The Bunny Man Bridge of Virginia:
Exploring the Legend and History
The Bunny Man Bridge in Fairfax County, Virginia, is central to one of the region’s most persistent and unsettling urban legends. Known formally as Colchester Overpass, the bridge has gained notoriety due to stories involving a mysterious figure—often described as a man in a bunny costume—said to haunt the site. Over the years, reports of unusual sightings and tales of grisly crimes have drawn curiosity seekers and thrill-seekers alike to the secluded location.
This story began in 1970, when local incidents sparked rumors that quickly evolved into the Bunny Man legend. Accounts mention disappearances, strange encounters, and an eerie presence lingering around the railroad bridge near Clifton, deepening the site’s infamous reputation in Virginia folklore.
For decades, the legend has woven itself into local culture, making the Bunny Man Bridge a well-known landmark for those interested in the unexplained. Each year, especially near Halloween, visitors flock to Fairfax County, hoping to experience firsthand the chilling atmosphere that has inspired countless stories.
Origins of the Bunny Man Legend
Stories of the Bunny Man Bridge grew from local tales and scattered eyewitness reports. Folklore has blended with fact, weaving together threads from mental institutions, lost history, and chilling encounters.
Early Sightings and Reports
Eyewitness accounts tracing back to the early 1970s in Fairfax County describe a man dressed in a rabbit costume seen near Colchester Overpass. Local newspapers at the time detailed reports from residents and visitors who encountered a figure wielding an axe and aggressively confronting trespassers.
Several reports involve threats made to people near the bridge, especially during the Halloween season. Some accounts reference vandalism or property damage linked to the unidentified figure. With growing media attention, these stories quickly turned into larger urban legends, capturing public fascination and inspiring further retellings.
Key elements commonly reported:
The Bunny Man's costume: white, with tall ears
Location: near the bridge and forested stretches
Aggressive warnings to stay away
These details added to the sense of mystery surrounding the bridge and its purported guardian.
The Asylum Escape Narrative
One enduring legend suggests the Bunny Man was a patient at an insane asylum or mental institution located near Clifton, Virginia. This narrative claims the asylum closed in the early 1900s, forcing the transfer of patients to other facilities. During this relocation, a transport crashed, leading to an escape.
According to the story, officials found many escapees but could not locate every individual. Soon after, dead rabbits were discovered hanging from trees near the bridge, fueling speculation that an escaped mental patient lurked in the woods.
This version links the bridge directly to mental health history, although records show no asylum ever existed at that location. Still, the tale persists, combining fear of the unknown with concern over safety and mental illness during that era.
Civil War and Local History
Local folklore sometimes ties the area around Bunny Man Bridge to events from the Civil War and early Fairfax County history. Before its infamy, the bridge and nearby woods were simply rural landscapes used by farmers and soldiers. Oral histories suggest camp activity and even brief skirmishes near the site during the war.
While the actual legend of the Bunny Man developed much later, the absence of detailed historical records in some periods created room for speculation. Residents speculated that secrets from past conflicts, hidden graves, or the transient population after the Civil War may have set the stage for strange stories.
Over time, the blending of real historical hardship and ghost tales made the region especially fertile ground for enduring urban legends like that of the Bunny Man.
The Bunny Man Bridge
The Bunny Man Bridge, officially known as the Colchester Overpass, has become one of the most notable landmarks associated with urban legends in Northern Virginia. Its railway architecture, local significance, and connection to persistent tales have made it a focus of curiosity for residents and visitors.
Location and Structure
Bunny Man Bridge is located on Colchester Road, crossing a single-track railroad line just outside Clifton, Virginia. The bridge itself is a concrete tunnel, quite narrow, with only enough space for one vehicle at a time to pass through.
Built in the early 20th century, the structure features simple utilitarian design, reflecting the need to serve both vehicle and rail traffic. Drivers must proceed carefully due to limited visibility and the lack of lighting inside the tunnel. The rural surroundings of Clifton, VA, contribute to the unsettling atmosphere many describe, especially at night.
Key Features of Bunny Man Bridge:
Feature Description Road Colchester Road Material Concrete Built Early 1900s Railroad Line Active, single track
The bridge’s isolation, bordered by thick woods and lacking nearby development, plays a role in the eerie reputation it has earned over decades.
