Ghost Walks & Haunted Spots in North Alabama
Taking a Ghost Walk is one of our favorite things to do on a crisp, clear autumn night in North Alabama. It’s a great way to learn more about North Alabama’s haunted history, especially when local historians are leading the guided tours. Below you’ll find several ghostly options to explore with your family!
Local Ghost Walks & Paranormal Tours
Huntsville Ghost Walk
Tours begin in front of historic Harrison Brothers Hardware store which is also where you purchase your tickets. There are walking tours, and while no one jumps out at you, it is after all a ghost walk – so be mindful of how easily your little ones might be scared! You choose one of three guided tours through the Twickenham District, the Old Town District, or the Downtown District.
Date/Time: Friday and Saturday nights in Sept. & Oct., Sundays in October | 6PM
Cost: Walking $13 adults/$8 children. Tickets need to be purchased ahead of time online.
Location: Harrison Brothers Hardware (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook
Athens Haunt Walks
The Athens Haunt Walk is hosted annually by the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Association and features the haunted history of Athens by guided tour as darkness falls. The 1.5-2.0 hour walking tour, winds through the historic districts of Athens – Beaty, Downtown, Houston and Athens College – lead by volunteer guides recounting the tales of woe and phantom featured in the book “The Spirits of Athens”. Tickets for this event are available through pre-sale only – no tickets will be available at the door and are limited to 30 attendees per tour group.
Date/Time: Tuesdays and Thursdays in October | 7 PM & 7:30 PM
Cost: $15 for adults; $10 for children ages 12 & under
Location: Athens-Limestone Visitors Center (map)
More Info: Website
Fort Payne Ghost Walks
Join Bill Potter, local historian and founder of the Facebook’s Dekalb County, Alabama Historical Group, and Cassie Wigley, one of Landmarks Boom Town Players, as they lead 2 tours each night through the Main Street District along Gault Avenue in historic downtown Fort Payne. Along the way, they will be highlighting stories and surprises about people and places from different times in the city’s history. Starting at the Fort Payne Opera House, the tour will last around 1 hour 30 minutes, before returning to the Fort Payne Opera House. Refreshments will be available for a donation before & after each tour.
Each tour group is limited to 15 people, and a pre-purchased ticket is required to participate. Some stories on the tours may not be suitable for young children, so they are not recommended for children under 10.
Date/Time: Fridays and Saturdays October 11-November 2 | 6 PM & 7 PM (Addional tour at 8 PM on October 25 & 26)
Cost: $12 per person
Location: starts at Fort Payne Opera House (map)
More Info: Website
Southern Ghost Girls Ghost Walks and Paranormal Investigations
Perfect for the Halloween season, Southern Ghost Girls Tours will lead several fun Ghost Walks and Investigations throughout North Alabama, including Decatur, Huntsville, Birmingham, and more. You will get to use all the Paranormal Investigation Equipment just like you see on the Popular Paranormal TV shows! While this is a family-friendly event and children are welcome, we encourage parents to use discretion when bringing small children and ask that you sign a liability waiver before the tour begins.
Date/Time: Various evenings in September & October | Most events begin at 6 PM or 7 PM
Cost: Starts at $50
Location: Huntsville (map) | Decatur (map)
More Info: Facebook Events List
Haunted History of the Shoals
Author Debra Glass has written more than thirty five books, including the Skeletons in the Closet, a ghost story collection. Since childhood she has been fascinated by things that go bump in the night. While writing True Ghost Stories of the Shoals Area, she realized many of the tales were set in her hometown of Florence, Alabama, and decided to start a ghost walk tour. Since its beginnings in 2002, the Haunted History of the Shoals Ghost Walk Tour has become a perennial favorite during the Halloween season.
Date/Time: 7:30PM, October 18-19, 24-31
Cost: $15 adults/$10 children (6 and under FREE)
Location: Wilson Park, Florence (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook
Florence Ghost Walks-UNA
Explore the scenic and haunted campus of the first state-chartered college in Alabama. Starting at the Harrison Fountain, your guide, and University of North Alabama alumna, Debra Glass, will take you on a spine-chilling journey through the shadowed walkways and courtyards of UNA’s most historic and haunted halls.
Date/Time: 7:30PM, October 22
Cost: $15 adults/$10 children (6 and under FREE)
Location: Harrison Fountain, UNA (map)
More Info: Website | Facebook
Haunted History of Sheffield Ghost Walk
Join knowledgeable host, Laura Aldridge, at the haunted Ritz Theater, for a spirited evening of spooky tales steeped in Sheffield’s legends and history.
Date/Time: 7:00PM, October 19
Cost: $20
Location: Ritz Theater Studio 111 W. 3rd St, Sheffield, AL 35660
More Info: Website | Facebook
2024 Maple Hills Cemetery Stroll
The Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll is one of the largest living history strolls in the nation, with over 75 costumed characters, traditional music, special exhibits, an expanded antique auto display, and student scavenger hunts. Not all are buried in Maple Hill, but they are essential in accurately reflecting the history of Huntsville. Some of the music will accompany character portrayals. Sponsored by the Huntsville Pilgrimage Association, this event is free; donations received are designated for the repair and preservation of the walls and tombstones of this historic municipal cemetery.
Date/Time: October 20 | 1:30 – 4:30 p.m.
Cost: FREE, donations accepted
Location: Maple Hill Cemetery (map)
Website: Website | Facebook | RCM Event
Athens Cemetery Stroll
Stroll among the headstones in the pastoral Athens City Cemetery as the Spirits return to share tales of history, family, and lore of some of Limestone County’s most renowned figures — as well as a few visiting spirits who have come to recount their lives for you as well.
Date/Time: October 6 | 2-4 p.m.
Cost: FREE, donations accepted
Location: Athens City Cemetery (map)
Website: Facebook
Maple Hill Park
Tucked away behind the historic Maple Hill Cemetery, you’ll find a depression in a natural alcove. Nestled at the bottom of the rocky hillside, is a playground. It’s not an overly impressive park, but it is pretty in the daylight and surrounded by shady beech trees. There are swings and toddler-sized play equipment, and a covered pavilion with picnic benches. Not to mention lots of kids climb some of the rock outcrops and enjoy an elevated view from the top. But at night, it is still… until the rusty squeak of the swing chains start up and you realize there’s no one else there. Read the full story.
Date/Time: Open year-round from sunrise to sunset
Cost: FREE
Location: Maple Hill Cemetery (map)