9 Haunted Tennessee Inns Perfect For A Spine-Chilling Halloween Getaway
I still remember my first night in a supposedly haunted inn, the way every floorboard groaned like it had a secret to tell, the shadows that seemed to breathe, and the quiet thrill that lingered long after dawn.
Tennessee is a state where history never truly sleeps. Its grand old inns whisper stories from another time, blending Southern charm with a hint of the supernatural.
For travelers who crave more than pumpkin lattes and costume parties, these atmospheric getaways promise candlelit halls, lingering legends, and a touch of mystery that no modern hotel can replicate.
1. The Read House Hotel – Chattanooga
Room 311 has earned quite the reputation at this elegant Chattanooga landmark. Guests report mysterious cold spots, flickering lights, and the unsettling feeling of being watched while they sleep. The story goes that a woman once passed away in that very room many years ago, and her spirit never checked out.
Built in 1926, this hotel oozes old-world charm with its ornate lobby and vintage elevator. Staff members have their own collection of spooky stories, from phantom footsteps echoing through empty hallways to doors that lock and unlock themselves. Some night shift workers refuse to venture to certain floors alone after dark.
Beyond the ghost tales, the hotel sits perfectly downtown for exploring Chattanooga’s attractions. Just don’t be surprised if your TV turns on by itself at 3 a.m.!
2. Union Station Hotel Nashville Yards – Nashville
This stunning former train station transformed into a luxury hotel carries passengers from the past—literally. Employees and guests alike have spotted a ghostly figure in vintage railway conductor attire wandering the halls. He apparently takes his job seriously, still making his rounds even though the last train departed decades ago.
The soaring barrel-vaulted lobby with its Tiffany stained glass is breathtaking, but some visitors get more than architectural beauty. Strange sounds echo through the building at night, resembling old steam engines and distant train whistles. Room keys mysteriously go missing, only to reappear in odd locations.
I stayed here once and heard what sounded like luggage carts rolling past my door at midnight—except no one was there when I peeked out. Nashville’s music scene awaits outside, but inside, history performs its own haunting symphony.
3. Gaylord Opryland Resort – Nashville
With over 2,800 rooms sprawling across multiple wings, this resort has plenty of space for both living guests and spectral residents. The most well-known legend tells of a maintenance worker who once passed away on the property and is said to still clock in for his eternal shift. Guests report tools moving on their own and unexplained mechanical sounds in empty areas.
The massive indoor gardens and winding pathways create a magical atmosphere by day, but some sections feel decidedly eerie after sunset. Certain hallways seem colder than others for no logical reason. The Delta area particularly gives visitors goosebumps, with reports of shadow figures darting between the tropical plants.
Despite—or perhaps because of—its mysterious reputation, families flock here year-round. The combination of Southern hospitality and subtle supernatural intrigue makes for unforgettable stays, especially during Halloween season.
4. Kingstone Lisle Inn – Rugby
Rugby was founded in 1880 as a utopian community for British aristocrats, and Kingstone Lisle Inn remains one of the original buildings. The ghost of a young woman in Victorian dress has been spotted gazing out second-story windows, as if waiting for someone who never arrived. Her story remains a mystery, but her presence feels melancholy rather than menacing.
The entire village of Rugby feels frozen in time, which amplifies the eerie atmosphere. Guests report hearing piano music drifting through the inn late at night, though the antique piano sits untouched. Footsteps creak across wooden floors in unoccupied rooms, and some visitors claim to hear whispered conversations in proper British accents.
Staying here feels like stepping into a Gothic novel. The surrounding forest adds to the isolated, otherworldly vibe that makes every shadow seem significant and every sound worth investigating.
5. LeConte Lodge – Gatlinburg
Perched atop Mount LeConte, this remote lodge is only accessible by hiking several miles up steep mountain trails. The isolation alone creates an atmosphere ripe for otherworldly experiences. Over the years, hikers who once lost their way in the mountains are said to linger near the lodge, their presence seeking warmth and shelter that nature never granted them.
