Unusual Appalachian Mountain Hikes For Spooky Season
Source:
@tiffanyonthetrail
18 attractions in United States: Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Mammoth Cave, Stumphouse Tunnel, and 15 more. Every place is verified on Google Maps, featured in an Instagram post by Tiffany | Appalachian Mountain Outdoors.
Great Smoky Mountains National Park
National park
4.9
Experience the rugged beauty and historical mysteries of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Hike the Snake Den Ridge Trail, a challenging route leading to The Williamson Cemetery. This park offers stunning natural scenery combined with a touch of the past.
Mammoth Cave
Place
Embark on a ranger-led tour of Mammoth Cave to explore the Tuberculosis Hospital huts, a chilling historical site. Discover the cave's role as a makeshift hospital in the 1840s, where patients tragically died. Listen closely for echoes of their lingering spirits.
Stumphouse Tunnel
Landmark
4.7
Step into history at this atmospheric, unfinished railroad tunnel from the 1850s. The cool, damp air and shadowy depths create a mysterious ambiance. This easy 0.25-mile walk offers a glimpse into a bygone era, abandoned due to the Civil War.
Blue Ridge Tunnel Trail
Place
Dare to hike through the Blue Ridge Tunnel, an abandoned 2.25-mile rail tunnel offering complete darkness and a year-round cool experience. This easy to moderate trail promises an incredibly eerie and silent journey. Bring a reliable flashlight; it's pitch black inside.
Cumberland Falls State Resort Park
State park
4.7
Visit Lover's Leap at Cumberland Falls, a scenic spot with a tragic romantic legend. Keep an eye out for the ghost bride, especially during a moonbow or at the nearby DuPont Lodge. This easy 0.5-mile walk offers beautiful views and a chilling local tale.
Devil's Marbleyard Trail
Place
5.0
Explore this unique geological wonder, a vast field of quartzite boulders with an intriguing backstory. Challenge yourself on the 4-mile trail, offering a rewarding hike through diverse terrain. Perfect for those seeking a mix of natural beauty and local folklore.
Bluff Mountain
Hiking area
4.7
Hike Bluff Mountain, a section of the Appalachian Trail known for its haunting legend of Ottie Powell. This moderate to difficult trail offers scenic views and a poignant historical marker. Visit on a blustery night if you dare to encounter Ottie's spirit.
Big Ridge State Park
State park
4.6
Embark on this eerie trail, reputed as one of the most haunted in the U.S. Explore Norton Cemetery and the remnants of the Ghost House for a truly spooky experience. Prepare for unexplainable events along this 1.2-mile, easy to moderate hike.
TNT dome
Historical landmark
4.8
Explore The TNT Area, former WWII bunkers now a wildlife management area, famous for Mothman sightings. This unique historical site offers a spooky exploration opportunity. Expect abandoned structures and an otherworldly atmosphere.
McClintic Wildlife Management Area
Wildlife refuge
4.7
Visit McClintic Wildlife Management Area, home to the mysterious TNT Area and rumored Mothman sightings. Hike among abandoned WWII bunkers, now part of a unique wildlife refuge. This spot offers a blend of natural exploration and paranormal intrigue.
Snake Den Ridge Trail
Place
Tackle the challenging Snake Den Ridge Trail in the Great Smoky Mountains, leading past The Williamson Cemetery. This 10.6-mile difficult hike offers a blend of demanding terrain and historical intrigue. Be sure to find the cemetery 6 miles in for a somber pause.
Balance Rock (or the 'Guillotine')
Hiking area
4.4
Encounter 'The Guillotine' rock formation along the Thunder Ridge Trail, a unique natural wonder on the Appalachian Trail. This moderate 5.1-mile hike promises intriguing geological features and scenic views. It's a must-see for those seeking distinct rock formations.
DuPont Lodge
Hotel
4.4
Consider a stay at DuPont Lodge near Cumberland Falls, where the ghost bride of Lover's Leap is sometimes seen. This lodge offers comfortable accommodation amidst natural beauty and adds to the area's eerie folklore. It's a perfect base for exploring the falls and its legends.
Silver Run Tunnel #19
Landmark
4.8
Venture through the haunted Silver Run Tunnel, a dark and abandoned railroad tunnel in West Virginia. Many believe the spirit of a jilted bride still lingers here, making it an eerie experience. Bring a flashlight and prepare for a spooky journey through its 1,376 feet.
Fort Mountain Rock Fort
Historical landmark
4.6
Unravel the mysteries of an ancient stone wall of unknown origin, speculated to be built by indigenous peoples. Embark on an easy to moderate 1-mile trail that loops through scenic overlooks and past an ancient stone tower. Immerse yourself in the rich history and intriguing Native American lore surrounding this unique site.
Doll's Head Trail
Hiking area
4.4
Wander an easy 2.5-mile trail where discarded dolls and other found objects create eerie art installations. Experience a unique and unsettling outdoor gallery that sparks both curiosity and a touch of the macabre. This unconventional hike promises a memorable and thought-provoking experience.
Devils Tramping Ground Road
Place
Witness a mysterious, perfect circle in the woods where nothing grows, steeped in local legend. Explore the site of peculiar phenomena, where objects placed within the circle reportedly move overnight. Delve into the folklore of this intriguing spot, rumored to be where the devil himself plots mischief.
Mammoth Cave National Park
National park
4.7
Descend into Mammoth Cave to visit the Tuberculosis Hospital, a haunting historical site within the earth. Learn about the patients who sought a cure here in the 1840s and hear claims of lingering spirits. This ranger-led tour offers a unique and somber historical experience.