15 Haunted Towns to Visit for a Spooky Fall Trip
Fall is the perfect time to pack a bag and explore towns with a chilling past. From historic battlefields to old mining camps and coastal villages with ghostly legends, these places mix eerie stories with atmospheric charm. If you’re in the mood for a spooky trip, these haunted towns promise plenty of thrills along with unforgettable fall scenery.
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Salem, Massachusetts
Salem’s name is forever tied to the infamous witch trials of 1692, and the town leans into that eerie past every autumn. Ghost tours wind through centuries-old streets, and the historic houses still whisper stories of accused witches and frightened townsfolk. The Salem Witch Museum and old cemeteries draw visitors who want to feel the weight of history and superstition.
Beyond its haunted reputation, Salem has a vibrant harbor, charming shops, and fall festivals that mix seasonal fun with a spooky edge. The air grows crisp in October, and the entire town becomes a stage for Halloween. With every corner lit by flickering lanterns, Salem feels like a place where the veil between past and present is thin.
St. Augustine, Florida
As the oldest city in the United States, St. Augustine is filled with legends that date back hundreds of years. Its cobblestone streets lead to the historic Castillo de San Marcos, where ghostly soldiers are said to patrol after dark. The St. Augustine Lighthouse is another hotspot, where visitors report strange shadows and phantom footsteps on the spiral staircase.
The city’s Spanish-style architecture and ancient cemeteries add to the haunted atmosphere. Guided tours take guests through narrow alleys and centuries-old buildings, weaving tales of pirates, lost souls, and restless spirits. In autumn, when the air grows cooler, the town feels like it was built for moonlit strolls and spine-tingling stories.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Gettysburg is synonymous with one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, and many believe the souls of fallen soldiers still linger there. Visitors often report ghostly apparitions on the battlefield, from shadowy figures in uniform to phantom gunfire echoing through the fields. Haunted inns and taverns provide even more opportunities for chilling encounters.
What makes Gettysburg especially haunting is its strong sense of place. Walking through the rolling hills and stone fences, it’s easy to imagine the chaos of battle frozen in time. Autumn brings a somber beauty, with the turning leaves adding both color and contrast to the weight of its history.
New Orleans, Louisiana
The French Quarter has long been a center for ghostly legends and eerie folklore. From voodoo priestess Marie Laveau to haunted mansions and shadowy alleys, the city is filled with tales that stretch back centuries. Guided tours by lantern light bring to life stories of vampires, restless spirits, and haunted courtyards.
The mix of cultures in New Orleans makes its supernatural side even more fascinating. Music floats through the air, but so do whispered tales of lost souls. Every corner seems to hold a mystery, whether it’s a crumbling building with a dark past or an ancient cemetery where the above-ground tombs glow under the moonlight.
Savannah, Georgia
Savannah is often called one of America’s most haunted cities, and for good reason. Its historic squares are lined with oak trees dripping with Spanish moss, creating a naturally eerie setting. Ghostly legends tie to old mansions, cemeteries, and inns where guests have reported chilling experiences.
The city’s beauty blends seamlessly with its supernatural stories. Walks through Bonaventure Cemetery and along River Street often come with tales of apparitions and restless spirits. In the fall, the cool air and dim street lighting make Savannah feel like a place where the past refuses to stay buried.
Bisbee, Arizona
Once a booming mining town, Bisbee now draws visitors with its artsy vibe and ghostly tales. Old hotels like the Copper Queen are rumored to host lingering spirits of miners and guests from long ago. Its underground tunnels and abandoned buildings add to the eerie charm.
Though small, Bisbee has an unforgettable character. Its hillside streets wind past colorful buildings that hide stories of tragedy and mystery. Fall evenings bring cooler temperatures, perfect for ghost tours that reveal the darker side of this once-thriving town.
Deadwood, South Dakota
Deadwood earned its reputation as a Wild West town filled with outlaws, gamblers, and miners. Figures like Wild Bill Hickok and Calamity Jane left their mark here, and many claim their spirits never left. Saloon No. 10, where Hickok was famously shot, remains a hotspot for paranormal activity.
Beyond its rowdy past, Deadwood is steeped in history and atmosphere. The Black Hills surrounding the town add a rugged backdrop to ghost stories that refuse to fade. During fall, the crisp mountain air and golden leaves make the town’s haunted tours even more memorable.
