Haunted Hotels in Tennessee You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Tennessee with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
Cities in Tennessee with haunted hotels
19 Haunted Hotels Found in Tennessee
Belle Air Mansion
1148 Gallatin Pike S, Nashville, TN 37215, USA (Note: Address corrected based on external search. Original list might be off)
Belle Air Mansion, dating back to 1832, is believed to house spirits connected to its long and storied past, including the Harding-Jackson families and events through the Civil War. Common spectral encounters involve a 'Lady in White,' believed to be a former mistress of the house watching over it. Other reports include sounds of children playing, unexplained footsteps on staircases, period music faintly heard, and feelings of presence throughout the mansion, particularly within original sections and upper floors. The mansion's own blog embraces these stories as part of its historical fabric.
Shepard Inn Bed and Breakfast
136 E Meeting St, Dandridge, TN 37725, USA
Dating back to the 1820s, the Shepard Inn (often referenced as Sheppard Inn or related names) likely accumulated spectral residents from its long history in historic Dandridge. Stories often include figures seen in period attire, possibly former family members or guests. Given Dandridge's history, some tales tie spirits to the Civil War era or early settling periods. Experiences include feelings of presence, items slightly moved, cold spots, or disembodied voices consistent with residual hauntings in very old properties. It's often described as gentle haunting by those tied to the house.
Prospect Hill B&B
806 Prospect Rd, Mountain City, TN 37683, USA
Prospect Hill Bed and Breakfast Inn is believed to retain spirits connected to its long history, possibly former owners or residents from the late 19th/early 20th century. While specifics are anecdotal, reports include feelings of being watched, gentle knocks, unexplained cold spots, or muffled voices when no one else is present. The historic nature of the house and its relatively secluded location contribute to its haunted atmosphere. Some sources suggest a benevolent female presence and sometimes childlike energy.
LeConte Lodge
250 Apple Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862 (Base Camp/Reservations); Lodge itself accessible only by hiking in Great Smoky Mountains National Park
LeConte Lodge's paranormal association often centers around a 'Little Girl' ghost. She's described as possibly being dressed in white or period clothing, seen fleetingly in or near the cabins, especially late at night or early morning (around 3:33 AM is sometimes cited). She doesn't interact negatively but might observe guests. Another tale involves a feeling of presence attributed to one of the original caretakers. Being isolated and steeped in history within the national park enhances these spectral legends.
The Hermitage Hotel
231 6th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37219, USA
The Hermitage Hotel boasts several spectral residents. A recurring story involves a 'Lady in White' associated with room 912 or seen roaming hallways; sometimes linked to a jilted lover story or a past tragedy. Another presence is felt in the grand ballroom and men's restroom (sometimes described as playful or mischievous). Staff have reported strange occurrences like calls from unoccupied rooms, items moved, and unexplained sounds. Its long history hosting Nashville's elite and political figures fuels speculation about various spirits connected to its past.
The Historic Commodore Hotel
114 E Main St, Linden, TN 37096, USA
Built in 1939, The Historic Commodore Hotel in Linden seems to embrace its spectral stories. Some staff and guests suggest activity linked to its past, possibly related to former long-term residents or notable events in the small town. Reports are usually of benign presences: feelings of being watched, sounds of movement or faint music from empty rooms/hallways, especially the 'speakeasy' area or certain guest rooms. The hotel acknowledges its haunted reputation, contributing to its unique character, sometimes mentioning specific rooms having more activity.
General Morgan Inn
111 N Main St, Greeneville, TN 37743, USA
The General Morgan Inn, built on the site of a former inn/tavern with deep Civil War history, is believed to host multiple spirits. Common reports speak of ghostly children playing in hallways (Rooms 207, 208, 306 cited), spectral soldiers possibly from its time as hospital/quarters during the Civil War, and a 'Lady in White' associated with railroad-era tragedies. Guests experience disembodied voices, phantom footsteps, unexplained cold drafts, and items moving. Some spirits are tied to the building's varying past uses and historical figures associated with Greeneville.
Hale Springs Inn
110 W Main St, Rogersville, TN 37857, USA
As Tennessee's oldest inn, Hale Springs Inn is steeped in history and ghostly lore. Multiple entities are reported. One prominent spirit is 'Sarah', believed to be a former owner's daughter, sometimes appearing or making her presence felt. Another could be a 'Confederate soldier', given Rogersville's Civil War history. Guests and staff report phenomena like phantom footsteps in empty hallways, doors opening/closing, voices when no one is visible, and figures seen briefly. Each room potentially has its own tale, reflecting nearly two centuries of history within its walls.
The Peabody Hotel
149 Union Ave, Memphis, TN 38103, USA
While globally renowned for its ducks, The Peabody Hotel carries less-publicized ghostly tales. Some staff and guests have whispered about encounters, particularly on the 12th floor or near older service areas. Stories are vague, possibly linked to past patrons or long-term residents from its many decades. One recurring theme involves a former guest or manager who refuses to 'check out', manifesting as flickering lights, faint sounds in empty rooms, or fleeting shadows. However, compared to other listed hotels, the Peabody's ghost stories are more understated and less central to its identity.
