UFOs, Ghosts, and Cryptids: Paranormal Virginia
Just a short drive southwest from Washington, D.C., lies the small town of Culpeper, Virginia, where the old Culpeper National Cemetery carries whispers of the past. While mostly known for its solemn Civil War graves, locals and visitors alike have long reported eerie figures and unexplained lights hovering around the grounds after dusk. Wandering the well-tended pathways that weave between centuries-old tombstones, especially on misty autumn evenings, visitors can soak in the somber beauty while sensing the lingering presence of history’s shadows. The cemetery’s quiet atmosphere and deep roots in American history give these paranormal tales a weight that makes the experience uniquely chilling among Virginia’s many historic sites.
Farther south, about an hour’s drive from Richmond, lies the mysterious St. Albans Sanatorium ruins deep in the George Washington National Forest near Roanoke. Once a tuberculosis hospital, it was abandoned in the 1960s, and nature has since reclaimed much of the structure. Adventurous hikers exploring the surrounding trails often report strange noises and fleeting figures glimpsed among the crumbling walls and overgrown halls. The nearby Wolf Creek Trail offers a moderate challenge over about five miles, leading to scenic overlooks where the forest stretches endlessly. Visiting in late spring or early summer, when the woods are lush but bugs are not yet overwhelming, provides the ideal balance of eerie ambiance and natural beauty, making the hike and the haunting stories memorable.
Out on Virginia’s Eastern Shore near Chincoteague, the Assateague Island National Seashore offers more than wild ponies and barrier island tranquility. At night, the expansive beaches and marshes become the perfect setting for stargazing and, for some, UFO spotting. Located about two hours east of Norfolk, Assateague’s remote location and dark skies create a natural observatory where visitors have reported strange lights darting across the horizon. Kayaking through the salt marshes at sunset or camping near the beach amplifies the sense of isolation, encouraging a connection not only with nature but the unknown. Early fall, when the summer crowds thin and the weather cools, is the prime time to visit for both wildlife viewing and perhaps a glimpse of the unexplained.
Nestled about 30 minutes west of Charlottesville, the historic town of Madison has gained repute for its paranormal folklore centered around the Madison County Courthouse. Built in the early 19th century, the courthouse is a landmark of neoclassical architecture, but its history includes tales of ghostly judges and lingering spirits connected to trials long past. Visitors interested in the supernatural can attend local ghost tours that weave through the courthouse square, where storytellers bring to life the eerie events that have become part of the town’s identity. The best time to experience these tours is in the crisp evenings of October, when the seasonal atmosphere brings an extra thrill to the tales shared beneath ancient oaks.
Traveling to the northern reaches of the Shenandoah Valley, about two hours west of Washington, D.C., Shenandoah National Park offers not only breathtaking views but also legends of cryptids. The park’s Skyline Drive winds 105 miles along the Blue Ridge Mountains, providing access to numerous overlooks and trails such as the relatively easy Stony Man Trail, which offers panoramic vistas at an elevation of 4,000 feet. Hikers and campers have reported odd sounds and sightings of unexplained creatures, with the dense forests providing an ideal habitat for mysterious animals rumored to roam the area. Visiting in summer or early fall, when the weather is mild and wildlife active, enhances both the natural beauty and the chance to engage with the park’s enigmatic side.
In the coastal town of Virginia Beach, just a short drive from Norfolk, the old Cavalier Hotel stands as a grand relic of the 1920s with a reputation for ghost stories among guests and staff. Its storied ballrooms and ocean views hide tales of spectral sightings and unexplained occurrences. Visitors can explore the hotel’s historic lobby and public spaces, or simply enjoy the beachfront while pondering the spirits said to linger. The best time to visit is in the off-season, when the hotel is quieter, lending a more intimate and mysterious atmosphere for those intrigued by the supernatural.
Finally, in the heart of Richmond, the Edgar Allan Poe Museum offers a more literary encounter with the paranormal. Located about two blocks from Poe’s childhood home, the museum presents artifacts and exhibits that delve into Poe’s life and his fascination with the macabre. Walking through the dimly lit rooms filled with manuscripts, letters, and period furnishings, visitors feel the eerie ambiance that inspired his tales of mystery and horror. The museum’s proximity to Richmond’s historic Shockoe Bottom district, known for its own ghost stories and haunted buildings, makes it a perfect launching point for anyone wanting to experience Virginia’s spectral lore through the lens of one of America’s greatest gothic writers. Autumn evenings are especially atmospheric here, as the fading light and chilly air echo the mood of Poe’s darkest works.
Each of these Virginia destinations offers a distinct doorway into the state’s rich paranormal tapestry, blending history, nature, and myth. Whether wandering haunted cemeteries, hiking through ghostly ruins, or scanning starry skies for unearthly visitors, travelers find that Virginia’s eerie side is as vivid and varied as its landscapes.