Numerous ghost stories and legendary hauntings have been reported throughout Hawkins County, Tennessee, including several locations in and around Rogersville. Popular sites include historic buildings and an infamous tunnel with multiple legends associated with it. For an organized exoperience, an Appalachian GhostWalk tour of Rogersville is also available.
Not every haunting was written down. These 22⅔jwjjjjjkkk live in whispers—stories passed along back roads, at grave fences, and beside creeks after dark. Some were never meant to be remembered, only felt. What’s pinned here is folklore: places where something lingered long enough for people to notice… and long enough to warn others.
Old Creek Mill Site (Big Creek area – oral tradition) An early grist mill long gone to floods. Hunters and fishermen tell of grinding sounds and voices carrying over the water at dusk, as if the mill never accepted it was finished. I'm guessing that this story or local legend is the same as Amis Mill. The photo is the dam at Amish Mill. No other mill is found on Big Creek.
The county seat, settled in 1775, and the second-oldest town in Tennessee.
A historic house known for its unique architecture and rumored hauntings, attracting those interested in local legends and ghost The Clay-Kenner House in Rogersville, Tennessee, has a ghost story associated with a phantom black horse. In the early 1900s, a legend claimed that the sound or sight of a black, riderless horse was a premonition of death for members of the Clay family. A sighting was reported in 1957, the year the last Clay to live in the house passed away. The house is a featured stop on the historic "Haunted Historic Rogersville GhostWalk" tour, offered by Appalachian GhostWalks. The tour includes ghost stories of other historic sites in Rogersville. Haunting: Known for intense paranormal activity—cold spots, shadow figures, and whispers. Believed to be haunted by former residents and Civil War soldiers.
“Coffee at the Kyle” (Kyle House / historic home on Main) Lore/hauntings: the house is what people whisper about—old-home energy, stories swapped on ghost tours. Great “daytime normal / nighttime nope”
Highland Cemetery While specific legends for the Highland Cemetery itself are less detailed in search results, the cemetery does contain a designated Slave Cemetery section. Historically, places associated with tragedy are often subjects of ghost stories and hauntings. Highland Cemetery is a historic site, and burials include Civil War soldiers. It also serves as the burial site for PFC Lewis E. Price, a World War II soldier whose remains were identified and returned to Rogersville in 2018.
Haunting: Apparitions of nurses and patients seen in the basement and old surgical rooms. Lights flicker, and objects move on their own.
The Overton Lodge facing the county courthouse is the oldest continually operating Masonic Lodge in Tennessee. It is listed on the National Register of Historic Places as part of the Rogersville Historic District. It is along Main St. which used to be US11W and TN1 A Civil War soldier reportedly died on the steps. Visitors hear marching boots and see a shadowy figure pacing the front.
share.googleRotherwood, New Canton, Stony Point, War Gap, Austin's Mills, and Persia. The county is characterized by its location on the Holston River and its history as a major transit route
Thomas Amis Mill is a historic site 36.3458, -82.8317 (Rogersville area) History & notes: Built by Captain Thomas Amis in the 1780s as part of his frontier settlement — included a grist mill, saw mill, and dam on Big Creek, along with tavern/fort/store This is one of the earliest milling sites in Hawkins County, predating many other structures. East Tennesee Visitors Guide The original mill isn’t standing as a working mill today, but the site, dam ruins, and historic grounds remain incorporated into the Amis Mill historic property/tour area. Haunting Lore : There aren’t widely published ghost stories tied to Amis Mill specifically — but anything that old (especially frontier mills with hardship and conflict history) is ripe for restless-spirit folklore, phantom water sounds, echoing wheel/footstep tales, and unexplained cold spots. Those are the kinds of reports you’ll hear from locals or heritage tour guides if you poke around. Because Thomas Amis was involved in early settler-Native conflict zones and Revolutionary war era service, some versions of oral legend hint at lingering “old mill energy” after dark
Surgoinsville has a history of paranormal activity, according to folklore and local tales. Reports have included sightings of a female spirit, thought to be the ghost of a previous tenant, who can sometimes be heard wearing high heels and clomping upstairs. The building once housed a Justice of the Peace, where civil matters were conducted. It also served as a temporary morgue, sometimes holding bodies until burial, as the store sold funeral supplies. The current owners, Johnny and Teresa Greer, have converted the space into a bluegrass auditorium and stage. The building still features Teresa Greer's large antique collection, which is available for browsing and purchase.