Carnegie Hotel
1216 W State of Franklin Rd, Johnson City, TN 37604, USA
While a modern reconstruction, the Carnegie Hotel is said to inherit spiritual attachments from the original historic hotel or the land itself. Some suggest entities tied to the era of the first Carnegie, perhaps patrons or figures connected to Johnson City's railroad and industrial boom. Reported experiences are often subtle: unease in certain areas, temperature fluctuations, faint whispers, or the feeling of being watched. There isn't a single famous ghost, rather a general sense of 'presence' sometimes noted by guests, particularly those sensitive to such atmospheres.
Historic Rocky Waters Inn
333 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN, 37738
Opened in 1936, the Historic Rocky Waters Inn offers more than scenic views; guests report strange phenomena. Experiences include loud, unexplained knocks at the door with no one present, resembling a 'ding-dong ditch' scenario. More disturbingly, a guest noticed their clock began running counterclockwise, followed by sighting a bright orb flying through the room, prompting them to check out prematurely. Another guest reported a terrifying incident of seeing a woman crawl out from the bathroom doorway while lounging in their room; upon screaming, the woman retreated whence she came.
Union Station Hotel
1001 Broadway, Nashville, TN 37203, USA
The Union Station Hotel is famously haunted by 'Abigail', believed to be the spirit of a young woman who died tragically at the station during World War II, either awaiting or farewelling a soldier. Her apparition is frequently reported in Room 711 (sometimes referred to as the 'Abigail Room') and areas of the original station structure. Witnesses describe seeing a forlorn figure, feeling sudden drops in temperature, hearing unexplained weeping, or objects moving. Some stories say she threw herself onto the tracks; others claim heartbreak led to her demise within the station building before it became a hotel.
Gaylord Opryland Resort
2800 Opryland Dr, Nashville, TN 37214, USA
The Gaylord Opryland Resort is rumored to be haunted by the 'Black Lady' or 'Woman in Black'. Stories suggest she roams the older sections of the hotel, particularly near the Magnolia Lobby & Delta Atrium. Some tales connect her to a past resident or guest whose history involved tragedy on or near the property before the resort's massive expansion. Guests and staff have reported sudden cold spots, unexplained noises, and fleeting glimpses of a dark figure, especially during late hours. While not officially acknowledged by the resort, the persistence of these tales among employees adds to the mystique.
The Read House Hotel
107 W MLK Blvd, Chattanooga, TN 37402, USA
Room 311 is the focal point of hauntings at The Read House. It is believed to be inhabited by the spirit of Annalisa Netherly, who according to legend, was tragically murdered or committed suicide in the room in the 1920s or 30s, possibly by a jealous lover or husband. Guests and staff report strong paranormal activity: apparitions, disembodied voices/footsteps, flickering lights, running water, and objects being moved. The hotel keeps Room 311 restored to its period setting and it's notoriously difficult to stay in undisturbed, with claims that spirits dislike smoking, men, or disruptions.
Historic Eureka Inn
127 W Main St, Jonesborough, TN 37659, USA
Being one of Tennessee's oldest inns (est. 1797), the Historic Eureka Inn likely carries residual energy from centuries of guests and events. Specific documented legends are less sensationalized, but typical encounters reported in such historic structures include feelings of presence, especially in older rooms or common areas late at night. One may hear faint footsteps on wooden floors when alone, doors creaking or seeming to move slightly without draft, or subtle temperature changes. Spirits could be tied to early travelers, local historical figures, or events from Jonesborough's extensive past.
Old Creek Lodge
680 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
Specific named ghosts aren't widely publicized for Old Creek Lodge, but like many Gatlinburg properties near natural elements (like the creek) and historical areas, it may experience residual energy. Guests looking for paranormal might report vague feelings of being watched, slight disturbances like flickering lights, or odd noises attributed to something beyond normal building sounds. Its connection via appalachianghostwalks suggests some local lore or reported incidents place it among locations with potential paranormal interest, likely linked to the land or area's overall history rather than a major documented event within the lodge.
Edgewater Hotel and Conference Center
402 River Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
The hauntings at Edgewater Hotel are often linked to a tragic story of a young girl. According to Gatlinburg Haunts, a little girl was 'wronged by her parents' (details vary/unspecified, possibly implying neglect or an accident leading to death). Her spirit is said to linger. Guests might experience unexplained noises, objects moving slightly, or a child's faint laughter or crying. Some feel an eerie presence in hallways or certain rooms, though it's generally not considered malevolent.
Rocky Top Village Inn
1140 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738, USA
The inclusion of Rocky Top Village Inn in haunted lists is less about specific famous spirits and more about general ambiance and isolated incidents reported over time, common in older strip motels. Being in a historically rich area like Gatlinburg, some believe energies linger. Reports might include uneasy feelings in certain rooms, odd noises, or transient shadows. TennesseeHauntedHouses suggests it's among places with potential activity, which could stem from numerous past guests or events on/near the property rather than a singular documented traumatic event or named entity.
