When people think about ghost towns, the west usually comes to mind, but Kentucky has a few creepy ghost towns of its own. These areas were all once filled with the hustle and bustle of human life. Now the only thing that’s bustling is the leaves when the wind blows, some ripples on the water, or a few lonely people. For the most part, the towns themselves are either gone or almost abandoned completely. These 12 ghost towns in Kentucky get a lot less attention then they deserve:

12. Barthell

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This coal mining town in McCreary County was first inhabited in early 1902 by mining camps. The town of coal miners began to dismantle after a coal mine fire that toppled several mines. In 1984 Kogar bought the remaining homes and renovated them for over night stays.

11. Lawton Mushroom Mine

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This Carter County town was once the home of a thriving mushroom mine and an old brick yard. The community’s founding date is unknown, but a few families still call the rural area home. Most families moved to Morehead decades ago. What remains now is the creepy, abandoned mushroom mines, aka Limestone mines, some old railroad tracks, and the old General Store. It can be found beyond Hadleman and past Deharts Bible and Tire Store on #174.

10. Bells Mine

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This 18th Century Crittenden County town once housed miners of the nearby Bells Mining, and farmers. During the Civil War there was a huge battle and the town became partially abandoned. The old church stood until 2002, but was torn down. The cemetery still stands, holding generations of previous family residents.

9. Blandville

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This tiny area in Ballard County has been a town since 1842 and is named after Captain Bland Ballard. It has 30 residents. One of the most interesting parts of town is its historical graveyard.

8. Blue Heron

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Aka Mine 18 was established in 1937 and abandoned in 1962. During the 1980s the town was recreated with "ghost buildings" and turned into a mining museum town.

7. Calloway Town

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Isham Charles Wells and a few friends established this quaint town in northeast Calloway County around 1837. The town started shrinking and by 1870 had diminished. The TVA Kentucky Lake project of the 1930 flooded the land, covering the decaying remnants of the small town.

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6. Creelsboro's Natural Arch

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Russell County, formally Cumberland County still has a few buildings and a rock house standing along Route 379. That is all that remains of the town that thrived before the Cumberland Dam was built.

5. Dryfork House

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This Leslie County town was a trapping, mining, farming town with over 500 members of the Whitehead family, including children. Now all that remains is the Dryfork Cemetery and a little place called Redbird.

4. L&N at Rocky Hill

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This Edmondson County town began in the 1800s, and was a coal drop off for L&N Railroad. It was a thriving community with thousands of residents, sporting two hotels and a railroad station. There was a terrible fire in 1930 that destroyed over half the town. Rebuilding began, but the families that left never returned… and the population dwindled. It is now home to five houses, a volunteer fire department, general store, bed and breakfast, church, and a post office. This Rocky Hill is not to be confused with the town of the same name in Barren County, which is thriving.

Explore Rocky Hill and other Kentucky ghost towns in this YouTube video from Travel with a Wiseguy:

3. Golden Pond

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This 19th Century Trigg County town was known for moonshiners during the prohibition. It was abandoned in 1969 and taken over by Parks and Recreation.

2. Packard

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This coal town in Whitley County was the birth place of actress, Patricia O’Neal. It was established in 1908 and abandoned in the mid 1900s.

1. Scuffletown Cherokee People

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This famed Henderson County Civil War town got its first home in 1800 with a Cherokee and Shawnee family. In the late 1800s General Johnson led a group of Cherokee refugees there to be reunited with their families. The flood of 1913 took most the homes, and the flood of 1937 took the rest.

Each of these ghost towns in Kentucky was once an important part of the state’s storied history. Some can still be visited, especially those turned into historic museums or overnight stays. Enough of these ghost towns near me are near you as well! These towns, or the remnants thereof, all make interesting (not to mention, scenic!) stops on a Kentucky bucket list. If you want to visit them for yourself, we’ve put together Kentucky ghost towns road trip, so pack up the car, and hit the road!

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Ghost Towns In Kentucky

Leah | February 01, 2021

What are the creepiest places in Kentucky?

If you're feeling brave, there are quite a few creepy places to visit in Kentucky. The Waverly Hills Sanatorium, located in Louisville, is one of the most notoriously spooky spots in the state. You can book tours of the former tuberculosis hospital and explore its dark halls and rooms yourself. There are many rumors of hauntings there, and it's even been featured on numerous ghost hunting shows. There is also an abandoned ship in Kentucky, the USS Sachem, that lies in ruin near Petersburg. It's quite haunting to see in person.

Are there any urban legends in Kentucky?

Brush up on your Kentucky folklore through these urban legends. In Prospect, Kentucky, there is a spooky hollow with lots of lore. A ghostly hearse is said to appear out of nothing and nearly scare drivers off the road. Additionally, there is a "Crybaby Bridge" that was said to be the place where women threw their unwanted or ill babies off the side. Their cries can still be heard, according to some. Other weird occurrences happen in the area, as well. There is a railroad trestle in Fisherville that is said to be the home of the Goatman. He cries out like a child needing help, but those that heed the call go missing or are found dead.

What are the most haunted places in Kentucky?

If urban legends and creepy abandoned places have your interests piqued, here are more haunted places in Kentucky. Mammoth Cave, though popular for its beautiful formations and extensive system, is said to be haunted. Over the years it's been used for many things - from tuberculosis patients to fleeing slaves - and some visitors report seeing unexplained lights or orbs. The beautiful Loudon House in Lexington is said to be haunted by two ghostly women and a black cat, according to legend. People who have visited it report feeling random cold spots.

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