UFOs, Ghosts, and Cryptids: Paranormal Maryland
In the shadowy hills of Western Maryland, just 15 miles north of Cumberland, lies the intriguing town of Paw Paw. This small mountain community is nestled near Paw Paw Tunnel on the C&O Canal Towpath, a historic engineering marvel stretching over 184 miles along the Potomac River. As you follow the quiet canal trail, especially at dusk, you might feel the eerie presence locals speak of—phantoms said to haunt the tunnel, where the canal is said to echo with unexplained noises and fleeting shadows. Walking through the tunnel’s dimly lit interior, with its moss-covered brickwork and dripping stalactites, visitors can feel transported to another time and perhaps another dimension. The best time to explore is autumn, when the crisp air and fading light add a spectral quality to the surroundings, enhancing the tunnel’s ghostly reputation.
Heading east toward Baltimore, about 30 minutes from downtown, you can visit Fort McHenry National Monument and Historic Shrine, a site known not only for its role in the War of 1812 but also for stories of lingering spirits. The star-shaped fort, surrounded by water on the Patapsco River, is where visitors can walk along the ramparts and explore the barracks and powder magazines. Some night visitors and staff have reported hearing ghostly footsteps and phantom drumbeats, believed to be echoes of the soldiers who once stationed there. The fort’s combination of military history and waterfront setting makes it a unique place to contemplate Maryland’s past—and its mysteries. Evening tours or quiet moments at twilight provide an atmospheric experience, ideal for those curious about history and hauntings.
Venturing south to the Eastern Shore, near the town of Berlin and about an hour’s drive from Ocean City, lies Assateague Island National Seashore. Known primarily for its wild horses, the island also pulses with stories of cryptids and strange sightings along its sandy shores. The Chincoteague Ponies roam freely, but beachgoers have occasionally reported strange lights over the water and odd sounds in the marshlands. The island’s natural beauty, with its sweeping dunes and peaceful maritime forest, makes any walk along the Life of the Forest trail a soothing escape—and a perfect setting for spotting something otherworldly at dusk or dawn. The early morning fog rolling in from the Atlantic adds an eerie ambiance, heightening the sense that this is a place where the veil between worlds is thin.
In the heart of the Chesapeake Bay region, about 45 minutes south of Baltimore, lies the historic town of St. Michaels. This quaint harbor town is famous for its maritime museums and charming streets but also for reports of unexplained lights in the sky over the bay. Visitors can take a sunset cruise or stroll the waterfront boardwalk while keeping an eye out for mysterious aerial phenomena. The Chesapeake Bay Maritime Museum offers insight into the region’s nautical history, grounding any encounter with the unexplained in a rich cultural context. The best time to visit is during the late summer months when warm evenings and clear skies make stargazing—and potential UFO spotting—especially vivid.
Moving westward to Allegany County, about 50 miles west of Frostburg, lies the eerie and atmospheric Rocky Gap State Park. The park’s rugged terrain and dense woodlands are said to harbor tales of Bigfoot-like creatures roaming the dark forests. Hiking the Rocky Gap Trail, a moderate 3.5-mile loop around Lake Habeeb, visitors can immerse themselves in the wilderness while pondering local folklore. The quiet lake and thick trees create a perfect backdrop for stories of cryptids lurking just out of sight. Early mornings or twilight hours in spring and fall bring a special stillness to the park, where the boundary between natural wonder and myth feels especially thin.
Further south, close to the historic city of Annapolis and about 20 minutes southeast, the William Paca House and Garden offers a different kind of paranormal allure. This 18th-century Georgian mansion, belonging to a signer of the Declaration of Independence, is known for its well-preserved architecture and formal gardens. Visitors touring the home have occasionally reported seeing apparitions or feeling unexplained chills, particularly in the dimly lit basement and servant quarters. The stately calm of the estate contrasts with its ghostly tales, making it a fascinating stop for those interested in colonial history and the supernatural. Visiting in late autumn, when the gardens are quieter and the skies moody, enhances the sense of stepping back in time—and possibly beyond it.
In the western reaches near Garrett County, about 1.5 hours northwest of Cumberland, the mysterious Savage River State Forest provides another hotspot for cryptid enthusiasts. This vast forest, crisscrossed by hiking and mountain biking trails, is dense and remote, a prime setting for legends of strange creatures. The Savage River Loop Trail is a moderately challenging route where hikers pass through thick woods and beside bubbling streams. Locals have shared stories of strange noises and unexplained footprints, and the forest’s wild character creates a compelling playground for believers and skeptics alike. Autumn’s vibrant foliage and crisp temperatures make this season an especially atmospheric time to explore these wild lands where the unknown seems to linger.
Finally, in the Maryland Panhandle, just 20 minutes north of Hagerstown, the sprawling Antietam National Battlefield offers more than Civil War history. The site of the bloodiest single-day battle in American history, Antietam’s fields and farmhouses are said to be among the most haunted locations in the state. Visitors can drive the 5-mile scenic tour, walk the Cornfield Trail, or visit the Dunker Church, each spot carrying its own spectral stories. Many report seeing phantom soldiers and hearing the distant sounds of battle during quiet moments on the battlefield. The solemnity of the site, combined with its ghostly lore, makes a visit here uniquely powerful, especially in late fall when the mists roll across the fields and the air feels thick with remembrance and mystery.