West Virginia Welcomes Adventurers to Its Hauntingly Exciting Paranormal Trail

Published on October 1, 2024

As the spooky season approaches, the West Virginia Department of Tourism has announced an exciting new attraction: a statewide Paranormal Trail. This unique initiative invites adventurous souls to explore some of the state’s most chilling and haunted sites. Enhancing this eerie experience is a digital passport that allows visitors to check in at various haunted locations and earn points toward exciting prizes.

“Recent trends have shown us that travelers are increasingly interested in spooky and unique destinations,” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby. “West Virginia has quite a few spots with haunted histories, so we created the Paranormal Trail to tap into the thriving market for themed tours and attractions. Whether learning about local legends or touring notoriously haunted attractions, it appeals to travelers interested in spooky sightings, mystery, and local lore.”

Join the Paranormal Adventure

For those eager to dive into the spine-tingling tales that West Virginia has to offer, registering for the West Virginia Paranormal Trail is simple. Participants will receive a digital passport via email or text, enabling them to embark on a ghostly journey across the state. By visiting and checking in at various haunted spots, adventurers can accumulate points and unlock exclusive rewards, including a themed sticker, a cozy beanie, and a limited-edition print by local artist Liz Pavlovic.

How to Get Started with the Paranormal Passport:

1. Register your contact information to obtain your West Virginia Paranormal Trail Passport.
2. After signing up, you will receive the digital passport on your phone via text or to your email.
3. Once you have the passport, explore the haunted sites by checking in to mark them off your list.

The Paranormal Trail features 14 eerie landmarks that celebrate local legends and historic haunts throughout West Virginia.

Notable Haunted Locations Along the Trail:

• Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum: This iconic site, known for its Gothic architecture and chilling history, attracts paranormal enthusiasts and has been featured on popular ghost-hunting shows.
• Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park: Once a bustling amusement destination, this eerie park now stands as a haunting reminder of the past, haunted by spirits of former visitors.
• West Virginia Penitentiary: A former prison with a dark history, this location is known for its ongoing paranormal activity and has been highlighted in notable publications.
• Ghost Tour of Harpers Ferry: As America’s first ghost tour, it explores the haunted history of Harpers Ferry, revealing eerie tales of the town’s spectral past.
• Mothman Museum: Dedicated to the legendary Mothman sightings, this museum delves into the mysteries surrounding the “TNT Area,” a hotspot for paranormal occurrences.
• Blennerhassett Hotel: As one of the state’s oldest hotels, it is said to be haunted by ghostly children and men in top hats, adding to its historical charm.
• Hotel Morgan: This boutique hotel marries luxury with a rich history, offering a unique blend of comfort and ghostly whispers for those who dare to stay.
• Flatwoods Monster Museum: Focusing on the infamous 1952 sighting, this museum presents various paranormal phenomena tied to West Virginia’s intriguing lore.
• Old Hospital on College Hill: Known for its haunting ambiance and reported ghostly activities, this site has attracted ghost hunters from across the region.
• Historic Glen Ferris Inn: Home to the ghost of “The Colonel,” a Civil War officer, this inn provides guests with memorable and spine-tingling encounters.
• Shepherdstown Mystery Walk: Led by expert guides, this immersive journey reveals the town’s most haunted historical sites, enhancing the thrill of exploration.
• Haunted Haymond: This century-old house offers a spine-chilling adventure filled with spooky scenes and eerie characters, perfect for thrill-seekers of all ages.
• Flinderation Tunnel: A haunting remnant from the B&O Railroad era, this tunnel is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of its builders, drawing in curious adventurers.
• Bigfoot Sculpture: Located along the Elk River Trail, this impressive 10.5-foot Bigfoot sculpture, created by local students, adds a whimsical yet eerie touch to the landscape.

West Virginia’s Paranormal Trail, rich with legends and ghostly tales, promises to be an unforgettable experience for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike. Embrace the spooky season by exploring the haunts of West Virginia and uncovering the secrets that lie within its haunted sites!