The Most Haunted Hiking Trails in America

Posted on the 10 October 2024 by Hiiker

There’s nothing quite like the combination of nature’s beauty and a chilling ghost story to add an edge to your hiking experience. Across the U.S., some trails offer more than just scenic views—they carry eerie tales of the past, paranormal sightings, and a sense of mystery that draws thrill-seekers and hikers alike.

If you love the great outdoors and the supernatural, these haunted hiking trails are sure to provide an unforgettable experience.

Haunted Trails by Region

Bloody Lane Trail Maryland

Bloody Lane Trail showing it’s status as a melancholic war memorial. Photo Credits goes to Slideblues6 on Flickr

Distance: 3km

Time to Complete: 45 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Haunting History: This trail runs through the heart of the Antietam National Battlefield, the site of the bloodiest single-day battle in American history. The spirits of the fallen are said to linger here, and hikers have reported hearing ghostly battle sounds—like the cries of soldiers, gunfire, and cannons—emanating from the fog.

Transept Trail, Arizona

You never what could be hiding amongst the vast canyon of the Transpet trail

Distance: 6km

Time to Complete: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Haunting History: The Grand Canyon is home to many stories, but none are quite as famous as that of the “Wandering Woman.” According to legend, her ghost roams the North Rim, searching for her family who fell to their deaths. Hikers have reported seeing her eerie figure and hearing cries that echo through the canyon at twilight.

Cumberland Trail, Tennessee

Distance: 9km

Time to Complete: 2 hours

Difficulty: Easy

Haunting History: Running through the beautiful ridges and valleys of Tennessee, the Cumberland Trail has its share of ghost stories.

Most notably, hikers near Signal Mountain have reported hearing strange noises, seeing ghostly figures, and feeling a presence along the trail—believed to be the spirits of miners who perished in accidents during the area’s coal-mining days.

Old man’s cave trail, Ohio

A mysterious bridge right over the Old man’s cave. Photo credit goes to Jason Foose Flickr

Distance: 3km

Time to Complete: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy to Moderate

Haunting History: Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio is home to a series of interconnected trails, with Old Man’s Cave being one of the most famous. According to legend, the cave was the hideout of an old hermit whose ghost still lingers in the area. Hikers have reported eerie whispers, ghostly shadows, and a strange sense of unease in certain parts of the trail.

Appalachian Trail, Virgina sect

An Eerie overlook along the Appalachian Trail

Distance: 10km

Time to Complete: 3 Hours

Difficulty: Medium

Haunting History: Spanning from Georgia to Maine, the Appalachian Trail is America’s most famous long-distance hiking path—and it’s also a hotbed for ghost stories.

One of the most well-known tales is the Greenbrier Ghost in West Virginia, where a woman is said to haunt the trail after her mysterious death. Other hikers have reported eerie sensations, hearing unexplainable noises, and seeing shadowy figures while hiking isolated stretches of the trail.

Tips for Hiking Haunted Trails Safely

Be Prepared & Stay Safe: Whether you’re searching for ghosts or just a beautiful hike, make sure you’re well-prepared:

  • Pack Properly: Always bring a flashlight, plenty of water, snacks, a first-aid kit, and wear sturdy hiking boots.
  • Hike with a Partner: Especially on haunted trails, it’s always more fun and safe to hike with a friend.

Conclusion

From battlefields filled with lingering spirits to trails known for eerie apparitions, haunted hikes offer a unique way to experience the outdoors. Whether you’re seeking stunning views or hoping for a paranormal encounter, these trails will give you an adventure filled with both beauty and chills.