Colchester Overpass Significance
The Colchester Overpass, as it is formally known, is not only an active railroad bridge but also a critical local connector. The crossing allows residents and visitors to travel between Fairfax Station and Clifton. Trains continue to use the tracks above, which adds to the imposing presence of the structure.
Despite being a routine part of daily life for many locals, the overpass is a popular destination for those intrigued by folklore. The nickname “Bunny Man Bridge” became popular due to a series of reports in the 1970s involving a man in a rabbit costume allegedly threatening people with a hatchet near the site. These reports, though never confirmed by authorities, spurred interest and cemented the bridge’s place in Virginia’s urban legend history.
Local law enforcement periodically monitors the site, especially around Halloween, because of increased foot traffic and concerns about trespassing.
Connection to Clifton Haunt
Bunny Man Bridge’s reputation for being haunted is closely tied to the town of Clifton and its surrounding woods. Stories began to form in the early 1970s, focusing on disappearances and supposed sightings of a figure in a rabbit suit, sometimes linked to tales of escaped mental patients or tragic local events.
Most residents regard these tales as legend rather than fact, but the sense of mystery remains strong. Over time, retellings have associated the bridge with alleged murders and spirits, reinforcing its status as a Clifton haunt. The overgrown forest and minimal lighting contribute to the chilling atmosphere, especially after dark.
The persistent rumors and reports—from disobedient children disappearing to eerie encounters—have only amplified public interest in the bridge and its lore. Bunny Man Bridge stands as one of Northern Virginia’s most talked-about supernatural sites, drawing curiosity-seekers year-round.
Famous Encounters and Sightings
Over the years, Bunny Man Bridge has become a focal point for eerie reports, local legends, and various tales involving suspicious figures and unexplained phenomena. Specific events linked to the bridge involve real eyewitness accounts, references to a costumed individual, and claims of ghostly activity, especially during certain times of the year.
Halloween Night Incidents
Halloween night has long been associated with a spike in visits and reported sightings at Bunny Man Bridge. Many local youths and curious visitors gather at the bridge on October 31st, hoping to catch a glimpse of something unusual.
According to accounts, people have reported hearing strange noises, such as scratching and distant laughter, under the bridge on Halloween. In some versions of the story, individuals claim to have seen a figure dressed in a bunny costume lurking near the area, adding to the bridge's infamy.
Police have occasionally needed to intervene due to trespassing or crowd control issues on Halloween night. Despite numerous gatherings, definitive evidence of anything supernatural has never been documented. Still, Halloween remains the most popular night for those seeking a fright at the bridge.
Notable Reports:
Scratching sounds under the bridge at midnight
Apparitions claimed by groups on Halloween nights
Sightings of someone in a white rabbit costume
Hatchet-Wielding Figure
The most persistent element of the Bunny Man legend involves sightings of a mysterious individual wielding a hatchet. This motif originated from reports in 1970, when two separate incidents described a man in a bunny suit confronting people and brandishing a hatchet.
In one incident, a couple parked near the bridge encountered a man dressed as a rabbit, who shouted at them and threw a hatchet through their car window. While no one was injured, the story quickly spread through local media and fueled rumors of a dangerous figure.
Law enforcement investigated the incidents but failed to identify the suspect. The image of a hatchet-wielding "Bunny Man" became central to the legend, reinforcing the bridge’s association with fear and violence. Over time, sightings of the hatchet-wielding figure became less frequent but remain a core part of the story.
Key Details:
Year Event Outcome 1970 Hatchet-wielding figure confronts couple No injuries, suspect unknown 1970 Second sighting reported nearby No arrests made
Ghostly Appearances
Reports of paranormal activity at Bunny Man Bridge are common, with many visitors and locals describing incidents that suggest the presence of ghosts. Unexplained cold spots, strange lights, and spectral figures are among the phenomena most often claimed by those visiting after dark.
It is not unusual for witnesses to report ethereal shapes or flickering shadows moving near the bridge's entrance. Some stories specifically involve the ghostly figure of the Bunny Man himself, believed by some to appear on Halloween or in the early morning hours. Others claim to see the spirits of supposed victims tied to the legend.
Despite the lack of physical evidence, these reports continue to draw ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts. The bridge's reputation is sustained mostly through first-hand witness claims and oral history rather than documented ghost sightings.
