean Welden. She never returned to her dorm, and by the next morning, panic set in.

The Search Begins

When Paula failed to return, an extensive search operation was launched, involving hundreds of volunteers, law enforcement, bloodhounds, and even the FBI. The search lasted for weeks, combing every inch of the woods, nearby rivers, and ravines. Despite the massive effort, there was no trace of Paula—no clothing, no footprints, no clues. It was as if she had simply vanished into thin air. Even the bloodhounds, who had initially picked up her scent at the trailhead, abruptly lost the trail near a crossroads—an eerie sign that perhaps something unnatural had occurred.

Paranormal Theories and Local Legends

The area where Paula vanished—the Bennington Triangle—had already gained a reputation for strange occurrences. Native American legends spoke of the land being cursed, a place that should be avoided, especially during specific times of the year. Some tribes refused to set foot in the area, believing that the land harbored spirits that could lure people away, never to be seen again. These eerie tales only added fuel to the mystery of Paula's disappearance.

In the years following Paula's vanishing, more disappearances were reported, all within a similar radius. Between 1945 and 1950, five people disappeared in or around the Bennington Triangle without a trace. The lack of evidence and the proximity of these vanishings led many to believe that there was something more sinister at play—something beyond the natural realm.

Some locals believe that Paula may have encountered something paranormal—perhaps a time slip, a portal to another dimension, or even an encounter with a cryptid that roams the Green Mountains. There are reports of strange lights, bizarre sounds, and feelings of being watched in the woods, all of which contribute to the unsettling atmosphere of the Bennington Triangle. Witnesses have described seeing orbs of light floating through the forest, hearing disembodied voices, and experiencing an overwhelming sense of dread while hiking in the area. Could Paula have stumbled into one of these mysterious phenomena, forever separating her from our world?

Theories and Speculation

While paranormal explanations abound, there are also several more conventional theories about Paula’s disappearance. Some believe she may have become disoriented, fallen into a ravine, or succumbed to the elements—but the lack of any physical evidence makes this hard to accept. Others speculate that foul play could have been involved. Paula was last seen by a local man who, upon questioning, provided inconsistent statements about his whereabouts that day. Despite the suspicion, no charges were ever filed, and no concrete evidence tied him to Paula's disappearance.

Another theory suggests that Paula may have intentionally disappeared—running away from her life at college. However, those close to her insisted she had no reason to run away; she was happy, excited about her studies, and had even discussed her plans for the upcoming holiday. The idea of her vanishing willingly seemed unlikely, and once again, no evidence surfaced to support this theory.

Lingering Questions

The disappearance of Paula Jean Welden left a lasting impact not only on the community but also on the entire state of Vermont. Her case led to the establishment of the Vermont State Police, as there was no statewide law enforcement agency at the time, which hampered the investigation significantly. The lack of organization and resources available during the search for Paula became a catalyst for change, but it did little to solve the mystery of what happened to her.

Today, hikers who venture into the Bennington Triangle often speak of an unsettling feeling—a sense that they are not alone, that something unseen is watching them from the shadows. The disappearance of Paula Jean Welden remains an unsolved mystery, a chilling reminder of how easily someone can vanish without a trace. Was it the treacherous terrain, foul play, or something far stranger that claimed Paula that day? The answer remains elusive, buried deep within the misty, foreboding woods of the Green Mountains.

The Legacy of the Bennington Triangle

The Bennington Triangle continues to captivate those with an interest in the paranormal and unsolved mysteries. It is a place where the boundaries between reality and the unknown blur, where the dense forest seems to hold secrets that it refuses to give up. The story of Paula Jean Welden is a tragic chapter in the history of this mysterious region—a story that has inspired books, documentaries, and countless theories, but never a resolution.

Those who visit the area today often do so with a sense of reverence, aware that they are treading on haunted ground. Some come to pay their respects, others to search for answers, and a few to test their courage against the eerie silence of the woods. The disappearance of Paula Welden, like the others who vanished in the Bennington Triangle, serves as a sobering reminder of how little we truly understand about the world around us. Sometimes, the most terrifying mysteries are the ones that remain unsolved, lingering in the shadows, waiting for the next person to wander too far from the path.

The Bennington Triangle remains a place of unanswered questions, where the line between myth and reality fades, and where people—even in broad daylight—can simply cease to exist. To this day, Paula Jean Welden’s fate is unknown, her bright red jacket a spectral reminder of a young woman who walked into the woods and was never seen again.

If you enjoyed reading about the mysterious disappearance of Paula Jean Welden and the eerie Bennington Triangle, make sure to check out more articles on our site. Dive deeper into other chilling unsolved mysteries, paranormal occurrences, and haunted locations that continue to baffle and intrigue.