easttennesseevisitorsguide.comThis is a private family cemetery on land originally settled in 1780 by Henry Burem. Haunting: Restless spirits of early settlers and Confederate soldiers. Strange mists and glowing orbs reported near the oldest graves.https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/2506271/burem-cemetery Location: The cemetery is situated on what was Mill Bend Farm, located under a cluster of trees near barns. Access requires permission, as it is on private property near the intersection of Burem Road and War Valley Road. Access: Visitors must seek permission from the landowner, Roger Stewart, who owned the property as of July 2013
Visitors and guides report unexplained sounds in the cave passages.
Historic courthouse rumored to be haunted by Civil War soldiers and prisoners.
Abandoned mill houses where residents once reported strange lights and shadow figures.
Historical East Hill Cemetery, established in 1857, is uniquely situated directly on the state line between Bristol, Tennessee, and Bristol, Virginia. As one of the most historic sites in the area, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and serves as the resting place for over 4,000 individuals, including:Bristol's Founding Fathers: Figures such as Joseph Anderson and Samuel Goodson.Veterans: More than 300 veterans are buried here, including Revolutionary War hero General Evan Shelby. It's been is service for 160+ years, 👻East Hill Cemetery is widely considered the most haunted location in Bristol. Local historians and visitors have reported hundreds of sightings and unexplained sounds on the grounds since its founding in 1857. POPULAR LEGENDS and SIGHTINGS 👠THE WOMAN IN PINK: One of the most famous stories involves an out-of-town visitor who saw a woman in a pink gown. The figure pointed toward a specific shrub before vanishing; when the visitor looked closer, she found her great-grandmother's grave—who had been buried in a pink dress. 🎖️GENERAL EVAN SHELBY: The Revolutionary War hero's spirit is said to still wander his former hunting grounds, even appearing to people before the cemetery was officially established. 🔥THE BURNING TREE GHOST: On rainy nights, witnesses have reported seeing a tree that appears to be on fire. Those who approach to investigate find no evidence of fire or heat. 🚸PHANTOM CHILDREN: Passersby have reported hearing the sounds of children playing on cold, snowy nights. Some witnesses have even seen small white figures moving through the graveyard. Historic graves where visitors report eerie sounds and shadows 📍 Learn how to support East Hill Cemetery here: https://wcyb.com/news/local/east-hill-cemetery-leaders-need-publics-help# Donations & Volunteering: You can contact the board at easthill12@myyahoo.com or visit their official website.Mailing Address:East Hill Memorial Cemetery AssociationPO Box 1132Abingdon, VA 24212.
Cemetery known for reports of ghostly lights and apparitions near the mausoleum. East Lawn Funeral Home & Memorial Park in Kingsport, Tennessee, is located in an area steeped in Appalachian folklore and famous hauntings.Area Lore and Nearby Hauntings. East Lawn was established in 1954 on combined family farmland. While official paranormal investigations of East Lawn are rare, some locals have shared personal anecdotes about experiences in Kingsport cemeteries: Phantom Scents: Some families visiting graves in the area have reported smelling familiar scents of late loved ones, such as a specific brand of cigarettes or cologne, as a form of "visitation". Shadow Figures: General reports of "shadow people" walking through walls or disappearing behind headstones are common in older Kingsport burying grounds.
