The West Virginia Paranormal Trail is a statewide adventure designed for thrill-seekers, history buffs, and lovers of the supernatural – and it doesn’t need to be Halloween or spooky season to partake!
Created by the West Virginia Department of Tourism, this self-guided trail connects some of the state’s most haunted and mysterious locations, offering participants a chance to explore eerie landmarks, learn about local legends, and earn prizes along the way.
A Unique Way to Explore West Virginia
The West Virginia Paranormal Trail blends history, folklore, and adventure into one unforgettable experience. Whether exploring haunted prisons, mysterious battlefields, or ghostly towns, participants gain a deeper appreciation for the state’s rich and eerie heritage—all while earning rewards for their curiosity and courage.
West Virginia Paranormal Trail: An Overview
The Paranormal Trail invites visitors to travel across West Virginia and check in at designated haunted sites using the official West Virginia Paranormal Trail 2025 Passport. Each stop reveals chilling stories of ghostly encounters, unexplained phenomena, and historical mysteries that have shaped the state’s folklore. The trail is free to join, and participants can earn exclusive rewards by visiting multiple locations.
How It Works
- Download the Passport: The trail is managed through the free WV Paranormal Trail Passport, available for both iOS and Android. While you do have to go online and “checkout,” the cost is completely free. Once you’re all signed up, you can add it to your phone’s home screen, like an app.
- Check In: Use the app’s GPS feature to check in at each haunted location. I love this feature as it tells you how close you are to another location if you’re not familiar with an area. Additionally, you only need to be nearby to check in.
- Earn Prizes: Collect digital points and physical rewards as more stops are visited. More on that below.
- Rewards History: Participants can check their rewards right in the passport.
West Virginia Paranormal Trail Stops and Locations
The West Virginia Paranormal Trail includes 22 destinations across the state, each with its own spine-tingling story.
1. Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum – Weston
A massive 19th-century psychiatric hospital known for ghostly apparitions, disembodied voices, and shadowy figures. Guided ghost tours are available year-round.
2. West Virginia Penitentiary – Moundsville
This Gothic-style prison operated from 1876 to 1995 and is infamous for its violent history and paranormal activity. Visitors report cold spots, whispers, and sightings of former inmates.
This was my first official stop on the trail, and it was magnificent. The desolate, rundown beauty is right up my proverbial street.
3. Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park – Princeton
An abandoned amusement park from the 1920s built on a Native American burial ground, is said to be haunted by the spirits of children who died there in tragic accidents.
4. Cryptid Mountain Miniature Golf – Morgantown
A fun way to learn about the West Virginia cryptids and spooky stories that go along with them. It’s 13 glow in the dark, very well designed and decorated mini golf holes and my daughter and I loved our visit.
5. Seneca Caverns – Riverton
Once it was several underground chambers used by indigenous people; today, it’s a place to book a tour and hopefully hear spooky sounds, and to learn about the caverns’ history. Tours may be booked in advance.
6. Ghost Tour of Harper’s Ferry – Harper’s Ferry
On this paid tour, you’ll learn about the strange, creepy past of the town via tour stops at the old cemetery and homes with a past. Filled with tales of ghostly legends, it’s a must-do when you’re nearby.
7. The Greenbrier Valley Theater – Lewisburg
If you’ve never seen the tale of The Greenbrier Ghost performed live and on stage at the Greenbrier Valley Theater, it’s a creepy tale of an actual 1897 trial, using spectral evidence to convict. Of course, you don’t have to see the show to check in: as long as you’re in the direct area, you can claim points.
8. Shepherdstown Ghost Tour -Shepherdstown
Walking around a pretty city while hearing tales of hauntings, creepy spots, and ghosts? I’m down.
9. Hotel Morgan – Morgantown
Close to celebrating its 100th birthday, Hotel Morgan is not only beautiful, it’s a spot for paranormal and haunted tales.
10. Flatwoods Monster Museum – Sutton
Another West Virginia cryptid, the Flatwoods Monster is featured in this museum. Filled with retellings of sightings and reports, it’s small but packs a punch.
11. Apollo Civic Theater – Martinsburg
Offering spooky October productions, folks who’ve visited swear some specters never left. Want to test-drive the hauntings for yourself? you can rent out the theater for the night.
12. Shepherdstown Mystery Walks – Shepherdstown
Ghost tales and creepy places are the highlight of this tour. If you love WV history, you’ll get plenty of that, too.
13. The Haunted Haymond – Sutton
Love a good overnight ghost hunt? You can prebook a session and see just how spooky the Haymond is for yourself.
14. The Historic Glen Ferris Inn – Glen Ferris
Eat, stay, or tour the lovely Glen Ferris Inn to see if “The Colonel” shows himself.
15. Flinderation Tunnel #2- Salem
Not Salem, Massachusetts, but in Salem, West Virginia, the Flinderation Tunnel is my type of creepy-meets-beauty. While Brandy Gap Tunnel is its real name, it was given the nickname thanks to the hardships at construction.
16. The West Virginia Bigfoot Museum – Sutton
Exhibits show everything from hair samples to documented sightings of this massive cryptid.
17. Silver Run Tunnel #19 – Cairo
Part of the North Bend Rail Trail, Silver Run Tunnel #19 is the home of “The Woman in White.” If that wasn’t enough, eerie sounds and shadows make for a creepy trifecta.
18. Hempfield Tunnel – Wheeling
I’ve personally visited this one, and it’s as beautiful as everyone makes it out to be.
19. Carnegie Hall – Lewisburg
Footsteps, whispers, and flickering lights are part of the deal when you visit Carnegie Hall. Celebrating 123 years, it’s not only historical, it’s beautiful.
20. Mothman Museum – Point Pleasant
If you’ve seen the movie “The Mothman Prophecies” like I have, you know of the creepy tale of the cryptid invading small-town America. This museum is all about the Mothman and those who have seen it.
21. The Old Hospital on College Hill – Williamson
Whispers and lingering staff are what you’ll hope to see and hear when you visit this century-old, rundown hospital.
22. Bigfoot Statue – Elk River Trail
Coming in at a massive 10 1/2 feet tall, the Elk River Trail Bigfoot is as impressive as it is detailed.
Prizes and Rewards
Participants earn points for each check-in and can redeem physical prizes through the app:
- 300 Points: Paranormal Trail sticker
- 500 Points: Keychain
- 700 Points: Trucker Hat with Paranormal Trail Logo
- All Stops: An official Paranormal Trail lantern
Prizes are mailed after verification through the app.
Cost and Accessibility
Participation in the West Virginia Paranormal Trail is completely free. Some individual locations may charge admission for tours or special events, but checking in at each site through the app does not require a purchase. The trail is open year-round, allowing visitors to explore at their own pace.