Top haunted attractions in the Pennsylvania Alleghenies
By Sarah Taylor
It’s no surprise that the Pennsylvania Alleghenies are a magnet for ghost hunters and those intrigued by the supernatural. This region is home to numerous historic towns and landmarks, many with chilling tales that weave together the past and the paranormal. From the remnants of former coal towns to ancient battlefields, the stories that echo through the Alleghenies offer a unique glimpse into the lives of those who once roamed these hills.
For those eager to explore the haunted heritage of the PA Alleghenies, numerous ghost tours and paranormal events are available, often led by knowledgeable guides who share spine-tingling tales of the region’s spectral residents. While not all of these places’ lore may be verifiable, these attractions are great for anyone looking to delve into the spooky season. Here’s where to go.
Ghosts and Goblins at Lincoln Caverns – Huntingdon County
41 years of “hauntingly good times”
Evening boat rides tell haunting stories of the cavern’s history and the legends and myths of the local Alleghenies region. Guests have recounted eerie encounters, feeling a chill as they wander through the limestone passages, with shadows that seem to dance just beyond the light.
Where: 7703 William Penn Highway – U.S. Route 22, Huntingdon, Pa. 16652
Learn more here.
Mishler Theatre – Blair County
Altoona’s haunted gem
How haunted is the Mishler Theatre? Haunted enough to be the star feature of season one, episode two of the Ghost Hunters TV series. Visitors and staff have reported eerie experiences, including unexplained footsteps, disembodied voices and the chilling presence of a woman in a white dress seen on the balcony, believed to be linked to a tragic event from the theater’s past. Shadowy figures during rehearsals suggest that the ghosts of both former performers and audience members linger, fully aware of the theater’s ongoing story.
Where: 1208 12th Avenue, Altoona, PA 16601
Learn more about the theater here and its rumored ghostly actors here.
Haunted Hollow – Somerset County
12 nights of fright!
Haunted Hollow is celebrating its 28th year of spine-chilling entertainment, drawing thrill-seekers with its eerie trails and haunted attractions. Visitors love the unsettling feeling as they navigate through fog-laden paths, encountering ghostly figures with chilling sound effects that heighten the suspense. With its rich history of local legends and interactive scares, Haunted Hollow continues to offer a truly immersive experience that keeps adrenaline junkies returning year after year.
Where: 126 Woodland Road, Rockwood, PA 15557
Learn more here.
Jean Bonnet Tavern – Bedford County
Unexplainable hauntings happen on this historic property
The Jean Bonnet Tavern, a historic landmark in Bedford County dating back to the 1760s, is renowned for its haunting tales and spectral activity. Visitors report encounters with the spirit of a highway robber who was hanged on the property, as well as poltergeist phenomena with objects moving on their own and eerie sensations of being touched. With its rich history intertwined with ghostly lore, the tavern remains a captivating destination for those seeking both historical insights and supernatural experiences.
Where: 6048 Lincoln Highway, Bedford, PA 15522
Learn more about the tavern here and the supernatural history here.
Juniata River Ghost Self-Tour – Mifflin County
Ten stops of pure historic horror and hauntings
The Juniata River Ghost Self-Tour invites adventurers to explore haunted sites across the Alleghenies region, each steeped in local lore. Stops include the eerie Green Gables and the historic Lewistown Train Station, as well as the haunting grounds of Potter’s Field and the serene Heritage Gardens.
Where: Lewistown: Green Gables, Lewistown Train Station, Old Courthouse, Heritage Gardens, Potter’s Field; Reedsville: Briar Rose B+B; Millroy: Toll Keeper’s House; Dry Valley: Lewistown Armory, Pheasant Valley, The CrossRoads; McVeytown: Ivring Hill, Mattawana Cemetery
Learn more here.