Ghost Story recounts a story of a mysterious orb in Bulls Gap Tn Bent Creek Cemetery (Mohseim): A mysterious orb reportedly haunted the graveyard and the night skies for weeks during the 1950s. The location: Bent Creek Cemetery in Bulls Gap was the center of the strange activity, which also extended into the night skies over the town. The source: The story was documented in an anthology of Appalachian tales by Michael Sobiech, a professor at Carson-Newman University. Sobiech relied on regional newspaper articles from the 1950s to recount the incident, which "shook the town" at the time.
facebook.comThis place is actually in Unicoi County. outside of Erwin Tennessee. An abandoned mining town where visitors report strange lights and shadow figures. Here are two video links https://youtu.be/KSEjsbgFpkc?si=xtO2uE13I4fbkiq_ And the second link... https://youtu.be/GCYjSbNgdnU?si=SNh3ecrIe49stLC-
This revolutionary era mansion is known for reported ghost sightings, making it a fascinating visit for those interested in the supernatural.
The Cloudland Hotel once sat atop Roan Mountain on the Tennessee-North Carolina border in northernmost Mitchell County. It opened in 1877. The views from the mountain which rises nearly 6,300 feet above sea level are amazing. Although the Cloudland Hotel was dismantled nearly a century ago, the mountain remains a thriving haven for hikers and campers. Circa 1915, the hotel closed, and today, outside of historical displays, only stray relics and traces of the old carriage road remain as a testament to its storied run. At the remains of this grand mountain hotel where hikers report seeing figures in the fog.
Hospital staff have reported unexplained footsteps, shadow figures, and moving equipment.
Some claim strange paranormal activity occurs after hours.
One of Tennessee's oldest towns with cemetery ghost legends. Jonesborough is often ranked among the most haunted towns in America, and the Old Jonesborough Cemetery is central to its spooky reputation. While the cemetery itself is a highlight, many local hauntings are tied to the broader history of the town's oldest residents and tragic events.Cemetery Hauntings & LegendsThe Cholera Mass Grave: For 150 years, rumors persisted of a hidden mass grave for victims of the 1873 cholera epidemic. Recently confirmed by Heritage Alliance volunteers using ground-penetrating radar, this site is a focal point for those interested in the town's darker history.A Spot on the Hill: Every October, the cemetery hosts a research-based play called "A Spot on the Hill". Actors portray the spirits of those buried there, sharing the real-life stories and fates of the town's early residents in an immersive, nighttime setting.The Rain Barrel Mystery: A chilling local tale often told during tours involves John Spencer, who was found drowned in a rain barrel in 1909 following a suspicious murder case.
Site tied to the famous Bell Witch haunting where visitors report unexplained sounds and apparitions. Ghost Adventures At Bell Cave https://youtu.be/6YuIjDd3Cvc?si=OHgyzFGmNUAkApaJ The Demon Of Bell Witch Cave Sam and Colby https://youtu.be/LIsROraNhl4?si=kh0zT-nm-Zj8RAeV
📍Location: Petros, Tennessee Opened: 1896 Closed: 2009 Type: Maximum-security prison 🕯️ Overview If Tennessee has a place that feels like it remembers everything that ever happened there… it’s Brushy. Built to house the state’s most dangerous inmates, this prison saw over a century of violence, isolation, and hard labor. Now it’s a museum—and depending on who you ask—a very active one. ⚰️ Historical Background Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary operated for more than 100 years and held some of the most notorious inmates in the state, including James Earl Ray. Conditions were notoriously harsh: Solitary confinement cells with minimal light Grueling labor in nearby coal mines Frequent violence among inmates It’s the kind of place where history didn’t just happen—it stacked up. 👻 Reported Paranormal Activity Shadow Figures: Seen moving through cell blocks and along upper tiers Footsteps & Cell Doors: Echoing sounds when areas are empty Voices & Whispers: Disembodied voices, sometimes calling out Cold Spots: Sudden drops in temperature, especially in solitary Physical Sensations: Visitors report feeling watched—or followed The solitary confinement wing is widely considered the hotspot. People don’t stay in there long… not because they can’t, but because something about it tells them not to. 🧱 Notorious Area: “The End of the Line” Solitary confinement at Brushy wasn’t just punishment—it was psychological pressure turned up to max. Inmates were kept in near-total isolation, and many accounts suggest that whatever energy built up there never really left. 🌫️ Local Legend Staff and visitors alike have reported encounters that don’t line up with anything explainable—figures where no one should be, sounds with no source, and that heavy, pressing feeling like the building itself is aware of you. Around Petros, folks don’t dress it up fancy. They’ll just tell you: “That place ain’t empty… it’s just locked up different now.”
