7 Most Infamous Towns Across the U.S. Perfect for the Spooky Season

'Tis the season for all things spooky! Whether you're intrigued by the paranormal or hoping to have your own encounter, there are plenty of haunted places in the U.S. that are perfect for spooky season. Some of these towns fully embrace their ghost stories and feature them prominently on their tourism boards with a sense of paranormal pride. Others take a more reserved approach, perhaps due to the ornery nature of whatever lurks around.

If you're interested in attempting a connection with the other side, visit one of these haunted towns in the U.S. this spooky season.

1. Salem, Massachusetts

Salem might just be the best town for spooky season. You can’t mention Salem and not think of the 1692 witch trials; it’s certainly their “claim to fame.” During the fall (especially around Halloween), Salem becomes a mega-popular tourist attraction, with hundreds of travelers visiting to learn the lore. The Salem Witch Trials Memorial, located just off of Charter Street, is the iconic memorial to the 20 victims of the witch trials.

2. New Orleans, Louisiana

New Orleans and the paranormal go together like red beans and rice. The Vieux Carré has an infamous history filled with ghosts, ghouls, and even a Voodoo Queen or two. Wander around the 78 square blocks of the French Quarter long enough, and you’ll undoubtedly stumble into a building or two with a paranormal past. Care for a few spirits with your spirits? Swing by Lafitte’s Blacksmith Shop Bar and you might just catch a glimpse of the ghost of Jean Lafitte, America’s most infamous pirate. This historic bar is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to spooky stories—take a ghost tour and learn all about the spooky side of New Orleans. 

The French Quarter isn't the only haunted place in New Orleans. The city's cemeteries also have a paranormal history. You can visit most cemeteries on your own, but there's one in particular that you'll need a licensed guide to enter—St. Louis Cemetery No. 1. Established in 1789, it’s the oldest cemetery in New Orleans. It's worth your while to take a ghost tour through the tombs and learn the chilling stories yourself.

3. Savannah, Georgia

Savannah is a city overflowing with history, mystery, and intrigue. One of Savannah’s best-known ghost stories is the tragedy of Alice Riley, the first woman hanged in Georgia. Another is Little Gracie Watson, a child born in 1883 who passed away from pneumonia in 1889. She is buried in Bonaventure Cemetery, and legend has it that the little girl's ghost lingers within the cemetery. Even if you’re not looking for her ghost, the Bonaventure Cemetery is worth a visit. Its beautiful Spanish moss-draped live oak trees and beautiful Gothic statues were the inspiration for several literary and cinematic pieces, including John Berendt’s 1994 best-selling book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil. 

4. Gettysburg, Pennsylvania

Many cities and towns with a heavy Civil War history have some paranormal claim, and Gettysburg is no exception. The site of one of the most famous Civil War battles is renowned for its ghost stories, paranormal activity, and inexplicable occurrences. Many visitors to Gettysburg report seeing the apparitions of Civil War soldiers and even hearing the faint sounds of battle. One of the most famous ghost stories of Gettysburg is the Lady in White, a widow dressed in a flowing white dress who roams the battlefield under the moonlight searching for her husband.

There are plenty of Gettysburg ghost stories to keep you up at night. Even outside of the battleground, the town of Gettysburg seems to be overflowing with paranormal activity.

5. St. Elmo, Colorado

Located high in the mountains of Colorado, St. Elmo was founded in 1880 and flourished by 1890. At its peak, the town had five hotels, dancing halls, saloons, a newspaper, and 2,000 residents. Surrounded by some of the most successful gold and silver mines in the area and being a stop on the Denver, South Park, and Pacific Railroad, St. Elmo was poised for continued growth. Regretfully, the fate of mining towns is usually the same—when the mines dry up, people leave. 

Today. St. Elmo is considered to be one of the best-preserved ghost towns in the country (although a handful of people still live there). The sounds of a bustling town have been replaced with the sounds of chipmunks scurrying around (if you know, you know), yet the buildings remain a visible reminder of what once was. 

Though the ghost town is spooky enough, there is one prominent ghost story: Annabelle. Annabelle grew up in the town and even stayed behind as one of the last two remaining residents once the mines dried up (her brother was the other resident). Cut off from the outside world, Annabelle began to make some questionable decisions. She stopped bathing, stopped taking care of the buildings, and stopped cleaning… she just stopped caring.

She would wander around the town with a rifle at her side, filthy from her lack of hygiene, claiming she was protecting the town. She earned the nickname “Dirty Annie,” and both she and her brother were taken to a mental institution, but were released.  Annabelle passed away in a nursing home in 1960, though many have claimed to have seen her ghostly figure wander through the buildings of St. Elmo.  Perhaps she is protecting the town in the afterlife? 

6. Bangor, Maine

Is anyone surprised that a town where Stephen King lived (pictured above) would have a ghost story or two? The city’s connection to the famous author has undoubtedly contributed to Bangor’s reputation for the paranormal. A few of the most haunted places in Bangor include the Bangor House Hotel, The Hill House, West Market Square, and The Lucerne Inn. You can even take a tour of many of the places that inspired King’s stories and actual film locations. Even if you don’t have a paranormal encounter, there are plenty of things to do in Bangor to keep you entertained.

7. East Bethany, New York

Though you may have never heard of East Bethany before, you may have heard about the Rolling Hills Asylum that was built here. Originally called the Genesee County Poor Farm, this facility provided a home for orphans, widowed woman and their children, the disabled, mentally ill, and also minor criminals. Residents were called inmates, and had “chores” including everything from building coffins to raising farm animals. The facility operated from 1827 until 1974, though for its last 10 years, it transitioned into the Genesee County Nursing home.

Sharon Coyle purchased it in 2009. It operates as a museum and hosts many paranormal events and ghost tours. During spooky season, it is easily one of the most popular places in New York, and events sell out quickly. Visit the Rollings Hill Asylum website to learn more. 

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip to one of these haunted towns in the U.S. using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.