UFOs, Ghosts, and Cryptids: Paranormal Tennessee
Nestled about 30 miles northeast of Nashville, the town of Candelaria has long intrigued visitors with its reputation as a hotspot for UFO sightings. While small and quiet by day, the skies here often draw skywatchers and mystery seekers after dusk, especially along the rural roads leading into the nearby Caney Fork River Valley. The rolling hills and open fields create ideal conditions for spotting unusual lights or strange aerial phenomena, and local lore connects some of these sightings to the nearby town’s history as a crossroads for travelers. Visitors can stroll the calm country lanes or settle near the riverbank to watch the sunset fade into a star-studded sky where the unexplained seems almost tangible. The best time to visit is during late spring or early fall, when the clear skies and mild temperatures invite long evenings of sky-gazing.
About a two-hour drive east of Knoxville, Roan Mountain State Park offers an eerie but beautiful setting that has sparked numerous ghost stories. The historic Cloudland Hotel, once a grand mountain resort located near the park’s visitor center, now stands in ruins but remains a magnet for paranormal enthusiasts. Creatures of folklore and reports of ghostly apparitions have been tied to the old hotel grounds and the surrounding Appalachian trails. The Roan Highlands Trail, a moderate yet rewarding 4.4-mile loop, leads hikers through rhododendron gardens and to spectacular overlooks near the summit, where the wind seems to carry voices from the past. Autumn, when the foliage transforms into fiery reds and oranges, enhances the mystical atmosphere of Roan Mountain, making a hike here feel like a walk through a living ghost story.
Just south of Chattanooga, about a 20-minute drive, Signal Mountain boasts an unusual blend of scenic beauty and cryptid lore. The Signal Point overlook in Signal Mountain Park offers sweeping views over the Tennessee River Gorge, where locals have reported strange creatures lurking in the dense woods below. While the park itself features well-maintained trails ranging from easy strolls to steeper climbs, the Sunset Rock trail is particularly popular for its panoramic views that glow warmly as the sun dips behind the mountains. Many visitors come not just for the vistas but in hopes of catching a glimpse of elusive beasts said to roam the forests, blending natural wonder with a dash of mystery. Early evening during summer months is ideal for experiencing the full effect of the fading light and the park’s haunting quiet.
In downtown Memphis, the historic Shelby County Courthouse, located just a short walk from the famous Beale Street, holds a wealth of eerie stories dating back over a century. Ghost tours regularly pass through the courthouse, especially around the old courtrooms where some claim to hear the whispers and footsteps of past prisoners and jurors. Exploring the stately architecture here, visitors can imagine the intense trials and dramas that unfolded within these walls, some of which have fueled local legends about restless spirits. Memphis’s humid summer nights or foggy early mornings lend a spectral quality to the area, making courthouse visits feel like stepping back into a ghost tale from the city’s rich history.
About 90 minutes north of Nashville, in the small town of Joelton, lies the historic old railroad bridge over the Cumberland River, a site that has become synonymous with cryptid sightings. Enthusiasts gather here to scan the dark waters and surrounding forests for any sign of the so-called “Cumberland River Monster,” a local legend that rivals more famous creatures like Bigfoot. The bridge itself is part of a scenic walking route along the riverbank, offering peaceful views of the water and nearby woodlands. This spot’s combination of natural beauty and folklore makes it a compelling destination for those intrigued by Tennessee’s shadowy mysteries. Early spring, when the river runs high and the trees are just starting to bud, is a particularly atmospheric time to visit.
In East Tennessee, about 45 minutes south of Knoxville, the town of Sweetwater is home to the Lost Sea Adventure, an underground lake that invites visitors into a mysterious subterranean world. While primarily known for its natural wonder—the largest underground lake in the United States—it also has a history steeped in ghost stories and unexplained echoes within the caverns. Touring the Lost Sea offers a unique chance to explore the interplay of geology and legend, with guides often sharing tales of mysterious lights and sounds beneath the earth. The controlled environment inside the caverns makes it a year-round destination, but the cool, quiet atmosphere feels especially chilling in the winter months when the contrast with the outside cold sharpens the otherworldly sensation.
Finally, the small town of Bell Buckle, about 50 miles southeast of Nashville, offers a distinctly quaint yet intriguingly haunted experience. Known for its well-preserved Victorian architecture and vibrant arts scene, Bell Buckle also boasts the historic Webb School, which is said to be haunted by the spirit of a former headmaster. Visitors can enjoy strolling the town’s streets, soaking in the charming shops and galleries, before joining one of the local ghost walks that recount the school’s storied past and spectral legends. Springtime, when the town hosts its annual arts festival, brings a lively contrast to the ghostly tales, highlighting Bell Buckle as a place where history, art, and the paranormal intersect in a unique small-town setting.