Famous haunted hotel where guests report apparitions, cold spots,
This historic park is known for shadow figures reportedly seen near the river, making it a site of interest for paranormal enthusiasts.
A historic cemetery with reports of ghostly sightings, adding to its significance in local history.
Guests and staff claim to have seen or heard various apparitions and sounds. Ghostly figures: Apparitions are said to include President Andrew Johnson pacing the grounds, his wife, and their two sons. Sounds: Other reports mention hearing footsteps, a "spirit waiting for someone to come home," and unusual energy detected in certain areas. Unexplained events: Some claim to have witnessed candles being lit by themselves.y
A historic inn known for its charming atmosphere and ghostly legends, it has been a favorite among visitors seeking both comfort
Abandoned hospital known for strong paranormal activity including apparitions and voices.
The most haunted plaesin North Carolina
Former tuberculosis hospital site where locals report shadow figures and eerie sounds.
Historic dam associated with ghost sightings and phantom
google.comThis area features several historic buildings, some of which are rumored to be haunted, with stories of ghostly encounters and local legends adding to its charm.
This historic courthouse has witnessed many trials and tribulations, with reports of ghostly figures and strange occurrences, making it a site of interest for the paranormal.
A charming inn with a history of ghostly sightings, it has hosted many notable guests and is known for its haunted rooms and eerie ambiance. Built in 1824, this historic inn has hosted some well-known figures over the years, including three U.S. presidents! But what really makes it stand out are the ghost stories—people have reported seeing a woman in period clothing, hearing unexplained noises, and feeling eerie presences in the halls. Some even say the spirits of past guests still roam the inn. 👻
share.googleThe original location of the Hawkins County Jail was the corner of Washington Street and Depot Street, with the original log structure being built around 1800. That last jail building at that location was built around 1900 had the unusual distinction of having glass windows in its cells. It was torn down to make a parking lot shortly after the new jail was built in 1974, which was located beside the historic courthouse on main street. Later being moving onto Highway 11-W in 2010. The Hawkins County Jail was located on Washington Street for 35 years. This old jailhouse has a dark past, known for its paranormal activity, including unexplained noises and apparitions, the walls were ears in this old beautiful building that stood in Rogersville, TN The old jail is frequently cited as a haunted location in the area, often included in lists of local paranormal spots. It has a dark history dating back to the early 19th century, attracting those interested in paranormal investigation within the Appalachian region. The site is considered very haunted, frequently featured in "Haunted Appalachian" and local Tennessee ghost tours.
share.googleAn old post office building with a history of ghostly encounters, it is said to be haunted by former postal workers and has a mysterious atmosphere.
Here is the “tides in a spring” place Lore/hauntings: more folklore than ghosts—locals historically claimed “drink at peak flow = you’ll marry soon.” "healing"and "youth" are also part of the lore of this beautiful place. It is also mystical as it the only one of two in the entire world.
Local folklore claims voices and shadow figures appear near the waterfall and trails.
“The Long Dog” Road Legend Location: Along US-11W north of Surgoinsville (near old white oak / Sage Road area) Lore: A ghostly white dog, said to be the loyal companion of a murdered pioneer family, has been reported tracking travelers along the old road. Apparitions are described as glowing and silent, sometimes vanishing suddenly at a curve
This area is no stranger to spectral activity. Heading north from Surgoinsville, just past the old white oak, turn left onto Stoney Point Road. After a short distance, the road turns a corner and a marvelous antebellum brick building comes into view, this is Maxwell Academy. Built around 1852, this building was originally used by the congregation of New Providence Presbyterian Church and also utilized by a school established by the church. The building that still stands was constructed on this site in 1901, to replace the original structure lost in a fire. It seems that the voices of children are still heard within the old building. Justin Guess notes that during an ice cream social held in the building guests were treated by sounds above them, though no one was upstairs.
