Get spooked on the West Virginia Paranormal Trail

As the spooky season approaches, the West Virginia Department of Tourism has unveiled a statewide Paranormal Trail.

It designed to help Halloween lovers and ghost hunters discover the state’s most spine-chilling sites.

An accompanying digital passport allows visitors to check in at haunted locations, earn points and unlock exciting prizes along the way.

“Recent trends have shown us that travelers are increasingly interested in spooky and unique destinations,” said West Virginia Department of Tourism Secretary Chelsea Ruby.

“West Virginia has quite a few spots with haunted histories, so we created the Paranormal Trail to tap into the thriving market for themed tours and attractions.”

To experience the haunts of West Virginia and uncover chilling tales, travelers can register to participate in The West Virginia Paranormal Trail online and instantly receive the digital passport via email or text.

As exploration is underway, visitors check in to spooky sites around the state to earn points and unlock exclusive Paranormal Trail prizes – including an official sticker, beanie, and limited-edition print by West Virginia artist Liz Pavlovic.

Accessing the Paranormal Trail Passport is easy:

Navigate to wvtourism.com/paranormal.

Register to get the West Virginia Paranormal Trail Passport by filling out contact information.

After signing up, the digital passport for the Paranormal Trail will be delivered to the phone via text or to the email provided.

Visitors can then explore the haunts of West Virginia. Open the passport on the phone, scroll to find the location and check in to mark it off the list.

The trail highlights 14 landmarks with haunted histories across West Virginia.

The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum, with its Gothic architecture and dark history, is a popular destination for paranormal enthusiasts wanting to experience its chilling atmosphere. The site has been featured on SyFy’s Ghost Hunters and the Travel Channel’s Ghost Adventures.

Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park delivers an eerie experience in a desolate, forgotten setting.

Known for ongoing paranormal activity, the West Virginia Penitentiary offers a somber exploration of its haunted history. The penitentiary has been featured in TIME Magazine.

As the first ghost tour in America, this tour is rooted in Harpers Ferry’s haunted history. The Ghost Tour of Harpers Ferry is a spooky journey uncovering tales of the town’s former residents.

Dedicated to the legend of the Mothman, the Mothman Museum offers a glimpse into the sinister sightings near the “TNT Area.”

As one of the oldest hotels in the state, the Blennerhassett Hotel has its share of ghost stories, with hallways said to be haunted by ghostly children and men in top hats.

Rumored to be a hotspot for paranormal activity, Hotel Morgan is a boutique hotel that blends luxury with history — and perhaps a few hauntings.

Dedicated to the infamous 1952 sighting, the Flatwoods Monster Museum offers a comprehensive look into this eerie event and other paranormal phenomena in West Virginia.

With its ominous atmosphere and reported paranormal activity, the Old Hospital on College Hill attracts ghost hunters from far and wide. It was featured on the Travel Channel’s Destination Fear.

Haunted by the apparition of “The Colonel,” a Civil War officer with a long beard, the Historic Glen Ferris Inn provides a unique and memorable experience.

Led by experienced tour guides, the Shepherdstown Mystery Walk is an immersive journey through Shepherdstown’s most haunted historical sites.

The Haunted Haymond is a 130-year-old house provides a spine-tingling experience for thrill-seekers of all ages.

A chilling relic of the B&O Railroad era, the Flinderation Tunnel is rumored to be haunted by the spirits of its builders, attracting paranormal enthusiasts.

Along the Elk River Trail between Ivydale and Duck, you’ll find a 10.5-feet, 1,800-pound Bigfoot looming in front of you. This towering figure was crafted by students in Clay County.

For more information on West Virginia’s Paranormal Trail or to register for a digital passport, visit wvtourism.com/paranormal. 

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