Giant Wooden Trolls Are Taking Over U.S. Forests

In forests and gardens across the U.S., towering wooden trolls are turning heads and sparking conversations. These massive sculptures, some up to 40 feet tall, are part of Danish artist Thomas Dambo’s global project “Trail of a Thousand Trolls,” which places giant figures made entirely from discarded materials like wooden pallets, old furniture, and wine barrels.

What began 12 years ago has grown into an international effort with over 170 trolls scattered across more than 20 countries and 21 U.S. states.

Each troll is hand-built by Dambo’s team with the help of local volunteers and is given a personality and role, some build birdhouses, others plant flowers or repurpose trash. The message? Environmental sustainability and the creative power of reuse.

At California’s Filoli estate, six new trolls known as “Trolls Save the Humans” aim to teach visitors how to coexist with nature. While whimsical in form, the installations carry a serious message about waste, pollution, and our responsibility to the planet.

Temporary by design, these trolls often appear unannounced in parks, mountains, and nature reserves, making the hunt for them part of the experience. The project continues to expand, with more U.S. locations expected to be revealed in 2025.