Meet Tennessee's Ghosts This Fall: Haunted Places in Tennessee

Gaylord Opryland Hotel is one of Nashville's luxurious hotels, home to nine acres of gardens and indoor waterfalls, beautiful accommodations and extensive dining options. But, did you know it's also frequented by a ghost? Reports have been made that an apparition visits the hotel. People have said they have seen ghostly figures. The ghost is known to rattle the chandelier in the Magnolia Lobby.

• Parking Info: Large onsite parking lots and valet service. Self-parking is available for a fee; discount valet is often offered for guests with disability permits.
• Accessibility Options: Fully ADA compliant with accessible guest rooms, elevators, and wide pathways through the indoor atriums. Wheelchairs and electric scooters are available for rent onsite.
• Operation Hours: Open 24/7 for resort guests; restaurant and attraction hours vary (typically 9 AM – 10 PM).
• Special Highlights: Features 9 acres of indoor gardens and waterfalls

Book a night or two at the Thomas House Hotel for Ghost Hunt Weekends in Red Boiling Springs. The hotel, built in 1890, has been named No. 2 on CNN's Most Haunted Spots in America and was witness to deaths, numerous murders, accidents, a home for a cult, and three fires. It also sits on an underground spring and limestone and on an ancient Native American trail. Because of this, the Thomas House Hotel is home to disembodied voices, moving beds and dark figures. Experience these with paranormal expert and author, Chad Morin and the Ghost Hunt Weekend Crew.

• Parking Info: Limited onsite parking; attendees of ghost hunt events are encouraged to arrive early to secure a spot.
• Accessibility Options: As a historic 1890s building, accessibility is limited. Stairs are required for upper floors; comfortable walking shoes are highly recommended.
• Operation Hours: Primarily open for scheduled "Ghost Hunt Weekends" (usually check-in at 6 PM) and overnight stays.
• Special Highlights: Ranked as one of the most haunted places in the U.S. by CNN; famous for moving beds and "cold spots."

When patrons attend a show at the circa-1817 Bijou Theatre, they shouldn't be alarmed if they see one of the unidentified ghosts visiting the building from time to time. Since it is Knoxville's fourth-oldest building, the theater's vast history shows it was first a tavern, then a hotel, a Civil War hospital, and headquarters for Generals William Sherman and Phil Sheridan. General Sherman, who was treated in the building, is said to still roam the area. Besides the haunting history, patrons will find the Bijou is home to the best-sounding room for live music in Knoxville.

• Parking Info: The Lafayette Parking Garage is located directly across the street (Credit Card only). Street parking is free after 6 PM and all day on weekends.
• Accessibility Options: Orchestra level seating is fully accessible. However, as a historic building, there are no elevators to the balcony or gallery levels.
• Operation Hours: Box office hours vary; performances and tours typically occur in the evenings.
• Special Highlights: Home to the ghost of "Little Mary," a young girl often heard giggling in the aisles.

Theater legends surround Orpheum Theatre. A young girl named Mary who was killed by a car on Beale Street has reportedly roamed the theater for 60 years. Doors opening and closing by themselves, her giggling voice and sounds of her feet running up and down the aisles have been documented. Patrons shouldn't be surprised if they see her apparition in her favorite seat, C-5. Paranormal groups have flocked to The Orpheum Theatre and some are convinced up to six other ghosts roam there.

• Parking Info: Valet parking is available for most shows ($30–$40). Several public lots and garages are located within walking distance on Beale and Main Street.
• Accessibility Options: ADA-compliant seating is available on the orchestra level. Staff are available to assist with special seating needs.
• Operation Hours: Open for scheduled performances and seasonal "Candlelight Tours."
• Special Highlights: Renowned for its opulent 1920s architecture and the legend of Mary, a ghost who has been roaming the theater for over 60 years.

You've heard of haunted houses, but have you visited a haunted town? Plan a trip if you dare to Historic Rugby, filled with ghostly residents who never left. Take one of the After Dark Tours - a Haunted Village Lantern Tour and the Haunted North Village & Cemetery Tour offered Thursdays to Sundays. Both tours dive into the rich history and ghost stories, all told by lantern light.