Common Paranormal Claims:
Ghostly lights or orbs seen hovering by the bridge
Sudden temperature drops, especially late at night
Apparitions matching Bunny Man descriptions
Physical Evidence and Local Lore
Local legends about Bunny Man Bridge are fueled by reports of disturbing discoveries, strange sightings, and tales of violence. Testimonies often blend rumors, real-life incidents, and speculation, adding to the bridge’s eerie reputation.
Rabbit Corpses and Grisly Finds
Many stories mention the appearance of dead rabbits near the bridge, sometimes found hanging from trees or left along the roadside. These findings typically involve rabbits with their throats slashed or partially dismembered, which contributed to the creation of the Bunny Man figure.
Residents and visitors have documented these incidents over several decades, with reports peaking in the 1970s. Local police records contain very few verifiable cases, but anecdotal evidence has kept these tales alive.
Sightings of rabbit remains frequently surface around Halloween, further cementing the macabre association. Locals often point to these remains as the most direct, if grisly, proof that something sinister lingers near the bridge.
The Bunny Suit Mystique
The Bunny Man legend centers on a mysterious figure in a rabbit or bunny suit—typically described as white or gray, with exaggerated ears. Eyewitness reports claim the figure was seen wielding an axe or hatchet, intimidating trespassers and chasing away teenagers from the bridge’s vicinity.
In October 1970, two well-documented encounters occurred, both involving a man in a bunny suit threatening individuals near Fairfax County neighborhoods. These reports were taken seriously by local authorities, and news articles covered the strange events.
No one was ever conclusively identified as the man in the suit, and sightings tapered off after the initial incidents. The image of the Bunny Man in costume became a core part of local folklore thanks to these early confrontations and their coverage in the press.
Murders and Alleged Crimes
While the Bunny Man legend often references murders near the bridge, there is no confirmed evidence of such events. Wild rumors include tales of teenagers or children murdered and left hanging from the bridge at night, but historical research and police archives do not support these accounts.
The “murderous” aspect of the myth is reinforced by the stories of animal mutilations and the threatening behavior reported in 1970, but verifiable human victims have not been found. Fairfax County law enforcement maintains that no homicides linked to the Bunny Man have ever been substantiated.
Despite the lack of documentation, stories of violent crimes persist in local tradition, passed from one generation to the next. These tales serve to make Bunny Man Bridge a focal point for ghost stories and urban legends in northern Virginia.
The Characters Behind the Legend
Multiple figures are linked to the Bunny Man Bridge legend, each contributing to its spread and ongoing mystery. The following examines the central character known as the Bunny Man and the lesser-known but persistent connection to a figure named Douglas Griffon.
Bunnyman and the Bunny Man Story
The Bunny Man is often described as a mysterious figure dressed in a rabbit costume, sometimes reported as wielding an axe or hatchet. Sightings and rumors first appeared in Fairfax County, Virginia, in the early 1970s. Two well-documented incidents involved individuals encountering a man in a bunny suit who threatened trespassers near a bridge.
Key elements of the story include:
A man in a white rabbit costume
Wielding a sharp object, often an axe or hatchet
Incidents centered around Colchester Overpass, later called Bunny Man Bridge
Local media and police records corroborate several reports from 1970, though no one was ever identified or arrested. Over time, these incidents merged with folk tales to give rise to the more sensational versions of the legend, including violent backstories and supernatural elements.
Douglas Griffon Connection
A frequent but unproven component of the Bunny Man Bridge legend is the character named Douglas Griffon. According to some versions, Griffon was an escaped patient from a nearby asylum, allegedly responsible for gruesome acts near the Colchester Overpass. However, there is no verifiable record of anyone by this name in local historical or hospital archives.
Despite lacking evidence, the Douglas Griffon association persists in popular retellings, often cited as the real identity of the Bunny Man. The tale usually claims he donned a bunny suit to avoid detection and exacted revenge for tragic events in his past. This connection is often mentioned in ghost tours or urban legend discussions but remains unsupported by any factual documentation.
The Bunny Man in Popular Culture
Stories of the Bunny Man have inspired a range of creative works and fostered persistent local folklore. The legend’s eerie details continue to appear in media and drive public fascination, especially in the Northern Virginia region.
Media and Film Adaptations
The Bunny Man legend has influenced various films, TV shows, and documentaries. Notably, it inspired the 2011 horror movie Bunnyman, which features a killer in a rabbit costume, echoing the legend's most distinctive element.