Staff members working the overnight shifts report hearing gentle knocking on cabin doors when no one’s outside. Soft lights drift through the forest where no trails exist, and the dining hall occasionally fills with the scent of campfire smoke even when every fire has long been extinguished.
Because there’s no electricity or cell service, nights here are profoundly dark and quiet—perfect conditions for noticing the mountain’s timeless mysteries. Some guests swear they’ve seen faint figures standing at the edge of the clearing, watching silently before dissolving into the mist. Nature and the unknown blend effortlessly in this serene, hauntingly beautiful place.
6. Historic Rocky Waters Inn – Gatlinburg
Built in the 1920s, this cozy mountain retreat has welcomed generations of travelers—and some say its spirit of hospitality lingers on. The most talked-about room is the upstairs corner suite, where guests occasionally notice their belongings neatly rearranged overnight. Suitcases seem to unpack themselves, clothes appear refolded, and toiletries are mysteriously organized with surprising care.
Many believe it’s the gentle presence of a former innkeeper who took great pride in making every guest feel at home. Rather than causing fear, she seems devoted to maintaining comfort and order, even from beyond. Some visitors mention soft humming drifting from the kitchen late at night, as if someone is already preparing breakfast for the next morning.
Surrounded by the beauty of the Smoky Mountains, this inn blends nature’s serenity with whispers of timeless hospitality—a place where even the quiet feels alive.
7. Thomas House Hotel – Red Boiling Springs
Known as one of Tennessee’s most haunted hotels, this 1890 establishment doesn’t disappoint paranormal enthusiasts. At least eight different spirits allegedly roam the property, including a little girl who plays in the hallways and a Confederate soldier who stands guard near certain rooms. Guests capture so many orbs and anomalies in photographs that the hotel maintains a ghost gallery in the lobby.
Room 7 features a particularly active presence—a woman in white who appears in mirrors and sometimes sits in the rocking chair by the window. She seems sad rather than scary, but her sudden appearances have caused more than a few guests to check out early. The third floor is so active that paranormal investigation teams regularly book it for overnight studies.
The town of Red Boiling Springs was once a thriving resort destination for its mineral springs. Perhaps the healing waters attracted spirits seeking their own form of eternal rest and rejuvenation.
8. Hawley House Bed And Breakfast – Jonesborough
Tennessee’s oldest town naturally has one of its most haunted inns. Built in 1793, Hawley House has accumulated centuries of stories—and spirits. The most famous ghost is Dr. Hawley himself, the original owner and town physician who supposedly still makes house calls. Guests report seeing a distinguished gentleman in period clothing checking on them during the night, his presence accompanied by the faint smell of old leather medical bags.
Strange things happen in the library, where books fly off shelves and land open to specific pages, as if someone’s trying to share important information. The basement, once used for medical procedures, gives everyone the creeps with its persistent cold spots and feeling of being watched.
Jonesborough’s storytelling festival draws crowds annually, but the best stories might be the ones whispered by guests over breakfast about what they experienced the night before. The innkeepers have heard it all and believe every word.
9. Keith Mansion Bed And Breakfast – Athens
This 1860s Italianate mansion survived the Civil War but still bears its scars—both physical and paranormal. Confederate soldiers reportedly used the basement as a temporary hospital and prison, and their anguished spirits apparently never left. Guests hear moaning and chains rattling from below, though the basement is now just used for storage and the occasional brave tour.
The grand staircase is a hotspot for activity. A woman in a ball gown has been seen descending the steps, only to vanish before reaching the bottom. Some believe she’s the original lady of the house, forever preparing to greet guests at one of her famous parties. Photographs taken on the staircase frequently show unexplained mists and shadowy figures.
The mansion’s opulent period furnishings and restoration make it gorgeous by day. By night, however, those same antiques cast eerie shadows, and every creak of the old floorboards makes you wonder who—or what—is walking nearby.