The Most Haunted Places in Georgia (And the Stories Behind Them)
In Savannah, just a short walk from the bustling riverfront, lies the Sorrel-Weed House, a stately example of Greek Revival architecture that dates back to the early 1800s. Visitors can take guided tours through its elegant rooms and lush gardens, but it’s the house’s reputation for paranormal activity that draws many. With creaking floors and sudden cold spots reported, the house is said to be haunted by former occupants, including a scorned mistress. This blend of historic beauty and ghostly lore makes it a captivating stop for those intrigued by the supernatural. The best time to visit is in the late afternoon, when the fading daylight adds an eerie ambiance to the home’s ornate interiors.
A drive just under an hour west of Atlanta brings you to the Old Governor’s Mansion in Milledgeville. This antebellum mansion, once the home of Georgia’s governors, stands as a testament to 19th-century Southern history. Visitors can explore the preserved rooms and gardens, but many come for tales of ghostly apparitions seen in the upstairs bedrooms and shadowy hallways. The mansion’s history during the Civil War adds a somber backdrop to the rumored hauntings, with stories of lingering spirits from turbulent times. Autumn, with its crisp air and falling leaves, offers a picturesque setting that enhances the mansion’s mysterious vibe.
Heading south towards the coast, the haunting atmosphere deepens at the St. Simons Island Lighthouse Museum. About 70 miles southeast of Savannah, this historic lighthouse not only guides ships but also attracts ghost hunters and curious travelers. Climbing the 129 steps to the top offers sweeping views of the Atlantic and the marshlands, but the real thrill lies in tales of ghostly keepers who supposedly linger in the tower and adjacent keeper’s quarters. The mix of maritime history and chilling legends makes a visit here especially unique. Early morning, when fog rolls in over the water, is an ideal time to experience the lighthouse’s eerie mood.
In the mountains near Helen, roughly 90 minutes northeast of Atlanta, the historic Rink Creek Cemetery sits quietly along the Appalachian foothills. Visitors exploring the area’s hiking trails can find this secluded burial ground, notable for its weathered headstones and rustic wooden fencing. The cemetery, dating back to the 1800s, is steeped in local lore about restless spirits and strange noises heard after dusk. The peaceful mountain environment contrasts with the unsettling stories, offering a haunting yet beautiful outdoor experience. Late fall, when the forest glows with fiery foliage, provides a memorable backdrop to this spectral site.
Deep in the heart of Macon, the Hay House stands out with its ornate Italian Renaissance Revival architecture and richly decorated interiors. Also known as the “Palace of the South,” this historic mansion welcomes visitors to explore its grand halls and exquisite artwork. Beyond its architectural splendor, the Hay House is famed for ghost sightings and unexplained phenomena, particularly around its grand staircase and basement areas. The sense of grandeur combined with the lingering echoes of the past creates an unforgettable atmosphere. Evening tours, when the mansion is quieter, give the strongest impression of its eerie presence.
A little over two hours north of Atlanta, the town of Dahlonega offers another layer of supernatural allure at the Dahlonega Gold Museum Historic Site. Located in the former Lumpkin County Courthouse, the museum showcases artifacts from Georgia’s gold rush era while also recounting local ghost stories linked to miners and settlers. Walking through the historic courtroom and jail cells, visitors can sometimes sense the weight of past conflicts and tragedies that may explain the spectral sightings reported here. Springtime, when the surrounding mountains burst into bloom, pairs well with the museum’s rich history and haunting tales.
Finally, near the city of Augusta along the Georgia-South Carolina border, the Screaming Skull Bridge in Augusta National Cemetery offers a chilling stop for those drawn to spooky stories. The cemetery is known for its peaceful grounds and memorials, but the bridge nearby carries a legend of a skull that screams when disturbed. Visitors can walk the serene paths that honor the past while contemplating the eerie folklore that makes this spot memorable. Twilight hours, as shadows lengthen across the gravestones, deepen the sense of mystery enveloping the area.
Each of these destinations reveals a unique facet of Georgia’s haunted heritage, blending rich history with ghostly folklore. Whether wandering through grand mansions, climbing lighthouses, or exploring quiet mountain cemeteries, travelers find that the state offers more than Southern charm — it offers encounters with the past that linger just beyond the veil. The best experiences often come when the air is cool, the light is low, and the stories are shared among fellow seekers of the uncanny.