The Most Haunted Locations in Tennessee

Let’s embark on a tantalizing journey by way of essentially the most haunted locations in Tennessee! “The Volunteer State” is most famous for nation music, college basketball, Nice Smoky Mountains landscapes, and family-friendly trip locations. Nevertheless, it’s additionally house to a number of Civil Battle battlefields, Native American websites, and pure caves—all scorching spots for paranormal exercise. This checklist of haunted places explores essentially the most spine-tingling ghost excursions, haunted lodges, and eery landscapes that Tennessee has to supply a darkish vacationer. Let’s roam!

Discover the paranormal in Chattanooga with us!

The College of Tennessee Chattanooga has a torrid historical past of murders, suicides, and grave robbing. On this app-guided ghost hunt, we’ll discover a creepy Accomplice cemetery, a haunted chapel, and a museum with a ugly hidden gem. For those who’re within the temper for an excellent scare, we’ve obtained you coated on our “Faculty for Ghouls in Chattanooga” hunt. Simply obtain our scavenger hunt app, get your tickets, and begin exploring… when you dare!

The Most Haunted Locations in Tennessee

For those who’ve conquered all of Tennesee’s pretty climbing trails, you’re sick of nation music exhibits, and you’ll’t bear one other amusement park, then fill your weekend with one thing a bit darker. These horrifying haunted spots may have your adrenaline pumping very quickly!

1. Orpheum Theatre: Memphis

Our first haunted jaunt is positioned within the “Birthplace of Rock and Roll.” The Orpheum Theatre is famend not just for its grandeur and historic significance but additionally for its eerie tales. Since its constructing in 1928, quite a few experiences of ghostly apparitions and unexplained phenomena have emerged from inside its ornate partitions. Essentially the most well-known ghostly presence is alleged to be that of Mary, a younger lady who was tragically killed in a automobile accident in entrance of the theater within the early Nineteen Twenties. Her spirit is believed to linger, with many guests and workers reporting listening to faint giggles and experiencing mischievous methods.

She will not be the one specter on the unfastened among the many seats both. Workers experiences seeing an previous repairman and states that he takes their instruments. Different guests report seeing a masked determine peering out at them from the constructing’s air ducts. Whereas the Orpheum Theatre continues to enchant audiences with its performances, it’s a spot the place the road between the dwelling and the supernatural appears to blur, including an additional layer of mystique to this iconic Memphis landmark.

2. Bell Witch Cave: Adams

Bell Witch Cave is notorious for its chilling historical past of paranormal exercise. The legend facilities across the Bell household, who, within the early nineteenth century, claimed to be stricken by an entity referred to as the Bell Witch. This malevolent spirit terrorized the household with bodily assaults, eerie voices, and unexplained phenomena. The cave on the Bell property is the epicenter of those supernatural occurrences. Even right now, guests to the cave report listening to ghostly whispers and experiencing an unsettling presence.

The legend dates again to 1804 when John Bell and his household moved to their 320-acre farm exterior of Adams. John died in 1820, and his reason behind loss of life is formally ascribed to the witch who had been haunting the household for 3 years. The spirit is considered that of Kate Batts, who was mentioned to be as malicious in her life as she is in her loss of life. Lore was so robust round the home that reportedly President Andrew Jackson refused to remain there. We will’t say we blame him!

The Bell Witch Cave shouldn’t be solely some of the haunted spots in Tennessee, however it’s one of many best-documented areas of paranormal exercise on the earth. Take a look at “The Most Haunted Locations within the World” to see 35 spots which can be much more disturbing!

3. Rotherwood Mansion: Kingsport

Rotherwood Mansion, positioned in east Tennessee, has a repute for tragedy. The stately, Antebellum house is alleged to be the residence of a number of ghosts who take pleasure in an excellent sport of hide-and-scare. Among the many reported apparitions is the spirit of Rowena Ross, daughter of the Reverend Frederick Ross who constructed the house. Rowena’s life was filled with tragedy. Her first fiancé drowned within the river the day earlier than their marriage ceremony. She later misplaced a second lover and a baby. Rowena took her personal life in the identical river.

Guests have recounted listening to faint laughter and the mushy strains of piano music echoing by way of the halls when nobody else is round. Rowena is alleged to roam the property in an extended, flowing white robe. The following proprietor was Joshua Phipps. He was a slave proprietor and was mentioned to be a merciless man. Guests report listening to his evil snort reverberate by way of the halls and report a set of demonic eyes watching them by way of the home windows!

