A Haunted Road Trip Through Tennessee: The Spookiest Stops by Region
Tennessee is packed with haunted history, from the blues-soaked streets of Memphis to the misty peaks of the Smokies. Whether you’re a ghost-hunting enthusiast or just love a good spooky story, this state offers plenty of chilling stops to explore.
Planning a road trip through Tennessee means you can visit legendary theaters, eerie cemeteries, and historic mansions—all with their own ghostly tales to tell.
1. Earnestine & Hazel’s (Memphis)
Ghosts and good times collide at this legendary Memphis dive bar, which once served as a drugstore and boarding house with a colorful past. Locals swear the upper floors are haunted by spirits from decades gone by, and the jukebox has been known to play songs on its own.
The atmosphere here is gritty, authentic, and delightfully eerie—especially late at night when shadows dance along the old walls. You can grab a famous Soul Burger and soak in the haunted energy any evening they’re open.
2. Elmwood Cemetery (Memphis)
Established in 1852, this sprawling cemetery is the final resting place of Civil War soldiers, yellow fever victims, and Memphis legends. Walking through its tree-lined paths feels like stepping back in time, with elaborate Victorian monuments and crumbling mausoleums at every turn.
Docent-led tours share fascinating and eerie stories about the people buried here, making history come alive in unexpected ways. After sundown, the atmosphere grows even more haunting, with long shadows and rustling leaves adding to the mystery.
It’s a beautiful yet chilling stop for history buffs and ghost hunters alike.
3. Woodruff-Fontaine House Museum (Memphis)
Built in 1870, this stunning Victorian mansion is a time capsule of elegance and mystery. Visitors report strange occurrences like unexplained footsteps, doors that open on their own, and the feeling of being watched in certain rooms.
The museum offers guided tours that highlight both the home’s rich history and its ghostly reputation. During the Halloween season, special exhibits and events lean into the spooky vibe, making it an ideal road-trip destination for thrill-seekers.
4. The Orpheum Theatre (Memphis)
Since 1928, this grand theater has hosted everything from vaudeville acts to Broadway shows—and a resident ghost named Mary. Legend says Mary is a young girl who haunts the balcony, often spotted sitting in seat C-5 during performances.
Staff and performers have shared countless eerie encounters over the years, from cold spots to mysterious giggles echoing through empty halls. The Orpheum is still an active venue, so you can catch a show while keeping an eye out for paranormal activity.
5. Tennessee State Capitol (Nashville)
Perched on a hill overlooking downtown Nashville, this stately building has witnessed assassinations, political intrigue, and plenty of ghostly sightings. Haunted walking tours regularly stop here to share tales of lingering spirits, including former politicians and Civil War-era figures.
Visitors have reported strange sounds, shadowy figures, and unexplained cold drafts in certain corridors. The building’s long and dramatic history makes it a natural hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts.
Even if you’re just touring for the architecture, the ghost stories add an extra layer of intrigue to your visit.
6. Ryman Auditorium (Nashville)
Known as the Mother Church of Country Music, the Ryman has a haunted reputation that matches its legendary status. Built in 1892 as a tabernacle, it later became home to the Grand Ole Opry and has hosted countless music icons.
Ghostly encounters include phantom footsteps on the stage, unexplained voices in empty rooms, and the scent of old perfume lingering in the air. Special haunted-history tours are occasionally offered, giving fans a chance to explore the darker side of this beloved venue.
7. Oaklands Mansion (Murfreesboro)
This antebellum home played a significant role during the Civil War and has plenty of ghostly tales to match its storied past. Built in the early 1800s, Oaklands served as a headquarters for both Union and Confederate forces at different times.
During the fall season, the mansion offers special nighttime tours that explore its haunted history, complete with candlelight and spine-tingling stories. Guests have reported seeing shadowy figures in period clothing and hearing unexplained noises throughout the house.
8. Gatlinburg Ghost Tour (Gatlinburg)
Nestled in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Gatlinburg offers easy and entertaining ghost tours that wind through its charming downtown streets. Multiple tour operators run nightly walks, sharing tales of tragic accidents, restless spirits, and mysterious happenings.
The combination of mountain fog and historic buildings creates the perfect spooky backdrop for ghost stories. Tours are family-friendly and informative, making them a fun addition to any Smokies vacation.
9. The Read House Hotel (Chattanooga)
Built in 1926, this elegant hotel is famous for its haunted Room 311, where a tragic suicide is said to have occurred decades ago. Guests and staff report strange happenings throughout the building, from flickering lights to unexplained sounds in empty hallways.
The hotel offers tours of Room 311 by request, allowing brave visitors to experience the paranormal activity firsthand. Even if you don’t stay overnight, stopping by to hear the stories is well worth the detour.
