The Definitive Guide To All Things Haunted And Creepy In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania often earns recognition as one of the most haunted states in the country in large part because of Gettysburg, the site of one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War. With all of its real haunted houses, haunted museums, haunted mansions, and abandoned places, Pennsylvania offers plenty of opportunities to experience the paranormal firsthand. Pennsylvania also boasts a ton of haunted houses, haunted hayrides, and haunted attractions during the fall. While the state is rife with tales of the paranormal, it also has no shortage of tantalizing mysteries of UFOs, missing people, and downright strange happenings. However, to start, here are some of the most terrifying destinations in Pennsylvania.
The Most Haunted House In Pennsylvania
Nelson Rehmeyer lived a quiet life in 1928 until a fellow townsperson became convinced Nelson was a witch and had cast a spell on him. In a terrifying turn of events, the man enlisted two others to break into Rehmeyer’s home, where they planned to cut a lock of Nelson’s hair and bury it to release the spell. However, the evening took a frightening and unexpected turn with Nelson’s brutal murder and attempted cremation that convinced all three men that Nelson was indeed a witch. Today the house is said to be one of the most haunted houses in Pennsylvania. Are you tempted to drive by this creepy Pennsylvania house?
The Most Haunted Road In Pennsylvania (And Maybe America)
Constitution Avenue in Allentown is known as the most haunted road in Pennsylvania. While the spirits that wander down some haunted roads only come out after darkness falls, those who have traveled down this road tell of experiencing the paranormal at all times of the day and night. Many years ago, a man walking near the now-quiet railroad tracks was hit by an oncoming train, surviving with his dogs by his side for mere minutes. Ever since, those who walk or drive down the road tell stories of seeing the glowing red eyes of dogs, of hearing whistling, and of seeing an apparition with blood dripping behind him. What will you see if you travel down Constitution Avenue?
The 3 Most Haunted Places In Pennsylvania
1. The site of the Battle of Gettysburg, a three-day Civil War battle that saw more than 50,000 casualties, more than 3,100 deaths, and the lone civilian death of Jennie Wade, Gettysburg is undoubtedly the most haunted town in Pennsylvania. From a nurse roaming the halls of the Gettysburg Hotel to a friendly fella offering to take photos and to pose for photos at Devil’s Den, spirits can be seen just about everywhere in Gettysburg. Check into the Farnsworth House Inn or the Tillie Pearce House Inn, where spirits often visit guests in their rooms, and Civil War soldiers have been seen roaming up and down the halls. That’s just the beginning when it comes to opportunities to experience the paranormal in Gettysburg – do you dare visit?
2. Both Confederate and Union Soldiers crossed over Sachs Covered Bridge on their way to the Battle of Gettysburg. However, legend tells of the hanging of three Confederate soldiers, uncovered as spies, from the bridge. The three souls still remain at the bridge today, and your best chance of seeing them is during the day. Others tell of smelling cigar smoke and of hearing cannon fire in the distance. There are a few other things to look out for too…keep reading.
3. Countless Pennsylvanians have traveled through Horseshoe Curve Tunnel in Altoona. Some have even seen the heartbroken Irishwoman, dressed in white, as she awaits the return of her love. He may have been murdered on his way to meet her or she may have been the one who was tragically killed. Ever since the Irishwoman’s spirit has remained in and by the tunnel. You might spot her wandering just outside of the tunnel, looking despondent. If you’re really brave and want to increase your chances of experiencing the paranormal, you’ll drive through at night…here’s why.
Pennsylvania’s Freakiest Haunted Prison
Restless, tormented spirits remain at Eastern State Penitentiary, a notorious prison near Philadelphia that originally held each prisoner in solitary confinement for their entire sentence. Overcrowding eventually led to two to three prisoners to a cell, and stories of torture – including starvation – escaped from the prison. Although it closed decades ago, Eastern State Penitentiary now draws curiosity seekers and paranormal investigators, who hope for an encounter with the tortured spirits that remain. Will you hear the whispers, the footsteps, and the primal cries when you visit?
