The Best Southern Haunted Road Trip: Spine-Chilling Stops

This Halloween season, take a haunted road trip in the southern US. The Southern US is steeped in history, offering spooky landscapes, haunted towns, and folklore. From haunted plantations to former battlegrounds, there’s plenty to see in the South. 

Here are four haunted US cities to visit on a road trip from Savannah to Nashville on the spookiest road trip.

Where to Do a Southern Haunted Road Trip?

The Southern U.S. is known for its ghost stories and eerie legends, making it the perfect region to explore haunted mansions, eerie battlefields, and otherworldly sites.

From Savannah’s ghostly charm to Nashville’s shadowy venues, here’s a guide to the best-haunted cities to visit on your Southern road trip.

1. Savannah

Ready to go ghost hunting? Great!

First up of haunted destinations is Savannah.

The Hostess City in the 13th colony witnessed countless tragedies and unspeakable deaths. As a critical port city, it suffered numerous invasions.

Deadly fires and horrific Yellow Fever epidemics also mark its calamitous past.

Although this city refused to die and survived its tragedies, it is forever haunted by ghosts. 

The Colonial Park Cemetery is undoubtedly one of the creepiest and most haunted places in the city, and only the bravest of hearts dare to visit at night.

During the Civil War, soldiers altered the cemetery grounds, sleeping in burial vaults, exhuming bodies, and swapping headstones.

This crime gave the souls of those resting there no rest, and they have been tortured and upset ever since, angrily lashing out at visitors. 

Go on a Savannah ghost tour and learn all about Savannah’s ghostly structures, such as The Lindsay & Morgan Company Building, which seems unable to house anyone on its upper floors that are apparently haunted.

Built on top of the city’s first gallows, ghastly apparitions of those who lost their lives here frequently visit the building. 

2. Atlanta

Atlanta is the epicenter of the haunted South and a great destination for ghost sightings. Atlanta was founded in 1837 at the end of the Western and Atlantic railroad. 

Mysterious tales and spooky stories surround the Saint Mark United Methodist Church, where ghosts occupy empty pews during prayer and otherworldly spirits hold their own private prayer sessions. 

Most visitors to Atlanta stop by the Fox Theatre for entertainment, but it’s also a magnet for ghost hunters and paranormal investigators. Various historical figures, including the ghosts of long-gone artists, continue to spend time here and cause eerie happenings. 

A visit to Atlanta would be incomplete without a stop at the Biltmore Ballrooms in the Biltmore Hotel. Its tall, towering facade looms early above Peachtree Street.

The apparition of a faceless boy has been seen peering out from the rooftop down to onlookers below.

Perhaps he was one of the victims of the 1970s plane wreck, which occurred not far from the spot, killing over 100 passengers, but nobody has ever gotten close enough to ask him. 

Peachtree Street was known for housing criminals and thieves and is now famous for its spooky sights.

Just east of Peach Street lies St. Mark’s, a chapel first opened as a mission in 1872. There have been numerous reports of ghostly encounters at night on its grounds. 

3. Chattanooga

This booming commercial town was built on the gateway of the Trail of Tears. Located along the Tennessee River, ghosts and water flow through this town and historic district. 

Ross Landing in Chattanooga is where hundreds of indigenous Americans gathered to begin the infamous Trail of Tears as part of the Indian Removal Act.

As you walk on Ross Landing, listen closely to hear their wails and cries of desperation. Many of them did not make it, dying of hunger or disease along the route. 

The Read House Hotel, which was built on the site of the first Chattanooga inn, was an important stopover point for people taking long journeys on the Tennessee Valley Railroad.

The ghosts of murdered railroad workers, prostitutes, outlaws, and mangled soldiers walk along the railroad and ride the trains, spending a night at this inn just like when they were alive. 

4. Nashville

Music City also has its fair share of ghouls and ghost stories.

The haunted side of Nashville is spoken about in hushed whispers due to the spooky experiences that keep happening here.

But, those who spend enough time in Music City are well aware of the strange occurrences taking place behind the scenes. 

It goes as deep as the Tennessee State Capitol, where its architect, William Strickland, was entombed within its walls and is said to haunt the building at night.

You can visit his body in the north portion of the wall, but beware; his ghost can visit you anywhere. 

William Strickland also designed the Downtown Presbyterian Church, and rumors say it’s haunted.

Whether it’s William Strickland stopping by to admire his work or ghosts of people buried in the cemetery outside, there’s definitely something eerie about this place. 

Even the Ryman Auditorium, Nashville’s top music venue, has a hidden underside. Converted from a place of worship to an entertainment venue, it’s said to be a haunted house by the ghosts of past music stars, including famous people and wannabes who just never made it. 

Good to Know Before Embarking on a Spooky Road Trip

A haunted road trip through the South can be thrilling, but a bit of preparation goes a long way to avoid any real-life scares! Here are a few things to keep in mind:

Check Local Regulations and Open Hours

Some haunted sites, especially cemeteries or older buildings, may have limited visiting hours or may be closed to the public at certain times.

Double-check opening hours and any local regulations for each stop on your itinerary to avoid disappointment or unplanned detours.

Safety First

While the spooky allure of an abandoned building or remote graveyard is tempting, remember that these places can sometimes be unsafe. Stick to well-known tours, and avoid wandering into restricted areas.

And don’t forget a flashlight—a necessity for nighttime visits!

Respect Historical Sites

Many haunted locations are also historical landmarks that hold significant cultural and emotional value.

Respect any “No Trespassing” signs, and refrain from touching or disturbing artifacts or gravesites, no matter how curious you are.

Keeping the spirits happy can only help, right?

Pack for the Adventure

Ghost tours and nighttime explorations may require a few essentials.

Bring layers, as some of these locations can get chilly after dark, and a solid pair of shoes for exploring rough or uneven terrain.

Capture the Paranormal Responsibly

If you’re hoping to catch any spooky encounters on camera, ensure that photography is allowed. Some haunted sites have strict rules about flash photography, which can also disturb other visitors.

And remember, whether you capture anything paranormal or not, the memories you make will be unforgettable.

Wrapping Up

That marks the end of this ultimate haunted road trip to the South. 

The Southern US truly is an epicenter for haunted houses, ghost tours, and paranormal activity.

Whether you choose to visit Savannah or any other spot on our list is completely up to you, but you’re guaranteed a paranormal experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

I hope you have a spooky and fun trip full of supernatural activity. 

Check out my ultimate guide on Packing a Carry-On like a Pro, so you don’t forget anything for the trip.

As usual, feel free to comment any questions or ideas down below.

All the very best,
//Josephine