We’ve all heard about the existence of the other world and the stories that come with it. But have you ever heard about Gatlinburg? This picturesque city in Tennessee is not just a beautiful destination, but also a place with a rich history and many secrets buried beneath its surface. Gatlinburg’s past is filled with mystery and intrigue, from tragic love stories to lingering ghostly figures in the cemeteries and old apartments. The Legends and the ghost tales make this palace an intriguing place for history buffs and ghostbusters. Whether you are a daredevil or love horror stories, the historical significance of the top 9 Haunted Places in Gatlinburg, Tennessee is something that will pique your curiosity.
About Gatlinburg
Image Credit: Don McCulley for Wikipedia
If you are an Orophile, you might have heard about the tiny yet beautiful city of Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Due to its geographic location, on the border of Great Smoky Mountains National Park along U.S. Route 441, Gatlinburg is a popular mountain resort tourist spot. Furthermore, It also serves as a basecamp for the Great Smoky National Park visitors yearly with warm Appalachian hospitality.
Gatlinburg is ideal for outdoor adventures, family fun, and making memories. It prides itself on its trekking trails amidst greenery, its heritage, and the arts, crafts, and shops that reflect that tradition. The town is also a gateway to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its diverse wildlife, ancient mountains, and rich cultural history. After sunset, Gatlinburg becomes more picturesque; one can enjoy stargazing, satisfy tastebuds in some traditional restaurants, or get energised by toe-tapping music.
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Haunted Places In Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Gatlinburg is a small yet picturesque town in Tennessee, US. From green meadows to smoky mountains, one can visit this town to enjoy its tranquil beauty. If you are a fearless traveller or like to explore ghost stories, look at these top 9 haunted places in Gatlinburg.
- Downtown Gatlinburg
- The Greenbrier Restaurant
- Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
- The Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg
- Great Smoky Mountains National Park
- Elkmont Ghost Town
- Cabin On Roaring Fork
- White Oak Flats Cemetery
- Cades Cove
- Holiday Inn Sunpress Resort Tower
1. Downtown Gatlinburg
Image Credit: Sarrail for Wikimedia Commons
Legends say the town of Gatlinburg is named after Radford Gatlin, a well-known and controversial figure in the town’s history. Gatlin moved to a downtown area and opened shops. Due to his fiery temper and bold personality, he had to flee from the city. It is believed that his spirit still haunts his former store in downtown Gatlinburg after his death. Many locals often reported strange occurrences like mysterious sounds and felt unseen eyes were watching them. The store, now a part of the downtown area, is a popular spot for ghost hunters and history enthusiasts. Thus, for all these reasons, it is considered one of the most haunted places in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.
Address: 115 Historic Nature Trail, Unit 1. Gatlinburg, TN 37738
Timings: Open 24 Hours
2. The Greenbrier Restaurant
The Greenbrier Restaurant is one of the most Haunted Places in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. As per locals, this restaurant has been haunted since the 1930s by a spirit of the bride’s name, Lydia. She was engaged to a local man, but the groom never showed up at the altar on the wedding day. This incident left her heartbroken, and she went to the restaurant cum lodge and hang herself. Mysteriously, after some days, the groom’s body was found to be mauled by an animal. Although the couple is long gone, people can still see a lady on the stairs, and some even hear her cry.
Address: 370 Newman Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States
Timings: 4:30–10 pm
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3. Ripley’s Haunted Adventure
Plan your visit to Ripley’s haunted house in Gatlinburg if you are a thrill seeker or love to explore spooky places to be part of one of the most adventurous yet frightening places. The casket manufacturing company shut down after the owner disappeared in 1926. In 1991, Ripley bought the empty, decrepit building and filled it with more frightening elements than already lurked within its aged walls. Since then, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure has provided eerie to thousands of visitors to the Smoky Mountains region. While entering the Ripely’s Haunted House Gatlinburg, Tennessee, iron elevator, stifle your fears as the doors slam behind you. Furthermore, the abandoned coffin factory will navigate your way through dark hallways and pitch-black corridors.
Address: 908 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Timings: 11 am–11 pm
4. The Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg
The Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg is the most haunted house in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. It is said to be haunted by the ghosts of a family who died in 1903, who went insane due to a series of tragic events and killed each other. This haunted house in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, opened in 1980 for people. The three-story haunted mansion provides a feeling of deepest fear as you walk through secret passageways, eerie dark corridors, winding staircases and spine-chilling chambers in this terrifying.
Address: 424 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Timings: 12–10 pm
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5. Huggins Hell in the Smoky Mountains
Huggins Hell in the Smoky Mountains is one of the places to avoid in Gatlinburg. Its name comes from its unforgiving landscape. This area is located on the steep south slope of Mt. LeConte and isn’t accessible by maintained trails. However, that doesn’t stop adventure seekers and explorers from travelling to Huggins Hell to experience this challenging wilderness. The area is known for its rugged terrain and steep cliffs, making it a popular spot for experienced hikers and mountaineers. At a trail of Smokies, several places have names that conjure up imagery of the devil and hell. It is believed that the spirits of hikers who went into the backcountry or off-trail national park areas were never to be seen again haunt the place. Thus, hiking at the Hugging hell is one of the scary things to do in Gatlinburg.
Address: Huggins Hell, Tennessee 37738, USA
Timings: N/A
6. Elkmont Ghost Town
Usually, the abandoned towns and cities feel spooky. There are many abandoned towns in the world, and Elkmonth is one of them. Elkmonth is a former resort town and logging community in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. In 1934, when the national park was established, residents had to decide whether they would sell their homes for total value and relocate right away, or they could sell their properties to the National Park Service for a discounted price and get to stay in their homes for the remainder of their lifetime. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park had about 70 historic buildings that were not maintained, so they deteriorated, and due to the large number of abandoned buildings, it was named the Ghost Town. Some say the area is haunted, and they felt a presence while exploring the buildings.