Thomas House Hotel
520 East Main Street, Red Boiling Springs, TN 37150
The Thomas House Hotel, listed as the #2 most haunted in the US by CNN, is steeped in paranormal lore. Built over a natural spring and limestone, near an ancient Native American trail intersection, it's believed to be a spiritual conduit. The site witnessed fires, rumored murders, suicides, and housed a cult. Room 37 is a paranormal hotspot, attributed to 'Sarah', possibly Sarah Cloyd. Other apparitions include a whistling Mr. Cloyd, phantom children (including Edwin Rush, who drowned nearby), shadow figures, moving beds, disembodied voices, and unexplained cold spots, investigated by shows like Ghost Hunters and Portals to Hell.
Haunted History of Tennessee
Tennessee's haunted history is as varied as its landscape, from the misty peaks of the Appalachian Mountains to the soulful banks of the Mississippi River. The entire state is a vast memorial to the Civil War, having hosted more battles than any other state besides Virginia. The bloody fields of Shiloh, Stones River, and Chickamauga have left a permanent spiritual scar, and the ghosts of soldiers are said to still march across the land, their phantom cannon fire echoing through the centuries.
Beyond its wartime sorrows, Tennessee is home to one of the most terrifying and well-documented hauntings in American history: the Bell Witch. This malevolent entity tormented a family in the early 1800s and has since become a cornerstone of paranormal folklore. Combined with the rich, spooky traditions of Appalachian "haints" and the mournful blues spirits of Memphis, Tennessee's haunted heritage is a chilling trifecta of military, folkloric, and musical ghosts.
Other Haunted Attractions in Tennessee
- The Bell Witch Cave (Adams): This is the site of America's most infamous haunting. The spirit, known as the Bell Witch, tormented the Bell family in the 19th century and is even said to have been witnessed by future president Andrew Jackson. Visitors to the cave and cabin report being touched, hearing disembodied whispers, and feeling an intense, malevolent presence. Learn more and plan a visit at the Bell Witch Cave website.
- Shiloh National Military Park: The site of one of the Civil War's bloodiest battles, Shiloh is a hotbed of paranormal activity. Rangers and visitors report seeing phantom soldiers in uniform, hearing the sounds of battle, and smelling gunpowder. The "Bloody Pond," where soldiers came to drink and die, is said to glow with an eerie red light at night. More information is available at the National Park Service site.
- Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary (Petros): Known as the "End of the Line," this former maximum-security prison housed Tennessee's most violent criminals for over a century. Now open for tours and paranormal investigations, the spirits of inmates and guards are said to still roam its oppressive cell blocks. Visitors report hearing cell doors slam, disembodied screams, and being touched by unseen hands. Book a tour at their official site.
- Earnestine & Hazel's (Memphis): Once a brothel, this legendary dive bar is often called one of the most haunted bars in America. The spirits of women who lived and died upstairs are said to still linger, and the old jukebox is famous for starting and stopping on its own, often playing spooky tunes. It's a must-visit for a literal taste of Memphis's haunted history.
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Tennessee
- Follow the Civil War Ghost Trail: Tennessee is a paradise for Civil War buffs and ghost hunters. Create a road trip that connects major battlefields like Shiloh and Stones River, and stay in historic inns that once served as hospitals along the way.
- Brave the Bell Witch Legend: A trip to the Bell Witch Cave in Adams is a rite of passage for paranormal enthusiasts. Read up on the legend before you go to fully appreciate the chilling history of the site.
- Explore Haunted Music History: From the country ghosts of Nashville's Ryman Auditorium to the blues spirits of Memphis's Beale Street, Tennessee offers a unique opportunity to connect with the spectral side of American music.
- Listen for Mountain "Haints": When traveling through East Tennessee and the Great Smoky Mountains, pay attention to local folklore. The mountains are full of their own unique ghost stories and legends passed down through generations.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Tennessee
Are haunted hotels in Tennessee safe to stay in? Absolutely. Tennessee is famous for its Southern hospitality, and its haunted hotels are no exception. They are safe, comfortable, and the ghost stories simply add a thrilling layer of history to your stay.
What is the most famous haunting in Tennessee? The Bell Witch haunting is by far the most famous in Tennessee and one of the most well-known in American history. The story of the Bell family being tormented by a violent, unseen entity has terrified people for over 200 years.
Are many of Tennessee's hauntings related to the Civil War? Yes, a significant portion of the state's hauntings are tied to the Civil War. As a major battleground, the entire state is dotted with former battlefields, military hospitals, and cemeteries where the spirits of soldiers are said to remain.
Where can I find ghosts of music legends in Tennessee? Nashville and Memphis are your best bets. Nashville's Ryman Auditorium is famously haunted by country music icons like Hank Williams Sr., while the bars and clubs of Memphis's Beale Street are said to hold the spectral energy of blues pioneers.
What time of year is best for a haunted tour of Tennessee? Autumn is the perfect time for a spooky trip. The fall foliage in the Appalachian Mountains is breathtaking, and the crisp, cool weather provides the ideal spooky atmosphere for exploring cemeteries and battlefields.