• Parking Info: Ample free parking is available throughout the historic village near the Visitor Center.
• Accessibility Options: Many historic buildings have stairs and uneven gravel paths. The Visitor Center and some shops are ground-level accessible.
• Operation Hours: Thurs–Sat 10 AM – 6 PM; Sun 12 PM – 6 PM (March through mid-December).
• Special Highlights: The entire Victorian-era town is reportedly haunted; offers "After Dark" lantern-led ghost tours during the fall.

Oaklands Historic Mansion is known as Murfreesboro's spookiest historic home. The mansion celebrates with Tombstones at Twilight 7-10 p.m. Oct. 8, 15, 22 and 29, 2021 where you can walk the evergreen Cemetery after dark and see the final resting places of thousands of Murfreesboro's citizens. Hear their stories and the unique history of the area.

• Parking Info: Designated ADA-accessible parking is available directly in front of the Visitors Center.
• Accessibility Options: The Visitors Center is fully ADA compliant. The mansion's first floor is accessible via a ramp; a video tour is provided for those unable to access the second floor.
• Operation Hours: Tues–Sat 10 AM – 4 PM; Sun 1 PM – 4 PM.
• Special Highlights: Features Civil War-era history and "Flashlight Tours" during the Halloween season.

Lotz House, an 1858 home, was dubbed "The Second Most Terrifying Place in America" by the Travel Channel last October. The rich history of the home provides fodder for unexplained phenomena like an apparition of a woman crying for a loved one, a little girl staring out the window, the sound of drums, and the displacement of ordinary items. Located just north of the Carter House on Columbia Avenue, the Lotz House was at the epicenter of the fighting during the Battle of Franklin. Franklin on Foot will share stories of the soldiers who fought the battle 6 p.m. every Friday night in October at Lotz House. Reservations are required.

• Parking Info: Small onsite lot and street parking available along Columbia Ave.
• Accessibility Options: First-floor access is available; however, the cellar and upper floors require navigating narrow, historic stairs.
• Operation Hours: Mon–Sat 9 AM – 5 PM; Sun 11 AM – 4 PM.
• Special Highlights: Features significant Civil War battle damage (cannonball holes) and reports of items moving on their own.

Paranormal teams have investigated Cragfont - one of the oldest houses in Middle Tennessee - numerous times, even Travel Channel. Orbs, noises and objects seemingly moving on their own have all been recorded at the circa 1802 home of General James Winchester. The general's brother was killed by Native Americans before construction of the house began. It's said his spirit still wanders the property. The caretakers of the property have seen unexplained, numerous dead insects in one of the bedrooms, deep impressions of bodies lying in beds and have experienced pushing and hitting from invisible forces. Tours are available April 15-Nov. 1 weekdays, except Mondays and Sunday. Call for an appointment.

• Parking Info: Onsite parking lot available near the main house.
• Accessibility Options: Tours involve walking over uneven historic grounds. The historic house itself has limited accessibility for those with mobility impairments.
• Operation Hours: Thurs–Sun 9:30 AM – 4:30 PM (April through mid-November).
• Special Highlights: One of the oldest homes in Middle Tennessee; famous for "Haunts at the Font" lantern tours.

The Mallory-Neely House is one of Memphis' most visited historic homes by visitors and ghosts alike. One of the best preserved collections of high Victorian decor and furnishings in the U.S. can be found here as well as disembodied sounds of a crying woman from the home's third story. Reports have been shared of the home being guarded by an older woman's ghostly figure with untamed, white hair on the third floor staircase as well as a disembodied hand that has been spotted on the banister.

• Parking Info: Street parking available in the Victorian Village neighborhood.
• Accessibility Options: Limited to the first floor for those with mobility issues; typical of Victorian-era historic homes.
• Operation Hours: Open Friday and Saturday only, 10:30 AM – 5:00 PM.
• Special Highlights: Contains one of the best-preserved Victorian interiors in the U.S.; visitors report hearing a woman crying on the third floor.

You'll want to hunt the only authenticated ghost in the U.S. (and a sinister one, at that): the Bell Witch who resides in the Bell Witch Cave in Adams, Tennessee. The witch, who once identified herself as Kate Batts, an old neighbor who claimed to have been swindled by John Bell and vowed on her deathbed to haunt him and his descendants, was known to be violent toward the Bell family: beating the members, throwing things and leaving rooms in ruin. Once John Bell died and daughter, Betsy broke off her engagement under the instruction of the witch, the ghost left them in peace for seven years. She returned for a while and then vowed to return in 107 years. It's said she returned in 1935, and now inhabits the cave. Take a tour of the cave and experience the story yourself. Throughout October, the Bell Witch Fall Festival has storytellers and performers come to regale the legend along with other historic stories and plays.