After the academy building became too cramped to hold both the students and the church, a new church was constructed across the road. It should be noted that the congregation of New Hope Presbyterian Church (214 Stoney Point Road) was among the earliest congregations founded in the state of Tennessee, having been founded in nearby Carter’s Valley in 1780. The church moved to this site around 1800 and the peaceful cemetery surrounding the church dates to this time. Among the souls who rest here is Colonel George Maxwell, a veteran of the American Revolution who served at the Battle of Kings Mountain. After Maxwell’s death in 1822, a legend has sprouted that a large black dog guards his grave. It is unknown if this dog is the spirit of a former companion or just a spectral guardian protecting the spirit of the military veteran. In addition to this curious canine, phantom footsteps are supposed to be heard around this grave at night.
Patterson Mill (historic marker) — reports from local lore (again, not heavily documented online) talk about strange lights near the ruins, footsteps nearby, and the faint smell of smokight. ,mm,,22esßßsßßßs This marker is located on Lee Highway, 0.2 miles east of Goshen Valley Road / Old Main Street, on the left when traveling east. It is situated in Church Hill, Tennessee, in Hawkins County. Built about 1775.Robert Patterson built his mill on Patterson's creek, formally know as Fall creek. It served as both a fort and a mill. It was here that the settlers sought protection from the many Indian raids that occurred during the early settlement of the county. The little community took on the name of Patterson's Mill Plantation. Church Hill did not officially get its name until about 1840 when, according to tradition, it was named for a log church built on a hill in the community. Patterson Mill, a pre-Revolutionary Mill/fort offered a place of refuge against Indian Raids, because it had barricades. It was also a place where men went to register for military service. It has been known by several other names. It was destroyed by fire on Halloween Night, 1975 by vandals. Only the chimney and water-wheel were left standing. Patterson Mill (ruins) Neighbors claim the smell of smoke returns some nights, along with faint lights near the chimney ruins and the sound of someone walking where the floor once stood Historic Marker reads: On the site of this mill, Robert Patterson build a fort about 1775, shortly thereafter a mill. It was one of two stations at which the settlers took refuge during the Cherokee raid under The Raven in 1776.
1323 Pressmens Home Rd, Rogersville, TN 37857 Realtor Lore/hauntings: abandoned buildings, fires/arson history, “old hospital / sanitarium” stories; lots of locals report creepy activity/odd feelings around the ruins
Liberty Presbyterian Church Cemetery Get-directions anchor: Hwy 113, Rogersville, TN 37857 (coords listed) Lore/hauntings: not a big tourist stop—good “lesser known” cemetery pin with that backroad stillness people swear they hear voices in.
Near: off Big Elm Rd, on Sensabaugh Hollow Rd Located in west Kingsport, Hawkins County Lore/hauntings: classic “engine dies,” rearview-mirror figure, screams/crying, satanic-ritual rumors—multiple competing versions of the legend.
Drivers frequently report the feeling of being followed or watched along this stretch.,Road
The WITCHES GRAVE Located in Rogersville, Tennessee on the land of Ebbing and Flowing springs. Local Legend: This is the grave of a local witch from the time of the origins of the town. After she was buried here, the cemetery ran out of room to bury people so they decided to put more bodies into the site of this grave, her grave. This infuriated the witch. It is said that when anyone would read her headstone, it would summon her angry spirit and in protest to those who disturbed her grave and their descendants, her angry spirit would come from behind the church located beside her grave and come towards whoever was reading her tombstone. Placing a curse upon the head of the person who dares to disturb her spirit again. All the rage from being awoken and the fact her grave is shared with strangers laid upon her corpse, gives the reader some really bad JuJu. (bad luck)
youtu.beHistoric farmstead where staff report footsteps and ghostly activity in buildings. The Exchange Place Living History Farm in Kingsport, TN, is famously home to a resident ghost known as "Aunt El." Amanda Ellen Steadman was born in 1860 and lived most of her life at Roseland, a home that was later moved to the Exchange Place farm. The Legend of Aunt ElAunt El was an expert weaver and quilter who passed away in 1939. According to local lore and staff reports: The Restless Quilt: After her death, her family noted that one of her favorite quilts would never stay on the bed, no matter how many times it was tucked in. Mischievous Presence: Volunteers frequently report seeing lights on in the attic at night or doors closing on their own. A Gentle Spirit: She is generally described as a comforting and friendly presence, often associated with her love for the children who visited the farm
Some workers claim to see apparitions near old sections
Historic frontier inn where visitors report voices, footsteps, and objects moving.