Notice: This house is a personal house! Please don’t go traipsing round.

4. Andrew Jackson’s Hermitage: Nashville

Private house of the previous president, Andrew Jackson, Hermitage is a favourite historic tour for guests to Tennessee. The mansion is listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations and is taken into account essentially the most intact and genuine of the early presidential houses. Jackson’s funerary memorial can be positioned on the grounds.

Other than its presidential hyperlinks, the historic house is notable for its haunted historical past as nicely. With tales of physique snatching, slavery cruelty, and a hyperlink to the Bell Witch, the house is a treasure trove of ghost tales. Discover out all of the sinister particulars on one among their lantern-guided ghost excursions!

5. Sensabaugh Tunnel, Kingsport

Adjoining to Rotherwood Mansion, the Sensabaugh Tunnel is likely one of the most haunted places in East Tennessee. Legend has it that the tunnel was as soon as the positioning of a tragic homicide, and the tormented spirits of the victims are mentioned to linger there.

There are a number of variations of the previous legend. Variation one states that Edward Sensabaugh, the proprietor of the land the tunnel was constructed on, allowed a homeless man in for the night time. The person robbed the household at gunpoint and nabbed Edward’s toddler daughter. He then drowned the child within the tunnel.

The second model, which many imagine to be essentially the most authenticated, states that Edward by no means suffered such a tragedy. As an alternative, he lived into previous age turning into a cantankerous previous fellow. When teenagers started partying within the tunnel on his land, he’s mentioned to have had a bit enjoyable scaring the pants off of them by hiding within the darkened areas across the tunnel and shrieking violently.

Lastly, the third legend says that Edward fell off his rocker and murdered his total household, burying them within the tunnel. Who is aware of what the reality is, however fashionable tales abound of tourists pulling as much as the tunnel, shutting off the engine within the center, and never having the ability to restart their automobile afterward. Others swear they hear a child crying within the tunnel, and a few report a lady coming into the backseat of their automobile!

6. Historic Scott County Jail-Huntsville

In-built 1904, The Scott County Jail is one other member of the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations and is a well-liked tour spot for guests to the realm. The previous penitentiary housed the worst of the worst, and it’s obtained some skeletons in its closet. There’s the unsolved homicide of one of many sheriffs and a number of inmate lynchings.

The creepy jailhouse provides a collection of guided paranormal excursions. These excursions are led by paranormal consultants by flashlight at night time. Additionally they host particular occasions throughout the Halloween season! From its spooky facade to its torrid tales, The Scott County Jail is likely one of the finest paranormal excursions in Tennessee.

7. Thomas Home Resort: Crimson Boiling Springs

Featured on the exhibits Paranormal State and Ghost Hunters, Thomas Home Resort was listed by CNN because the second most haunted location in the US. Along with quite a few uncanny deaths, it was as soon as the house to a mysterious cult! It’s additionally thought to sit down on an historic Native American Path.

The home was constructed as half of a bigger resort venture in Crimson Boiling Springs in 1890. Over time, it bore witness to 3 fires, a suspected homicide, and a plethora of sinister shenanigans. You’ll be able to nonetheless keep the night time on the lodge, however beware! Visitors report shifting beds, darkish figures within the closet, disembodied voices, and a common feeling of discomfort all through the lodge. Paranormal researcher and author Cad Morin hosts Ghost Hunt Weekends on the lodge!

8. Loretta Lynn Ranch: Hurricane Mills

Legendary nation singer, Loretta Lynn, began life as an impoverished coal miner’s daughter, however she completed it because the proprietor of a multi-acre mansion in Tennessee. Her huge house was initially constructed by James Anderson and referred to as Hurrican Mills. It was the positioning of a Civil Battle battle, and over a dozen Accomplice troopers are considered buried on the positioning.

Some visitors report seeing troopers wandering the halls of the museums, and a séance as soon as revealed the spirit of James Anderson nonetheless inhabits the house. Like most of the others on the checklist, it’s been closely studied by paranormal investigators, together with the consultants of the present Ghost Adventures.

9. Shiloh Nationwide Navy Park: Shiloh

Shiloh was the unlucky spot of one of many bloodiest battles of the Civil Battle. The 1862 Battle of Shiloh produced hundreds of lifeless troopers, and the nationwide park preserves their reminiscence. It additionally attracts paranormal hunters from everywhere in the nation to witness the soldier specters do drills. Visitors report listening to navy drumming from invisible bands, gunshots, and yelling from frantic voices. It’s even mentioned that the pond on the property repeatedly turns itself crimson with the blood of troopers. You’ll be able to simply tour the nationwide park and witness these spectacles for your self!

