These 7 Hikes in the U.S. Are Beautiful, but They’re Also Haunted on a Crazy Level

Hiking and exploring America's National Parks is one of life's most rewarding activities. Fresh air, sunshine, and exercise always make for a memorable outing and the perfect way to admire the great outdoors. That is, unless you happen upon something eerie. Most wouldn't associate paranormal activity with hiking trails, although these seven spots may be the exception. These places are some of the most beautiful and historical in the country, but there's no escaping their haunted nature.

1. Devil's Den at Gettysburg (Pennsylvania)

It comes as no surprise that the site of the Civil War's bloodiest battle would have a haunted tale or two. Devil's Den is a reverent and historic site in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. Its hill is covered in boulders and was once used strategically by the infantry. Today, you might see a few ghosts haunting the premises, according to popular legend. "The Hippie" is one of the most famous ghosts spotted at Devil's Den. He appears barefoot and wears a floppy hat. See for yourself why Devil's Den is one of the most haunted places in America. Visit the NPS website for the Devil's Den hike location.

2. Norton Creek Trail at the Great Smoky Mountain National Park (North Carolina)

The eerie fog of the North Carolina Smoky Mountains has been the source of more than a few ghost stories, and it's easy to see why. One of the most haunting tales is that of a settler who was killed along the banks of Lake Fontana while looking for his daughter. Apparently, hikers on the Norton Creek Trail, on the North Carolina side of the national park, can see glimpses of this same light.

3. Grouse Lake at Yosemite National Park (California)

Grouse Lake is one of the most beautiful areas in this California National Park. The legend associated with this lake is bone-chilling. Hikers who have accessed the water via Chilnualna Falls Trail report hearing the sound of yelping. Native American folklore speaks of a young boy who died in the lake and now calls out to hikers for safety, only to pull them in if they come near.

4. Great Sand Dunes National Park (Alamosa, Colorado)

Great Sand Dunes National Park is a breathtaking landscape of light-colored sand dunes. In fact, the tallest sand dunes on the continent are located here, and at least 60 UFO sightings have occurred here. In the 1970s, an outbreak of unexplained cattle mutilations began here and made headlines. Star Dune is a 750-foot lookout spot in the park, making for an excellent UFO-spotting location. Is this truth out here at Great Sand Dunes National Park? Find out for yourself.

5. Mammoth Cave National Park (Kentucky)

Mammoth Cave is often referred to as one of the most haunted natural wonders of the world. Before the Civil War, a slave by the name of Stephan Bishop conducted many explorations into this massive Kentucky cave. Today, his ghost is frequently seen during guided cave tours. Just imagine being in such a dark space with only the light of lanterns to guide you. There was even a time in the nineteenth century when Mammoth Cave served as a tuberculosis hospital. Nearby, visitors have reported hearing the haunting sounds of disembodied coughs. Have you explored this natural wonder in Kentucky yet?

6. Batona Trail at the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve

For centuries, rumors of a horrifying creature known as the Jersey Devil have circulated in the hauntingly beautiful woods of the New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve. This beast is known to have the body of a kangaroo with the head of a dog, wings of a bat, horns, and a tail. Many believe this bizarre creature lives somewhere along the 52-mile Batona Trail. If you plan on hiking this trail, I advise you to download AllTrails to your phone — you don't want to get lost here!

7. Transept Trail at the Grand Canyon National Park (Arizona)

The Grand Canyon has seen a multitude of tragedies. A hiking accident that killed a father and son in the 1920s was no exception. And the wife, upon hearing the news, committed suicide in one of the park's lodges. According to legend, she can still be seen in a white and blue floral dress moving about campgrounds on stormy nights. Spooky!

Have you had any unusual experiences at these National Park sites? We'd love to hear your stories. Be sure to check out more information on These Beautiful But Deadly National Parks.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own spooky hiking trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.