It’s spooky time in the Scenic City! From ghost tours and haunted houses to local legends and more, there’s plenty of haunted history and spine-tingling activities to satisfy your ghostly cravings this Halloween season. Below, we’ve compiled a list of some of the best ghost stories and haunted activities to try in Chattanooga.
Chattanooga Ghost Stories
From downtown Chattanooga to the top of Lookout Mountain, there’s no shortage of creepy tales and local legends. Read on to hear the stories of Annalisa, Anna, Old Green Eyes, and Augusta.
Content warning: Mentions of suicide and death
The Read House's Room 311
Established in 1872, the Read House has had an enduring legacy here in Chattanooga, surviving through the Civil War, the Great Depression, and more American history. Now, after being renovated and restored to its 1920s glory, this is a popular spot for those visiting Chattanooga.
But what about its haunted history? Many believe that room 311 in the Read House is haunted by the ghost of former guest Annalisa Netherly. Legend has it that Annalisa was beheaded in room 311’s bathroom by her jealous lover in 1927. Guests have reported spooky paranormal activity in the room, including flickering lights, shadowy figures, and unexplained noises.
Room 311 was restored to its original 1920s state, complete with vintage furnishings, a clawfoot tub, and a physical key. For the brave souls among us, guests can ask for a tour of room 311 or even rent the room on select weekends throughout October.
Patten Chapel
Located in the middle of UTC’s campus, Patten Chapel is a popular choice for university activities, memorial services, weddings, and more; however, it also has a supposedly haunted history.
As the story goes, a young bride named Anna was set to be married in Patten Chapel, but on her wedding day, her groom failed to show up. Anna was so devastated to be left at the altar that she hung herself in the chapel. Now, her ghost allegedly haunts the chapel, with many people saying they’ve heard her wailing from heartbreak in the chapel and in the bridal suite.
For the brave souls who want to meet Anna, Chattanooga Ghost Tours hosts a UTC/Cemetery Ghost Hunt that makes a stop at the eerie Patten Chapel.
Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
Just over 20 minutes from downtown Chattanooga, you can also find a local ghost story at the Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park. While ghostly sightings at the cemetery are not uncommon, one of the most well-known tales is the legend of Old Green Eyes.
Legend has it, Old Green Eyes is the ghost of a former soldier who roams the Chickamauga Battlefield. He’s rumored to have lost his head from a cannonball, and now he frantically searches the battlefield for the rest of his body.
Hunter Museum of American Art
Before the Hunter Museum came to be, there were two mansions along the bluff: the Hunter’s mansion, which would later become the museum, and another mansion at 15 Bluff View. Originally belonging to Benjamin Franklin Thomas, who opened the first Coca-Cola bottling plant in the city, the mansion eventually fell into the hands of wealthy socialite Augusta Hoffman.
With no kids of her own, Augusta invited her niece and nephew to live with her, but eventually, Augusta mysteriously disappeared. Loved by the community, people began to notice her absence, but the niece and nephew informed the town that Augusta had run away to be married. Years later, the house was sold, and Augusta’s remains were found in the house’s crawlspace. The niece and nephew were arrested for her murder, but it was later overturned for lack of evidence.
After 15 Bluff View was torn down in 1970, people have reported paranormal activity, including sightings of a woman’s apparition, inside and around the museum. Allegedly, Augusta’s ghost remains trapped, forced to never leave the area in which she was murdered.
Legend has it, Old Green Eyes is the ghost of a former soldier who roams the Chickamauga Battlefield. He’s rumored to have lost his head from a cannonball, and now he frantically searches the battlefield for the rest of his body.
Chattanooga’s Haunted Activities
Now that you’re an expert on Chattanooga’s local ghost tales, check out the haunted activities below for a ghost encounter or scary Halloween experience of your own.
Chattanooga Ghost Tours
If you’re looking for an interactive ghost hunting experience, check out the Chattanooga Ghost Tour, founded in 2007. Chattanooga Ghost Tours offers three different haunted experiences: a murder and mayhem haunted history and tour, a UTC/cemetery ghost hunt with equipment, and a walking ghost tour and hunt combo.
Depending on your preferred tour, prices can range from $19.99 to $25.95 for adult tickets. Ghost hunt souvenirs and equipment are also available for purchase before or after your tour.
Ghost City Tours
If you’re looking for more ghost tour options, check out Ghost City Tours. With two different tours, both kids and adults can experience a spine-chilling tour through downtown Chattanooga. The Ghosts of Chattanooga Tour is family and kid-friendly whereas the Cursed in Chattanooga Tour is for adults only (open to guests ages 16 or older).
Tickets range from $9.99 to $24.99 for the family-friendly tour and are $34.99 for the adults-only tour.
Dread Hollow
Starting in late September and running through November 1st, Dread Hollow is one of Chattanooga’s most popular haunted houses. Complete with three different haunted houses, and three haunted escape rooms, this stop is perfect for a spooky night out.
Tickets for the haunted house are $25 each and include access to all three houses: Rosemore Sanitorium, Camp Dread, and Dread Hollow High School. Escape rooms are $15 per person for each room. Parental discretion is advised for all Dread Hollow activities.
Lantern Tours: Ghost Walk Edition
Each year, from early September through Halloween, Ruby Falls hosts their Lantern Tours: Ghost Walk Edition. This after-hours lantern tour comes complete with thrilling ghost stories from Ruby Falls’ 95-year history. Guests will walk to the waterfall by lantern light and see the sites of different spooky encounters. This event is not suitable for children younger than 12 years old.
Ringgold’s Haunted Depot
Just over the state border, in Ringgold, Georgia, check out the city’s haunted depot. For two weekends in October, this depot is the “perfect destination for all fright levels.” Guests can enjoy an all-ages hayride, ghost tours of the downtown area, cozy bonfires, horror movies, and much more.
Tickets can be purchased online and on-site at the event, with prices ranging from $5 to $15 depending on the activity. The event will also feature live music from local performers.