10. Tennessee State Jail: Nashville

In-built 1831, the Tennessee State Jail housed 200 cells and the residence of the warden. It was rebuilt, as a consequence of overcrowding in 1892, now that includes a stately Gothic design with greater than 800 cells. The jail was the primary of its variety in TN, following the Auburn Technique of self-discipline, requiring whole silence and isolation of inmates day and night time. The jail was recognized for harsh labor, insupportable dwelling circumstances, frequent use of the electrical share, and general troublesome circumstances. It was later utilized by the Union Military as a headquarters.

The constructing has been deserted since 1992, though the film The Inexperienced Mile was filmed within the penitentiary in 1999. It’s nonetheless owned by the Division of Corrections and is guarded towards guests. What do you suppose they’re hiding in there?

11. Carnton Plantation: Franklin

Carnton Plantation grew to become house to an additional 1700 individuals throughout the Civil Battle, lifeless ones. The entrance yard of the mansion was used as a mass burial for Accomplice troops from the Battle of Franklin. The mansion then grew to become a navy hospital, and shortly after ghost tales started to flow into.

Guests to the mansion report seeing the Carnton youngsters taking part in on the garden and Accomplice troopers roaming close to the grave. Tales additionally abound a few younger girl who was killed by a jealous suitor within the house. The previous cook dinner can be mentioned to whip up a feast within the kitchen often. Carnton Home is open to the general public and hosts a wide range of guided excursions.

12. Bijou Theatre: Knoxville

Bijou Theatre is as glamorous as it’s ghoulish. Its tremendous packing containers nonetheless host unassuming theater visitors for a wide range of exhibits, starting from upcoming nation artists to tremendous symphony orchestras. Nevertheless, the dwelling will not be the one visitors attending these exhibits!

The Bijou is understood to be haunted by Colonel William Sanders who reportedly died within the Bridal Suite. The theatre additionally served as a military hospital for a interval, and visitors report seeing troopers wander the halls, one among which appears to be reasonably offended. Attend a present on the Bijou at your personal threat!

13. Wheatlands Plantation: Sevierville

Famously the placement of Dollywood, Sevierville is a significant vacationer attraction. Behind the kitschy nation facade although, this land has seen some ugly days. Wheatland Plantation has a storied historical past of homicide and destruction, contributing to its repute as some of the haunted homes in Tennessee.

The unique house burned to the bottom in 1825, killing 4 youngsters. The property’s mass grave might maintain as many as 100 individuals together with former slaves, Cherokee Indians, and Revolutionary Battle troopers. Some experiences even declare that greater than 70 individuals have been murdered on the property, with bloody proof of their demise nonetheless seen.

Visitors to the historic house report encounters with enslaved youngsters within the house and gardens. They appear to love Conceal and Search. Others report listening to the replaying of a homicide that occurred within the parlor. You’ll be able to nonetheless see the blood from the slain man on the floorboards. Visitors say they hear a scream, thud, and gurgling in that room. With a previous as ugly as Wheatland’s, there’s actually no telling what offended spirits are lurking within the corridors of this attractive house, which is now an Airbnb!

14. The Previous South Pittsburgh Hospital: Nashville

Deserted hospitals are creepy—that’s a matter of truth! The Previous South Pittsburgh takes it up a notch although, because it at the moment serves as a magical analysis heart. Erected in 1959, the construction is one other one that’s reportedly constructed over a sacred Native American web site and was used as a Civil Battle hospital.

Whereas it was an working hospital, workers claimed that inanimate objects recurrently rearranged themselves. They might see figures within the hallways and listen to disembodied voices. A number of the medical doctors cherished their job a bit an excessive amount of and have determined to remain as nicely. A surgeon nonetheless roams the third flooring, and a toddler is commonly seen taking part in on the second.

The institute hosts “Free Roam” days the place you possibly can discover the corridors by yourself, they usually provide frequent guided excursions. They even host overnights for the bravest of thrill seekers!

15. Chattanooga Choo Choo Resort: Chattanooga

Now a lodge, this magnificence was as soon as the previous Terminal Station. It’s listed on the Nationwide Register of Historic Locations and is a well-liked cease on the Chattanooga vacationer route. It’s a enjoyable lodge, the place among the previous practice automobiles have been transformed to rooms, however you won’t get a personal suite!

