The Blair Witch Project was released in July 1999, marking the first installment of the now-famous Blair Witch franchise. Did you know the cult horror film was primarily shot right here in Montgomery County?
In the indie supernatural thriller, three film students venture into the fictional Black Hills Forest of Burkittsville, Maryland in October 1994 to film a documentary about the local legend of the Blair Witch. The students mysteriously vanish, leaving behind footage that is discovered a year later by University of Maryland anthropology students. What viewers see is the supposedly real, unedited footage.
Although set in Frederick County, the majority of the film was shot in the woods of Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg. Some scenes were also filmed in Wheaton. Filming took only eight days and wrapped on Halloween in 1997.
The film’s local ties run deep. Eduardo Sánchez, a graduate of Wheaton High School and Montgomery College, co-wrote, directed, and edited the movie with Daniel Myrick. Sánchez has credited the mysterious feel of Long Branch Creek, located behind his childhood home, as inspiration for the Blair Witch legend.
The Blair Witch Project went on to become one of the most successful independent films of all time, grossing over $250 million worldwide. It also sparked a multi-film franchise and is widely credited with popularizing the found-footage style later used in hits like Paranormal Activity.
Gaithersburg residents have long embraced the film’s legacy. “Blair Witch Heritage Hikes” have even been hosted at Seneca Creek State Park to celebrate its MoCo origins. Now might be the perfect time to visit the park and see film landmarks like “Coffin Rock” for yourself.