The Most Haunted Places in Massachusetts (And the Stories Behind Them)
Nestled in the heart of Salem, just a half-hour drive north of Boston, the Salem Witch Trials Memorial offers visitors a somber encounter with the eerie past of Massachusetts. This quiet, reflective space commemorates the 19 people executed during the infamous 1692 witch trials. Walking among the engraved granite benches, you sense the heavy weight of injustice and superstition that still seems to linger in the salty Atlantic air. Salem’s rich colonial architecture and numerous witch-themed museums create an immersive experience, especially in the fall when the crisp air and swirling leaves add to the ghostly atmosphere.
A short drive west of Boston brings you to the historic town of Concord, where Sleepy Hollow Cemetery holds the final resting place of several famous American authors, including Nathaniel Hawthorne and Louisa May Alcott. The cemetery’s winding paths, ancient trees, and weathered headstones set the scene for ghost stories that have been whispered for generations. In particular, the grave of Hawthorne is said to be a focal point for supernatural visitors. Strolling here in the early evening, when the fading light casts long shadows, can feel like stepping into a spectral novel.
Further west, in the Berkshires around 2.5 hours from Boston, the Mount Greylock State Reservation rises as the highest point in Massachusetts. The summit area is not just known for its stunning panoramic views but also for tales of phantom figures and unexplained noises, especially around the old Thunderbolt Ski Trail. Hikers traversing the 4.7-mile loop in the late autumn, when fog often rolls in, report a chilling quiet broken only by rustling leaves and occasional whispers from the woods. This blend of natural beauty and eerie folklore makes it a unique destination for those interested in haunted landscapes.
Heading south to Plymouth, about 45 minutes from Boston, the historic Plymouth Plantation provides a living history museum experience with a supernatural twist. While wandering the recreated 17th-century village, visitors often hear about ghost sightings tied to the original settlers and Native American tribes. The dense woods surrounding the site and the nearby shoreline seem to hold echoes of the struggle and survival that shaped early America. Time your visit in the off-season when the crowds thin, and the mist over the water adds an ethereal quality to the landscape.
In the western city of Pittsfield, roughly two and a half hours from Boston, the Colonial Theatre is a beacon of both culture and mystery. This beautifully restored vaudeville house, with its ornate interior and classic marquee, has hosted countless performances since 1903. Yet, backstage stories tell of an unseen presence that occasionally makes itself known. Visitors attending a show or taking a guided tour often feel a chill or notice unexplained flickers of light, lending a theatrical flair to the paranormal. Evening performances in the fall bring together history, art, and ghostly intrigue under one roof.
Over in the coastal town of Gloucester, about an hour northeast of Boston, the Beauport Hotel—now a boutique inn—holds a reputation as one of the most haunted places in New England. Built in the early 1900s, the hotel’s grand rooms and sweeping ocean views are renowned, but guests often share tales of footsteps in empty hallways and ghostly figures appearing at windows. Exploring the nearby Good Harbor Beach during twilight offers a peaceful contrast, where the ocean breeze softens the eerie whispers from the hotel’s past. Summer evenings here feel especially charged, as the crashing waves and salty air create a timeless maritime ambiance.
Finally, in the historic city of Lowell, about 30 miles northwest of Boston, the Lowell National Historical Park offers a glimpse into the industrial revolution alongside stories of restless spirits. The canals and brick mills that powered America’s first large-scale textile manufacturing also witnessed moments of hardship and tragedy. Walking along the canal paths at dusk, with the old factory buildings silhouetted against the sky, visitors can almost hear the echoes of the workers’ lives and the legends that grew from their struggles. Winter months, when the snow muffles the sounds and leaves a stark beauty, make for a hauntingly serene visit.