Haunted Hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee You Can Stay In
Discover the most haunted hotels in Gatlinburg with real ghost stories and paranormal activity
5 Haunted Hotels Found in Gatlinburg
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.
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.
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.
Haunted History of Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Nestled in the heart of the Great Smoky Mountains, one of the oldest mountain ranges on Earth, Gatlinburg is a town steeped in deep-rooted Appalachian folklore and ancient Cherokee legends. The famous "smoke" that gives the mountains their name is a mystical fog that clings to the peaks and valleys, and is said to hold the spirits of early settlers, Native American tribes, and mysterious creatures of the forest. The profound isolation and harsh realities of pioneer life have given rise to centuries of chilling ghost stories.
The folklore of the Smokies is rich with terrifying figures, including the tale of Spearfinger, a witch-like entity from Cherokee lore with a stone finger she used to pierce the livers of her victims. These ancient legends are joined by the more personal and tragic stories of the early settlers. The spirits of pioneers who faced incredible hardship, disease, and loneliness are said to be forever tied to the historic cabins, mills, and cemeteries scattered throughout the mountains, making Gatlinburg a place where history and hauntings are one and the same.
Other Haunted Attractions in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- Appalachian Ghost Walks: Discover the haunted history of Gatlinburg with Appalachian GhostWalks. Their award-winning Ghost Tours of Gatlinburg blend real history with spine-tingling ghost stories, bringing the town’s haunted past to life. Join experienced guides as you explore historic streets, hear true ghost tales, and uncover Gatlinburg’s most mysterious secrets.
- Ghost and Haunt Tours of Gatlinburg: With a town so rich in spooky folklore, a guided tour is the best way to experience it all. These popular walking tours lead you by lantern-light through the town's darkest corners, sharing chilling tales of its most famous spectral residents, from the tragic pioneer girl Lucy to ancient mountain spirits.
- Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail: This scenic loop road just outside of downtown takes you past several well-preserved and reputedly haunted pioneer homesteads. Most famously, visitors report seeing the ghostly figure of a young woman named Lucy wandering the woods near where her family's cabin once stood before she tragically died in a fire. The Ephraim Bales Cabin is another hotspot where strange lights and apparitions have been seen. Official Website
- White Oak Flats Cemetery: As one of the oldest cemeteries in the region, this is the final resting place for many of Gatlinburg's original founding families, such as the Ogles and Reagans. It is a known hotspot for paranormal activity, with visitors reporting seeing strange mists, hearing disembodied whispers, and capturing ghostly images among the weathered 19th-century headstones.
- Mysterious Mansion: A Gatlinburg institution for decades, this classic year-round haunted house attraction has its own legends of being genuinely haunted. While the scares inside are man-made, staff and paranormal investigators have reported unexplained noises, eerie feelings, and even sightings of a shadowy figure long after the last guests have fled in terror for the night. Official Website
Travel Tips for Haunted Hotel Stays in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
- Take a Guided Ghost Tour: Gatlinburg's legends are best told by a local expert. A lantern-lit walking tour through the heart of the city is an essential and perfectly spooky part of any visit to the Smokies.
- Explore the Historic Cabins: Drive the Roaring Fork Motor Nature Trail or visit nearby Cades Cove to see the preserved pioneer homesteads. Imagining the harsh, isolated lives of the early settlers in the quiet woods is an atmospheric and chilling experience.
- Listen to the Mountains: Find a quiet spot on a scenic overlook at dusk or on a quiet hiking trail. The deep silence of the Great Smoky Mountains, combined with the rolling fog, can be an incredibly eerie and profound experience where you feel the presence of the past.
- Be Respectful of the Land: The Great Smoky Mountains are sacred in Cherokee tradition and are a cherished National Park. Whether you're visiting a historic cemetery or hiking a trail, be respectful of the history and the spirits that may still call the area home.
FAQ about Haunted Hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee
Are haunted hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee safe to stay in? Yes, of course! They are popular and charming hotels, cabins, and lodges known for their mountain hospitality. Their ghostly guests are a beloved part of the unique Appalachian folklore that makes the area so special.
What is the most haunted hotel in Gatlinburg, Tennessee? While one historic downtown inn is famous for its tragic ghostly bride, several other hotels and cabins in and around Gatlinburg have their own well-documented spirits. The town's deep and often sorrowful history ensures there are plenty of haunts to go around.
Do haunted hotels in Gatlinburg offer ghost tours? The city's haunted hotels are always the main attractions on the local ghost tours. Companies like Ghost and Haunt Tours of Gatlinburg are experts in the local legends and will lead you right to the most paranormally active spots.
Can kids stay in haunted hotels in Gatlinburg, Tennessee? Most hotels in Gatlinburg are very family-friendly. The local ghost stories are often tied to history and Appalachian folklore, which can be a fun and spooky adventure for older kids and teens.
What time of year is best for haunted hotel stays in Gatlinburg, Tennessee? Autumn is absolutely spectacular. The world-famous fall foliage in the Smoky Mountains, combined with the crisp mountain air and the lead-up to Halloween, creates an unbeatable spooky atmosphere for a ghost hunt.