Omni Bedford Springs Resort – Bedford County
In a place where presidents have stayed, the magical properties of this resort have made even nonbelievers believe
The Omni Bedford Springs Resort, built in 1796, is rich in history and rumored to be haunted by several spirits, including past soldiers and the ghostly voice of a young girl often heard near the swimming pool. Guests have reported strange occurrences, such as showers mysteriously turning on in the night, adding an eerie twist to their stay in this storied venue that has hosted numerous U.S. presidents and dignitaries. With its connection to sacred Iroquois and Shawnee healing grounds, the resort’s ghostly tales only enhance its allure, as visitors seek both relaxation and a brush with the supernatural.
Where: 2198 Sweet Root Road, Bedford, PA 15522
Learn more about the hotel’s history here and the ghost sightings here.
Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park – Centre County
This historic park has attracted much more than just regular tourists
Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park is steeped in eerie ghost stories that attract paranormal enthusiasts. One of the most captivating legends involves a Seneca Indian named Nita-nee, who is honored in the names of Nittany Mountain and the Nittany Lions of Penn State, and her forbidden love for French trapper Malachi Boyer, who was captured and thrown into the cave after they ran away together. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly figures suspended in mid-air, seemingly offering protection, along with strange mists. This hauntingly historic site was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
Where: 222 Penns Cave Rd, Centre Hall, PA 16828
Learn more about the history here.
The Ghost Town Trail – Cambria County
Well, it’s right in the name…
The Ghost Town Trail derives its name from the remnants of coal-mining communities that once thrived along its route. This 49-mile “rails to trails” path not only showcases stunning natural beauty, including mountain streams and vibrant wildflowers, but also passes by significant historical features like old iron furnaces and coal-loading tipples. As hikers traverse the trail, they encounter the echoes of the past, making the journey both a scenic adventure and a poignant reminder of the ghost towns that shaped the region.
Where: There are many ways to follow this trail. These are two of the main stem trail heads: in Ebensburg at (40.481565,-78.726928) and in Nanty Glo at (40.471959,-78.83597).
Learn more here.
The Haunted Acres – Cambria County
Question everything with terror
Haunted Acres is the destination for thrill-seekers looking to experience spine-tingling scares during the Halloween season. The attraction features a variety of haunted experiences, including eerie trails and chilling mazes, designed to immerse visitors in a nightmarish atmosphere. With its blend of local legends and elaborate hauntings, Haunted Acres has become a must-visit spot for those seeking a frightfully fun adventure.
Where: 207 Mindish Rd, Sidman, PA 15955
Learn more here.
Penn State University – Centre County
One of the most haunted colleges in the nation
Penn State made the 2023 U.S. News list of haunted colleges, with students and faculty reporting a variety of supernatural experiences across the campus. Notable haunted locations include Schwab Auditorium, where the spirits of former President George Atherton and a Revolutionary War soldier are said to roam, and the Pattee and Paterno Library, where students have reported chilling sensations and the apparition of a young woman murdered there in 1969, in the stacks. Atherton Hall and Runkle Hall are also hotspots for ghostly activity, with sightings of Frances Atherton’s spirit, an old resident assistant nicknamed “Gumshoes,” along with poltergeist occurrences like objects moving mysteriously and eerie sounds disturbing the quiet.
Where: University Park
The Scotia Barrens – Centre County
A hauntingly cool history
The Scotia Barrens, located just northwest of State College, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and haunting history, making it an intriguing destination in the fall. Once a bustling mining town, its remnants — like crumbling foundations and rare tree species — hint at the vibrant community that once thrived there, now overshadowed by a serene and eerie landscape. As autumn leaves blanket the ground, visitors may feel an otherworldly presence amid the cool, crisp air, creating an enchanting atmosphere perfect for exploring the ghostly echoes of its past.
Where: The hike begins right behind a gate along Scotia Range Road at roughly 40.800420, -77.946291.
Sarah Taylor is a communications professional studying telecommunications at Penn State University. She can be reached at sarah.st.taylor@gmail.com.