Several paranormal and true-crime podcasts have covered the Bunny Man Bridge, exploring its origins and separating fact from fiction.
Television networks have aired special segments examining the legend, such as travel documentaries and regional ghost hunting series. These appearances tend to highlight the bridge in Clifton, Virginia, emphasizing its significance as the story’s focal point.
While no blockbuster film has cemented the story for a national audience, the legend’s imagery—especially the costumed figure—remains recognizable in horror-themed media each Halloween.
Urban Legends and Ongoing Influence
The Bunny Man remains a fixture in Virginia’s urban legend landscape. Tales often center on the “Bunny Man Bridge,” where people claim to hear strange noises or glimpse a mysterious figure at night.
The legend is widely shared among teenagers and local residents, especially around Halloween, and is part of regional lore passed down over decades.
Some tellings accuse the Bunny Man of harming children or escaping from an asylum, while others link him to unsolved disappearances. Local libraries, historical societies, and even law enforcement have documented the many versions and persistent rumors linked to the site.
Ultimately, the legend has become a cultural touchstone for Fairfax County, with the bridge drawing visitors, ghost hunters, and folklore enthusiasts year-round.
Festivities and Community Events
Each year, the Bunny Man Bridge area draws both locals and visitors looking to experience its haunting folklore. The region is known for its seasonal events that highlight the eerie history and legends connected to the bridge.
Clifton Haunted Trail
The Clifton Haunted Trail is the area's most recognized Halloween event, typically held on a Saturday in late October. Organized in the woods of Clifton, this guided trail walk features costumed actors, elaborate sets, and scenes inspired by local legends—including the Bunny Man folklore.
Tickets must be purchased in advance; there are often age restrictions due to the intense themes. Local businesses and volunteers help plan and staff the event, and proceeds support community organizations.
The Haunted Trail is designed to provide both scares and entertainment. Security is present, and visitor safety is stressed through clear guidelines. The event has become a cornerstone of Clifton's autumn festivities, routinely attracting hundreds of participants each year.
Ghost Hunting and Local Tours
Ghost hunting tours are held near Bunny Man Bridge, with experienced guides leading groups through key locations associated with reported sightings and supernatural tales. These tours often include the history of the bridge and an overview of the original 1970 incidents that sparked the urban legend.
Participants use basic ghost hunting tools—such as EMF meters and digital recorders—provided by the organizers or brought by guests. Local tour companies and enthusiasts schedule these events, particularly in October, catering to both amateur ghost hunters and those simply intrigued by the story.
Schedules, prices, and age recommendations are posted online, and tours may be booked individually or as small groups. Organizers emphasize respectful conduct and adherence to safety protocols while on private or public property.
The Law and Modern Encounters
Guinea Road and the so-called Bunny Man Bridge site continue to draw curious visitors and thrill-seekers. Law enforcement faces ongoing issues with trespassing and repeated disturbances, especially around Halloween.
Trespassing Concerns
Fairfax County Police have regularly warned locals and tourists not to trespass at Bunny Man Bridge, which is private property. Signs posted near the bridge clearly state that access beyond a certain point is not allowed. Trespassers risk being charged, and during October, officers sometimes monitor the area more frequently. Police reports show an increase in citations and patrols during late-night hours, aligning with the lore associated with the bridge.
Many visitors ignore the warnings in search of the so-called "Bunny Man" or out of interest in the legend. Property owners near Guinea Road have reported damage, litter, and unwanted noise due to these visits. On occasion, gatherings lead to confrontations between trespassers and residents or authorities. Incidents of vandalism have also contributed to the area's reputation as a hotspot for illegal activity.
Incidents on Guinea Road
The origins of the Bunny Man legend can be traced back to two official police reports from 1970, both occurring along Guinea Road. Witnesses described a man in a rabbit costume threatening people with a hatchet. These events sparked the myth and prompted law enforcement to investigate, though no lasting evidence connected the suspect to any major crimes.
Several later encounters reported by locals also took place on Guinea Road, amplifying the story's reach. Patrol logs from Fairfax County Police include a handful of complaints each year related to suspicious activity or trespass at or near the bridge. Despite these reports, authorities have never found credible proof of a dangerous presence tied to the original stories. The most common modern issue remains unauthorized entry and late-night disturbances.
