Pittsburgh boasts pretty amazing haunted tales with some, like Congelier House, that have gained nationwide attention. Whether or not you believe in the paranormal, you're definitely in for a pretty unique experience when you visit these seven terrifying places in Pittsburgh (and a bit beyond).
1. Green Man Tunnel – Piney Fork Road, South Park Township, PA 15129
Now filled with rock salt, Piney Fork Tunnel in South Park Township has a heartbreaking tale to tell if, of course, you believe local legend. The tale begins with a horrifying accident that resulted in eight-year-old Raymond Robinson's electrocution at a nearby bridge. The accident caused little Raymond to lose his nose, his eyes, an arm, and an ear. Witnesses say that, from that day on, Raymond's skin glowed green.
Raymond stayed out of sight as he grew up, venturing out only at night for strolls around South Park and Piney Fork Tunnel. Those who saw him began the legend, distorting details about Raymond's accident and life, telling of how he - dubbed the Green Man or Charlie No Face - haunted the tunnel, causing cars that drove through to stall.
" target="_blank"> Pittsburgh Playhouse of Point Park University – 222 Craft Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15213
The Pittsburgh Playhouse at Point Park University promises a relaxing afternoon or evening of entertainment with, perhaps, a side of the paranormal. Before the playhouse sat at 222 Craft Avenue, it was a synagogue, a brothel, a speakeasy, and row houses. Fire swept through the row houses, claiming the life of a mother and her daughter. Today, the heartbroken mom - as well as a jilted bride - are said to now roam the playhouse.
" target="_blank"> Hill View Manor – 2801 Ellwood Road, New Castle, PA 16101
A former asylum, Hill View Manor beckons visitors with its tales of the paranormal. The buildings housed the mentally ill, the elderly, and the destitute from 1926 until it permanently shut its doors at the beginning of the 21st century. Despite its closure, the spirits of some of the residents - including a little boy and a doll lover named Mary Virginia - still remain, drawing ghost hunters and those interested in the paranormal.
Hill View Manor, which requires a signed waiver to tour, features three tours: A photography-only tour, a a 1.5 hour tour, and a three hour tour.
4. Shades of Death Road – Avella, PA 15312
Buckle up for the ride of your life when you drive down Shades of Death Road, the most haunted road in Pittsburgh. How the street earned its name is not really known but it certainly does have a horrifying history. Local legend tells of miners who became trapped underground in a mine in 1922. At dispute is whether their bodies remain in the mine or their bodies were buried along Shades of Death Road. Drivers tell of seeing the apparitions of miners darting back and forth on the road during the night. Others have seen a lone man and a woman wearing a flowing white dress.
" target="_blank"> The House on Brownsville Road – 3406 Brownsville Road, Pittsburgh, PA 15227
Blood spontaneously poured down the walls. An apparition attacked family members. And the smell of sulfur lingered in the air at the home on 3406 Brownsville Road. The family who lived in that home, including former Allegheny County Commissioner Bob Cranmer, desperately tried to rid their home of what they - and the church - considered demons. Several priests spent two years working tirelessly to cleanse the home of the demons. Eventually, the paranormal activity stopped and the Cranmers moved to another home.
" target="_blank"> Congelier House – 1129 Ridge Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15212
Pittsburgh once laid claim to what had been dubbed America's Most Haunted House. Congelier House, now a stretch of road in Pittsburgh that's still teeming with paranormal activity, was built by Charles Congelier in the 1860s. He, his wife, and their maid lived together in the home until one day Charles' wife, Lyda, caught her husband in the throes of a passionate affair with the maid. Legend says that Lyda became outraged and was found cradling the maid's head as she rocked back and forth in a rocking chair. Passers-by told of seeing apparitions in the home's windows.
" target="_blank"> Harmony Inn – 230 Mercer Street, Harmony, PA 16037
Journey to the nearby town of Harmony for a frighteningly good meal - and perhaps a glimpse of the paranormal - at the Harmony Inn. Don't worry. The spirits who reside at the Harmony Inn are delightfully friendly and include a fella named Louie who leaves quarters and dimes all over the restaurant, a forlorn young girl who simply stares outside an upstairs window, and a man whose image is seen in mirrors, even though no one is there.
How many of these terrifying places in Pittsburgh have you visited? And, do you believe the haunted stories behind them? Why or why not? If you like tales of haunted Pittsburgh, you might just want to embark on this haunted road trip in the Burgh.
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