• Parking Info: Free onsite gravel parking lot.
• Accessibility Options: Not ADA accessible. The tour involves a natural cave with low ceilings, narrow passages, and uneven, potentially wet ground.
• Operation Hours: Varies seasonally (May–Nov). Typically 10 AM – 5 PM on weekends; expanded hours in October.
• Special Highlights: Site of one of America's most famous ghost stories involving the Bell family and the spirit of Kate Batts.

Historic Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary was a prison started in 1896 as a jail and a coal mine for Tennessee. Some of the nation's most dangerous prisoners came to Brushy including James Earl Ray, Paul Dennis Reid and others. Today, the penitentiary is open for self-guided daytime tours, but also paranormal tours where visitors may hear footsteps, disembodied voices and see apparitions. Though the death penalty was never carried out here, some inmates did die of natural causes or by the hands of their fellow inmates. Tour guests have been shoved, growled at, touched and even scratched by invisible forces.

• Parking Info: Large onsite parking area capable of handling buses and RVs.
• Accessibility Options: The prison grounds consist of gravel and old pavement; many areas are accessible, but some cell blocks require climbing stairs.
• Operation Hours: Daily 10:30 AM – 6:30 PM (seasonal). Paranormal tours are held on select nights by reservation.
• Special Highlights: Former maximum-security prison once housing James Earl Ray; offers day tours as well as private and group overnight paranormal investigations.

The Old Historic Harriman Hospital was once an active hospital with state-of-the-art healthcare. Once the new surgical wing was added, the hospital stretched a whole city block by the 1970s. Now, the historic hospital is active for other reasons. People have reportedly seen Joanna, a nurse who worked until her death at an early age and now walks the halls; items moving with no one present; figures standing in windows and hallways; and kids walking around the area. Two overnight investigation tours are available - full night tours each night from 6 p.m. to 4 a.m. and half-night investigations Sunday-Thursday from 6 p.m. to midnight.

• Parking Info: Onsite parking available.
• Accessibility Options: Very limited. As an abandoned/historic medical facility, the terrain is often uneven with multiple floors and no elevators.
• Operation Hours: Open for specific "Public Investigation" events and private group bookings (evening/overnight).
• Special Highlights: Famous for "full-body apparitions" and shadow figures in the old patient wards.

Tennessee's cities and towns host ghost walks throughout the year, giving visitors an opportunity to have their own close encounter with the abnormal and paranormal. A few to consider include the Appalachian Ghost Walks, which occur around Johnson City, Jonesborough (a Travel Channel "Top Ten Haunted Towns in America"), Rogersville, Gatlinburg and more. 

Weekend ghost hunts and day and nightly tours are available through the Chattanooga Ghost Tours. Bring a camera to document the ghostly orbs, full figures and mists that are seen at some of the locations you visit. Referred to as the Most Haunted Public Square in America, Gallatin Ghost Walks host weekend tours in October in and around downtown Gallatin. Visitors can hear the history of the area and perhaps experience seeing orbs and figures in their photos. Sevierville hosts History & Haunts every Saturday in October. Visitors can walk downtown Sevierville to hear family-friendly ghost stories.

Take part in the fall tradition of ghost hunting in downtown Columbia, Tennessee by going on a Columbia Ghost Tour. A guide will walk you through several locations downtown that are rich in history and eerie tales that will send a shiver down your spine. Tours occur every Friday and Saturday in October. Tours start in front of the Maury County Courthouse at 8 p.m. Call 931-797-3316 to reserve your spot.

Elmwood Cemetery is Memphis' oldest active cemetery and is on the National Register of Historic Places. Take a self-guided audio tour which dives into some of the notable people and more than 1,000 Confederate soldiers, officers and generals who are buried here. Or, opt for one of the docent-led events that happen throughout the year. While not considered officially haunted, Elmwood Cemetery hosts 'Soul of the City' in October each year that includes tales from Elmwood residents. You can even grab dinner on-site, too.