Historic 1818 inn said to have ghostly footsteps, shadow figures, and unexplained noises.
A historic burial ground with reports of Civil War era apparitions, making it a significant site for history enthusiasts.
One of the oldest cemeteries in Kingsport where shadow figures and cold spots are reported.
Visitors have reported strange apparitions near the river late at night.
Former plantation site tied to the famous Rotherwood ghost legend.
Fishermen report strange lights and unexplained voices.
Employees have reported strange sounds and unexplained figures late at night. Tri-Cities Regional Airport (TRI) in Blountville, Tennessee, is considered a haunted location, often featured in Appalachian GhostWalks tours due to the area's rich, spooky history. While not known for dramatic terminal ghosts, it is closely linked to historic sites,
One of these legends featured William Childress. Quick with an axe and crosscut saw, William cleared many acres to establish his homestead on the settlement. He rarely was seen without his tools, but even more unsettling is he is still seen wielding his saw centuries after his death. Legend says that William met his untimely end when he ingested poisoned moonshine. And it’s told he still haunts the town’s ruins, crosscut saw in hand, forever looking to expand his property line. Darker tales of Childress Town include a witch at the ruins of the old mill, seen in the form of a black cat or a shadow, she curses those unlucky enough to catch a glimpse of her. If you choose to visit the fading ruins of Childress Town, you may also come face to face with the souls of travelers who died on wet nights, when their horses slipped in the treacherous mud of Childress Ferry Road. If you hear the ringing of the old ferryboat bell, don’t be alarmed. It’s just the ghosts of left-behind travelers trying to catch the last boat out.
Old railroad tunnel where explorers report whispers and unexplained lights.
Historic frontier settlement with ghostly sightings reported.
Historic frontier settlement where ghostly soldiers are sometimes reported.
Historic hotel where guests report shadow figures, footsteps, and objects moving.
Visitors have reported ghostly figures and footsteps at this historic mansion, enhancing its allure.
Location: Hurricane Mills, Tennessee Established: Original home dates back to the 1800s Notable Owner: Loretta Lynn Set deep along the banks of the Buffalo River, Loretta Lynn’s Ranch isn’t just country music history—it’s one of Tennessee’s most talked-about haunted locations. The property includes a large plantation-style home, outbuildings, and a small cemetery… which is usually where things start getting weird. 👻 Reported Paranormal Activity Visitors, staff, and even the Lynn family have reported consistent activity across the property: Apparitions: Full-bodied figures seen inside the mansion, often described as former residents or workers from the 1800s Children’s Spirits: Reports of ghostly children laughing, running, and appearing near the home and cemetery Shadow Figures: Dark shapes moving through hallways or standing in doorways Disembodied Voices: Whispering, calling names, and faint conversations when no one else is present Objects Moving: Doors opening on their own, items being displaced One of the most persistent stories involves a young girl spirit who is said to interact with guests—playful, but unsettling when you realize there’s no living child around. ⚰️ Historical Background The land has a long history predating Loretta Lynn’s ownership. The home itself was originally part of a plantation, and like many properties of that era, it carries the weight of difficult and often tragic history. There’s also a family cemetery on-site, where several graves—some unmarked—add to the uneasy atmosphere. Many believe the paranormal activity is tied directly to those buried there. 🌫️ Local Legend According to local lore, the spirits at the ranch aren’t just passing through—they’re tied to the land. Some say the property sits on emotionally charged ground, where generations lived, suffered, and died. And if you ask around Hurricane Mills, you’ll hear the same thing told a dozen different ways: “That place don’t empty out at night… it just gets quieter so you can hear it better.”