This Creepy Day Trip Through The Spookiest Places In Ohio Is Perfect For Fall

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Kick off your trip with a visit to the most haunted village in Ohio. Waynesville is a quaint, historic town with a population of approximately 2,834—but it’s rumored to have more than 30 haunted places. Founded in the late 1700s, Waynesville has a rich history as one of the oldest towns in southwest Ohio. While you're here, visit the Museum at the Friends Home for more information about ghost tours and even ghost hunter classes.

Many notable locals and Ohio governors are buried at this large graveyard, which was established in 1848. One of the most infamous private mausoleums in this cemetery is the Hayden Mausoleum, located by the pond at the edge of the graveyard. Legend has it, if you knock on one of the mausoleum's doors after dark, some members of the family will knock back.

While you're in Columbus, stop for an exceptional lunch with a side of history at Elevator Brewery and Draught Haus. Once upon a time, this historic restaurant and brewery was called The Clock. Named after a famous orange clock that once hung outside, the restaurant became widely known for a bone-chilling haunting. Legend has it, Colonel Randolph Pritchard, a frequent guest of the establishment and a known womanizer, was lured out into the street just outside the restaurant and stabbed by a woman on a cold night in February of 1909. Allegedly, the clock stopped at the exact time of his death at 10:05 p.m.—and hereafter continued to stop at this precise time on a regular basis.

Walk off your lunch with a haunted hike. Stretching across Vinton County and ending in Athens County is a historic rail trail that leads to an abandoned coal mining town. Along the Moonville Rail Trail, you'll find the infamous Moonville Tunnel and what's left of its surrounding ghost town. Legend has it, the ghost of a man who was killed instantly by a train passing through the tunnel wanders along the track bed near the old tunnel at night. (For a detailed map of the Moonville Rail Trail, click here).

End your day with a visit to one of the most historic towns in Ohio. The historic riverboat town of Marietta is known as the first permanent settlement of the Northwest Territory. It’s a beautiful town, known for its Victorian-style houses, European ambience, brick streets, sternwheelers—and ghosts. Lafayette Hotel is a historic treasure with plenty of paranormal activity. This old-world hotel dates back to 1918, and is rumored to be haunted by its former owner. The third floor is infamous for paranormal activity. Consider ending your trip by spending the night—if you dare.