If you’re drawn to the eerie, haunted, and downright strange, Georgia offers a wealth of spine-tingling sites and experiences. Here are ten must-see destinations for fans of the macabre:
1. Bonaventure Cemetery (Savannah)
A hauntingly beautiful cemetery draped in Spanish moss, Bonaventure is famous for its ghost stories, ornate tombs, and Southern Gothic atmosphere. It’s been named one of the scariest haunted places in America, and is featured in the book and film Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
2. Colonial Park Cemetery (Savannah)
Dating back to 1750, this cemetery is the final resting place for thousands, including victims of duels and epidemics. Visitors report ghostly apparitions, mysterious sounds, and the infamous spirit of Rene Rondolier, said to haunt the grounds.
3. Lake Lanier (Buford)
Beneath this popular lake lies a flooded town and submerged cemeteries. Locals whisper of a curse, frequent drownings, and sightings of the “Lady of the Lake”—a ghostly figure said to wander the bridge at night.
4. Windsor Hotel (Americus)
This grand Victorian hotel is notorious for its haunted third floor, where guests and staff report hearing a child’s footsteps and seeing apparitions. Room 333 is especially infamous for unexplained phenomena.
5. The Pirates’ House (Savannah)
One of Savannah’s oldest buildings, this restaurant was once a pirate hangout. Tunnels beneath the building were used for kidnapping, and visitors report shadowy figures and ghostly voices.
6. Hay House (Macon)
A stunning 19th-century mansion with a reputation for paranormal activity. Visitors and staff have reported apparitions, flickering lights, and unexplained noises, including the ghost of Mary Ellen Felton.
7. Oakland Cemetery (Atlanta)
Atlanta’s oldest cemetery is home to thousands of graves, including Civil War soldiers. Reports include sightings of uniformed spirits, military roll calls at night, and other supernatural phenomena.
8. Zombie Farms (Athens)
A haunted walking trail through dark woods, filled with zombies and creepy scenes. This seasonal attraction is known for its immersive horror storytelling and eerie atmosphere.
9. Netherworld Haunted House (Stone Mountain)
One of the top-rated haunted attractions in the U.S., Netherworld features Hollywood-level special effects, terrifying actors, and elaborate sets. It’s a must-visit for thrill-seekers during Halloween season.
10. Graveface Museum (Savannah)
A museum dedicated to the world of oddities, true crime, and the macabre. Exhibits include serial killer memorabilia, sideshow artifacts, and other unsettling curiosities.
Bonus: Urban Legends and Cryptids
Altamaha-ha: Georgia’s own river monster, said to lurk in the Altamaha River.
Old Green Eyes: A spectral creature haunting Chickamauga Battlefield.
Crybaby Bridge: Local bridges with tales of ghostly children and unexplained cries.
Whether you’re exploring haunted cemeteries, historic hotels, or bizarre museums, Georgia is a treasure trove for those who love the creepy and macabre.
Sources:
- https://www.ghostsandgravestones.com/savannah/haunted-cemeteries
- https://ghostcitytours.com/savannah/haunted-places/colonial-park-cemetery/
- https://paigemindsthegap.com/haunted-places-in-georgia/
- https://traveltriangle.com/blog/haunted-places-in-georgia/