The lodge visitors report seeing a “spirited” porter fortunately carrying baggage up the steps, Civil Battle troopers, and a mom calling for her baby. At this time, the lodge is a large complicated of bars, music venues, eating places, gardens, and a distillery. You’ll need to pay shut consideration to discern the paranormal visitors from the dwelling ones!

16. The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Path: Gatlinburg

The Roaring Fork Motor Nature Path is an roughly six-mile scenic loop by way of the Nice Smoky Mountains. It’s a beautiful drive by way of old-growth forest, previous a roaring creek with quite a few waterfalls. Whilst you drive this spectacular path, be leery of undesirable hitchhikers!

The path is alleged to be haunted by a bit lady (or younger girl, relying on the model) named Lucy. Lucy lived in a cabin close by within the early 1900s. When her house burned to the bottom, Lucy was sadly killed within the blaze. Years later, a person named Forest noticed Lucy strolling the highway barefoot. He gave her a trip on his horse again to her house. Her magnificence and kindness captivated him, and he returned to the house to see her afterward. He was instructed by her dad and mom that she had died years earlier than.

Since this preliminary encounter, many drivers have reported seeing the lady, all the time in search of a trip house. She appears to be a pleasant specter, so go forward, give the lady a trip!

17. Learn Home Resort: Chattanooga

The Learn Home Resort is a luxurious institution with a Nineteen Twenties aptitude. It was in-built 1847 and vastly expanded in 1926, the lodge stood its floor because the Civil Battle raged round it. It even housed Common Ulysses S. Grant for a interval. Nevertheless, he’s not essentially the most well-known visitor to remain on this abode.

In 1927, Annalisa Netherly was discovered practically decapitated within the bathtub of her suite (room 311). She was murdered, it’s thought, by a jealous lover. Not a lot is understood in regards to the girl, however she might have been a prostitute who obtained a foul John as nicely. Visitors of the suite report the bath water turning on and off by itself, flickering lights within the lavatory, and inanimate objects shifting in regards to the suite.

Learn Home is likely one of the solely at the moment working lodges that embraces its haunted historical past. They run a lottery to win an evening in room 311 with the lodge’s well-known girl!

18. The Greenbrier Restauran: Gatlinburg

Greenbrier Restaurant is Gatlinburg’s premier steakhouse, that includes tremendous meals and spirits. The delicacies and environment are refreshingly cozy. Maybe that’s why Lydia has determined to remain so lengthy!

Lydia was a younger girl who lived in a cabin on the property (it’s nonetheless there). The legend states that on her marriage ceremony day, her man didn’t present. Lydia was devastated, assuming he had gotten chilly ft or left her for one more girl. She hung herself from the rafters of the lodge. A number of days later, they discovered his physique within the woods, mauled by a mountain lion. Some say, he by no means left her in any respect. Others imagine that Lydia orchestrated the assault from the afterlife.

Both manner, visitors nonetheless report seeing a small, weeping girl on the staircase and incessantly report chilly spots within the restaurant. Staff additionally state that instruments and meals objects go lacking from the pantry very often.

19. Elkmont Ghost City: Elkmont

The Appalachian Clubhouse was initially a Twentieth-century hangout for rich hunters, constructed by the Little River Lumber Firm within the lumbering city of Elkmont. The land was ultimately purchased up by the Nationwide Park Service. Anybody nonetheless proudly owning a construction was given a lifetime lease, however all of them expired in 1992, leaving the buildings deserted and topic to the forces of nature.

The ramshackle cottages now lay rotting within the forest, creating an eerie environment for many and a playground for paranormal lovers. Whereas it’s unhappy to see them wither away, some issues are higher left undisturbed. The city is alleged to be haunted by maimed lumberjacks and victims of a horrifying practice wreck. Guests declare a chilling and unsightly feeling whereas touring the grounds. The ghost city has a number of renovated buildings, together with the Appalachian Clubhouse that you could tour.

Closing Ideas

There’s little question about it. Tennessee is a top-notch trip vacation spot. It provides enjoyable amusement parks, epic climbing trails, a laid-back Southern allure, good meals, incredible whiskey, and extra well-known music business spots than you possibly can depend. It’s additionally a primary vacation spot for darker sights. For those who’ve obtained an curiosity within the afterlife, add a number of of those haunted locations in Tennessee to your trip plans!

On prime of all these haunted spots, Tennessee boasts some creepy caves too! Take a look at our checklist of “15 Caves in Tennessee Price Touring to See.”

Often Requested Questions