Address: Elkmont Ghost Town in Gatlinburg, TN.
Timings: Open 24 Hours
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7. Roaring Fork
If you are looking for one of the most Haunted Places in Gatlinburg, Tennesse, drive to Roaring Fork Motor Trail. Along with the scenic drive, the trail is known for its dark history and spooky encounters. It was once a thriving mountain community, and many former residents are buried in nearby cemeteries. Its back story is terrifying- Lucy, a young woman who died in a cabin fire in the early 1900s, believed to haunt the area. Visitors often claim to have seen her in the woods or standing in the doorway of an old cabin. Furthermore, strange noises, like whispers or footsteps, can be heard at night.
Address: Gatlinburg, TN, United States
Timings: NA
8. White Oak Flats Cemetery
Every large or small city or town has its cemeteries. At night, cemeteries become more spooky. White Oak Flats Cemetery, established in 1830, is one of the most haunted places in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. The cemetery is said to be haunted by the spirits of those who endured hardships during their lives. Visitors often reported hearing weird voices and seeing apparitions near the older graves, especially at night. Some believed the spirits were occupants of unmarked graves, searching for someone to recognise them so they could move on in peace.
Address: Fannie Farkle’s, Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, United States
Timings: Open 24 Hours
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9. Cades Cove
If you are looking for a list of the most haunted places in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, visit Cades Cove, a well-known location in the Smoky Mountains. As dusk approaches, the abandoned cabins, churches, and cemeteries make a spooky scene. Cades Cove Valley was once home to early settlers. Over the years, many cases of murder and tragedy have been reported at this place, and due to this, it is considered one of the places to avoid in Gatlinburg. Many people reported seeing glowing orbs floating over the graves and strange noises. Moreover, some have seen shadowy figures wandering near old homesteads and cemeteries.
Address: Cades CoveTennessee 37882, USA
Timings: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Best Time To Visit Gatlinburg
The best time to visit Gatlinburg depends on what activities you want to participate in. Here is a quick overview of when you should see:
Fall Season: September To October
September or October is the best time to visit Gatlinburg. Fall foliage can be witnessed during these two months, giving the tiny city a new look. Also, if you plan your visit at this time of the year, you will get perfect weather with stunning views and also be able to participate in autumn festivals.
Summer Season: June To August
If you want to visit the smokies, plan your visit to Gatlinburg in June, July, and August. Although these months are the peak season, if you are an adventure lover looking for great outdoor activities, it’s a great time to come and be a part of this vibrant adventure—from White-water rafting to river tubing.
Winter Season: November To February
During the winter season, from November to February, Gatlinburg becomes a winter wonderland. The great smoky mountain is covered with snow, allowing us to indulge in winter activities like downhill skiing and snowboarding. Furthermore, dazzling Christmas lights make the city more beautiful.
Spring Season: March To May
Visit Gatlinburg during the spring season to explore the serene greenery. From March to May, the weather for witnessing wildflowers in the Smoky Mountains may become more pleasant. During this season, an annual Wildflower festival called the “Spring Wildflower Pilgrimage” is celebrated, which draws the attention of hundreds of nature enthusiasts to Gatlinburg.
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How To Reach Gatlinburg
There are various ways to reach the picturesque city of Gatlinburg.
By Air: One of the most convenient ways to reach Gatlinburg is by air. The closest commercial airport is McGhee Tyson Airport in Alcoa, just 12 miles south of Knoxville. From there, one can take a taxi or public transport to Gatlinburg. Other airports are far from Gatlinburg, including Asheville Regional Airport, about 90 miles away, and Tri-Cities Airport in Blountville.
By Road: If you love road trips, you can drive from popular cities such as Pigeon Forge, Knoxville, Atlanta, Chicago, and Nashville.
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Whether you believe in ghosts or not, some incidents are beyond explanation. Every place has secrets beneath its surface; Gatlinburg is one of them. Who can think a tiny and picturesque city has some spooky places that are eerie? If you are a daredevil or curious person who loves to explore buried stories, plan your next trip to the USA and explore the haunted places in Gatlinburg; add an experience to your life.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Haunted Places In Gatlinburg
What are some of the best haunted places in Gatlinburg?
There are many haunted places in Gatlinburg, among them the Story of Downtown Gatlinburg, The Greenbrier Restaurant, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure, The Mysterious Mansion of Gatlinburg, Elkmont Ghost Town, Cabin On Roaring Fork is famous.
Can One visit Gatlinburg’s haunted places?
Yes, many haunted places in Gatlinburg are open to visitors, including the Gatlinburg Ghost Tour, White Oak Flats Cemetery, Rocky River Motel, The Greenbrier Restaurant, LeConte Lodge, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Elkmont, and Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail. It is advisable to visit in a group rather than alone.
Are any Ghost Tours available to explore the Haunted Places in Gatlinburg, Tennessee?
Depending on one's preferences, one can take several ghost tours in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, including top-rated Ghost & Haunt Tours, Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg, and Appalachian GhostWalks.
What are the things one should avoid to do in Gatlinburg?
What is the story behind the haunting of the Gatlinburg space needle?
The Gatlinburg Space Needle is a 400-foot-tall observation tower built in 1969. Over the years, several employees and visitors have reported strange occurrences such as sudden ghostly appearances and weird noises. According to locals, the tower is haunted by the spirits of employees who died falling from the building.
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With a passion for travelling, and carving beautiful stories of stunning locations I chose my profession as a content writer. The unique blend of creativity and strategy ensures that each narrative takes readers on a journey to their desired destination. With distinct locations and unique vibes, I strive to deliver captivating content that speaks to the hearts of readers.
