West Virginia's Haunted Sites: Ghosts from the Mountain State | Ep. 48

The Halloween Podcast

This episode takes us through the chilling legends and ghostly encounters of West Virginia. Known for its rugged mountains, Civil War history, and haunted tales, the Mountain State has long captivated paranormal enthusiasts. From eerie penitentiaries and haunted hospitals to a ghostly amusement park, Host Lyle Perez delves into ten of West Virginia’s spookiest sites.

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Featured Locations:

Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Weston
71 Asylum Dr, Weston, WV 26452
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum is a massive Gothic structure that opened in 1864 to treat mentally ill patients but soon became infamous for overcrowding and brutal conditions. Today, this asylum is renowned for its ghostly activity, particularly the spirit of Lily, a young girl who haunts the Civil War wing. Visitors often report feeling an overwhelming sadness and hear whispers and giggles from empty rooms. Paranormal investigators regularly capture EVPs in the building’s dark corridors, and overnight tours allow guests to explore the haunted recovery rooms, operating theaters, and more.

Lake Shawnee Amusement Park, Rock
470 Matoaka Rd, Rock, WV 24747
This abandoned amusement park, built on a site marked by tragedy and loss, is said to be haunted by the spirits of children who met untimely deaths. A girl in a pink dress is frequently seen near the old swings, while other visitors report hearing eerie laughter and screams. The land itself is believed to be cursed, as it was originally a Native American burial ground. Now, Lake Shawnee offers guided tours and paranormal events, attracting those brave enough to experience its chilling atmosphere.

West Virginia Penitentiary, Moundsville
818 Jefferson Ave, Moundsville, WV 26041
The West Virginia Penitentiary is a looming Gothic structure with a dark history of riots, violence, and over 100 executions. One of the most well-known apparitions is the Shadow Man, often spotted near the North Wagon Gate. Visitors report feeling an oppressive energy, particularly in the “Sugar Shack” recreation area and solitary confinement cells known as “The Hole.” With ghost tours and paranormal investigations available, visitors can explore the prison’s haunted past firsthand.

The Blennerhassett Hotel, Parkersburg
320 Market St, Parkersburg, WV 26101
Built in 1889, the Blennerhassett Hotel is rumored to be haunted by its original owner, William Chancellor, along with ghostly children who are often seen playing in the hallways. Guests report hearing phantom music and seeing the apparition of a man in a tuxedo in the ballroom mirrors. The Blennerhassett offers ghost tours that reveal the stories behind these hauntings, giving visitors a glimpse into its haunted legacy.

Harpers Ferry, Jefferson County
171 Shoreline Dr, Harpers Ferry, WV 25425
This historic Civil War town is known for ghostly apparitions of soldiers and the infamous Screaming Jenny, a spirit seen running in flames toward the train tracks. Visitors also report encounters with the ghost of John Brown, who was captured here after his raid. Harpers Ferry hosts regular ghost tours, exploring haunted sites like St. Peter’s Church and other notable landmarks in this history-rich area.

Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park, Hillsboro
683 Droop Park Rd, Hillsboro, WV 24946
Droop Mountain, site of a brutal Civil War battle, is haunted by the souls of Confederate soldiers who perished there. The eerie sounds of marching, gunfire, and phantom cries have been reported by visitors, especially near the observation tower. This historic site is open to the public and offers trails where visitors might encounter ghostly Confederate soldiers roaming the foggy hills.

Haymond House, Sutton
Corner of North Hill Rd and Haymond Ave, Sutton, WV 26601
Known for its ghostly female residents, the Haymond House is haunted by a woman in white and a protective spirit known as the Gray Lady. Visitors frequently experience cold spots and report seeing shadowy figures, particularly near a large antique mirror rumored to act as a portal to the spirit world. This historic house occasionally hosts ghost tours for those curious to experience its eerie presence.

Silver Run Tunnel (North Bend Rail Trail), Cairo
Cairo, WV 26337
The Silver Run Tunnel on the North Bend Rail Trail is said to be haunted by the Lady in White, a bride who died tragically on her wedding day. Ghost hunters report hearing her mournful cries and seeing her ghostly figure vanish into the darkness. Visitors often sense a sudden drop in temperature and an overwhelming sadness when passing through the tunnel.

Sweet Springs Sanitarium, Gap Mills
195 Sweet Springs Valley Rd, Gap Mills, WV 24941
Originally a resort, this sanitarium became a tuberculosis hospital in the early 20th century. Today, its haunted reputation draws paranormal enthusiasts who report hearing coughing and moaning, reminders of the patients who spent their last days here. The sanitarium occasionally opens for ghost tours, allowing guests to experience its haunted past.

Whipple Company Store, Scarbro
7485 Okey L Patteson Rd, Scarbro, WV 25917
Built in the 1890s, this store served miners and was also used as a morgue. It’s haunted by the spirits of miners and their families who faced difficult lives under the company’s control. Visitors often feel a chilling presence near the basement morgue, where many miners’ bodies were prepared for burial. Ghost tours are offered, inviting guests to learn about the building’s dark history.

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Keywords and Tags: Haunted West Virginia, Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, Lake Shawnee Amusement Park, West Virginia Penitentiary, Haunted America, West Virginia ghost stories, Blennerhassett Hotel, Harpers Ferry ghost tours, haunted places in West Virginia, Civil War ghosts, Haunted Appalachian legends, Halloween Podcast, haunted locations in West Virginia