Scariest Haunted House Pennsylvania
The Basement, arguably the scariest haunted house in Pennsylvania, is so terrifying that each guest has to sign a waiver before entering. All guests can use a safe word if the experience becomes too intense. Only those 18 years and old may enter the Basement. Just be prepared to be plunged into moments of complete darkness and to deal with water before you sign the waiver. Are you brave enough to enter The Basement?
The Best Haunted Corn Maze In Pennsylvania
Lehigh Valley Scream Park is bursting with fun and frightening activities, but its haunted corn maze just might top them all. Psycho Path Corn Maze beckons those who want a good scare with its terrifying surprises. If that’s not enough, the Pennsylvania scream park also features zombie paintball and a horrifying haunted hayride. How long will it take you to escape the Pscyho Path Corn Maze?
The Creepiest Haunted Hayride In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s home to real haunted houses, haunted roads, and haunted restaurants. When autumn rolls around, it also features fun haunted attractions. The creepiest haunted hayride in Pennsylvania, Haunted Hills Hayride in North Versailles, will take you deep into the darkness where nefarious creatures are sure to pop out around every corner. Afterward, warm up by your own private bonfire. Plan your trip on this haunted hayride.
The Creepiest Haunted Trail In Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania’s lays claim to several haunted trails; however, one stands out as the creepiest. Beulah Road in Altoona winds up Wopsononock Mountain, where a hotel of the same name once stood. Many years ago, tragedy struck when newlyweds, on their way to the hotel, were killed when their carriage went over the side of the mountain at Devil’s Elbow. The bride’s body was recovered; the groom’s was never found. Countless people tell of seeing the distraught newlywed with a lantern searching. If you’re driving up the mountain and let her in your car, don’t be surprised if she disappears. Will you run into the heartbroken newlywed on your hike or drive along Beulah Road?
Would You Spend A Night In This Pennsylvania Haunted Hotel?
Rachel, a nurse who cared for injured and dying soldiers during the Battle of Gettysburg, still roams the halls of The Gettysburg Hotel, the most haunted hotel in Pennsylvania. She’s also been seen ruffling through guests’ luggage and in drawers. During that historic battle, the hotel was used as a makeshift hospital and wounded soldiers are seen in the halls to this day. You might even catch sight of two spirits dancing in the ballroom. Would you stay overnight at this Pennsylvania haunted hotel, knowing Rachel may pay you a visit?
5 Creepy Photos From Pennsylvania
Visitors leave dolls and stuffed animals on what was once the bed of a child patient at Pennhurst State School and Hospital.
A lone bed remains in a cell at Eastern State Penitentiary.
Centralia is a virtual ghost town and has produced its fair share of creepy photos over the years. A mine fire has been burning underneath the town for decades.
A lonely stretch of the Abandoned Pennsylvania Turnpike, which was shut down in 1968 in lieu of a new section of the turnpike.
A lone table sits in a hallway in the abandoned Brownsville Hospital, which also served as a home for seniors until the mid-1980s.
5 Creepy Facts About Pennsylvania
- Now virtually a ghost town with just a handful of residents, Centralia has lost its population for good reason. The mine beneath the town has been on fire since May 1962. Experts, in fact, believe the fire could continue to rage for many more years.
- More than 50 Irish immigrants, hired to help lay railroad near Philadelphia, succumbed to the rapid spread of cholera in August 1932. Their bodies were buried unidentified in what is now known as the Duffy’s Cut Mass Grave. Death certificates were not even filed for the men. Today, their bodies have been reburied in West Laurel Hill Cemetery.
- On August 28, 2003, Brian Douglas Wells appeared at a PNC Bank in Erie, armed with a shotgun that looked like a cane. Tied to his chest was a bomb. If he wasn’t given $250,000 in 15 minutes, the bomb would go off. Wells believed his accomplices put a fake bomb on him. It was real, and it went off, killing him instantly.
- Miners went to the Darr Coal Mine as normal on the morning of December 7, 1907. At 11:30 a.m. the mine exploded, killing all 240 miners who were underground. The blast was so violent it shattered windows nearby.
- The movie, Foxcatcher, is based on the true story of Pennsylvanian John DuPont, from one of the wealthiest families near Philadelphia. DuPont trained Olympic wrestlers, including Mark and Dave Schutlz. A mentally fragile DuPont eventually shot and murdered Dave on a cold, snowy day outside of his mansion.