Eureka Springs, Arkansas
Eureka Springs is best known for the Crescent Hotel, often called the most haunted hotel in America. Built in 1886, it was once a resort and later a hospital, leaving behind countless ghostly tales. Guests and staff alike report strange lights, shadowy figures, and unexplained sounds in the grand old building.
The town itself adds to the experience with winding Victorian streets and wooded hills. Fall foliage makes the setting even more striking, turning a haunted visit into something both spooky and scenic. With ghost tours and seasonal events, Eureka Springs comes alive with an atmosphere unlike anywhere else.
Charleston, South Carolina
Charleston is a coastal city with a long and often turbulent past. Stories of pirate ghosts, haunted prisons, and tragic fires echo through its cobblestone streets. The Old City Jail is one of the most chilling spots, where countless inmates met grim fates.
Despite its charm, Charleston carries a lingering sense of mystery. Historic homes and quiet graveyards provide a backdrop for tales that mix beauty with tragedy. Autumn evenings, when the humidity fades, make for perfect ghost walks under the glow of gas lanterns.
Virginia City, Nevada
Virginia City was once a booming mining town in the 1800s, and its haunted reputation still draws curious visitors. Saloons, theaters, and cemeteries are all said to house spirits from its raucous past. The Silver Queen Hotel is particularly famous for ghost sightings and unexplained noises.
The old wooden sidewalks and preserved buildings make it easy to feel transported back in time. Ghost tours highlight not just paranormal tales but also the rich history of the town. With autumn’s cooler nights, Virginia City feels like a living museum where the past still walks the streets.
Jerome, Arizona
Perched on the side of Cleopatra Hill, Jerome was once called the “wickedest town in the West.” Mining accidents, saloon brawls, and brothels left behind an energy that many believe still lingers. The Jerome Grand Hotel, once a hospital, is notorious for paranormal activity.
Today, Jerome has reinvented itself as a quirky artist community, yet its haunted past is never far away. Walking through its narrow streets, visitors hear stories of ghostly apparitions and lingering spirits of miners. The crisp fall air makes ghost tours even more atmospheric in this hillside town.
Sleepy Hollow, New York
Washington Irving’s famous tale has forever linked Sleepy Hollow to spooky legends. The Old Dutch Church and nearby cemetery are key spots, where the Headless Horseman is said to ride at night. Each autumn, the town embraces its haunting fame with events and lantern tours.
Beyond the legend, Sleepy Hollow offers a charming New England atmosphere. Colorful leaves, historic buildings, and quiet river views set the perfect fall scene. When night falls, the shadows deepen, and the town feels like a living storybook filled with spectral whispers.
Bodie, California
Bodie is a ghost town in every sense of the word, preserved as a state historic park. Once a booming gold-mining settlement, it’s now filled with abandoned buildings that appear frozen in time. Visitors often report strange feelings and ghostly sightings as they explore the empty streets.
The town’s isolation makes it especially haunting. With broken windows, dusty saloons, and silent schoolrooms, it feels like the spirits of its former residents never left. In the cool autumn months, Bodie takes on an even more eerie character against the backdrop of the Sierra Nevada.
London, England (Whitechapel)
The Whitechapel district of London is tied forever to the gruesome murders of Jack the Ripper. Narrow alleys and old pubs become part of chilling tours that explore his crimes and the mysteries that remain unsolved. Visitors often report an uneasy feeling as they walk the same streets where the killings took place.
London’s age adds layers to its haunted reputation. Beyond Jack the Ripper, countless ghost stories emerge from centuries of history. Whitechapel remains one of the most unsettling places for those who crave a mix of true crime and ghostly lore.
Edinburgh, Scotland
Edinburgh is a city where legends and history intertwine. The underground vaults beneath the city are said to be some of the most haunted places in Europe, with visitors reporting cold spots and ghostly touches. Greyfriars Kirkyard is another famous site, where restless spirits are tied to centuries-old stories.
The city’s cobbled streets and towering castle make for an atmospheric setting, especially in the fall. Ghost tours reveal hidden corners filled with eerie tales, while lantern-lit walks give a sense of stepping back in time. Edinburgh’s mix of charm and supernatural lore makes it an unforgettable haunted destination.
This article originally appeared on Avocadu.