The Wildest Urban Legends from Vermont
In the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains, just over an hour’s drive east of Burlington, lies Mount Mansfield, the state’s highest peak. This mountain is more than a breathtaking hike; it’s tied to the legend of the spectral “Madame Shrewsbury.” According to local lore, she was a mysterious woman who haunted the toll road in the 19th century, appearing to travelers in distress. Today, those hiking the Long Trail section near the summit, with its stunning overlook of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks beyond, might hear the wind whispering through the alpine tundra and imagine her ghostly presence. Early fall, when the trails are crisp and less crowded, is the perfect time to experience the eerie atmosphere that complements this legend.
Vermont’s capital, Montpelier, tucked about 40 miles southeast of Burlington, holds its own shadowy tale inside the Vermont State House. The building’s historic halls, with their ornate woodwork and golden dome, are rumored to be home to the spirit of a former governor who met a tragic end in office. Visitors can take a guided tour that highlights the architectural splendor and the stories whispered among the polished brass fixtures. The glow of late afternoon sunlight filtering through the stained glass adds a mysterious ambiance that makes the tales feel all the more real.
A short drive southwest from Middlebury, the town of Bristol sits amid rolling hills and rich farmland, home to the famous Bristol Haunted Cemetery. This small burial ground, overshadowed by the nearby Green Mountains, is said to be the resting place of restless spirits from colonial times. The cemetery’s weathered stones tell stories of early Vermonters, and its remote location makes it an atmospheric spot for a chilly autumn evening stroll. The eeriness is heightened when the fog rolls in from the nearby New Haven River, giving the place a timeless, spectral quality.
On the outskirts of Stowe, about 45 minutes northeast of Burlington, the Trapp Family Lodge is not just a luxury resort inspired by the Sound of Music family but also a site rich with local folklore. Guests recount hearing the piano playing in empty halls or catching glimpses of figures from the past in the candlelit corridors. The surrounding hiking trails, like the Sterling Pond Trail, offer a peaceful retreat by a serene alpine pond, where the quiet stillness might just let you hear the echoes of those long gone. Late spring, when wildflowers bloom and the mountain air is fresh, is ideal for soaking in both nature and the lodge’s fascinating history.
In southern Vermont, the quaint town of Bennington, about an hour south of Rutland, is famous for the Old First Church, a striking example of Federal-era architecture. Beneath its historic steeple, legend has it that a “Bennington Monster,” a large, hairy beast, roams the nearby hills. While no confirmed sightings have been recorded, visitors can explore the nearby Bennington Battle Monument grounds, which offer sweeping views and a sense of stepping back into a turbulent past filled with mystery. Autumn days, when the foliage turns fiery red and gold, create the perfect backdrop for imagining these elusive creatures lurking just beyond the trees.
Nearby, in the rugged landscape of the Green Mountain National Forest near Manchester, about 50 minutes south of Rutland, lies the famed Lye Brook Falls Trail. This moderate 2.6-mile loop leads hikers to a stunning 125-foot waterfall, which roars louder after rainfall. The forest here is said to be haunted by the ghost of a hermit who once lived in a nearby cabin, appearing as a faint light among the trees on moonlit nights. Spring and early summer, when the waterfall is at its fullest and the forest is lush, provide an immersive experience where nature’s power meets folklore.
Heading north to the shores of Lake Champlain near Burlington, the Ethan Allen Homestead Museum invites visitors to step into the life of Vermont’s Revolutionary War hero. The museum’s rustic colonial-era house holds artifacts and exhibits that tell not only of Allen’s exploits but also of the many mysterious and unexplained events that reportedly occurred on the property. Exploring the grounds and walking down to the lakefront, especially in the early evening, visitors often feel a connection to the past that adds a haunting resonance to the stunning views of the water and Adirondack peaks on the horizon.
Out in Barre, about 45 minutes east of Montpelier, the Vermont Granite Museum offers a unique blend of geology and ghost stories. The city’s longstanding granite quarries are said to be haunted by the spirits of workers who lost their lives in the dangerous trade. Touring the museum’s exhibits, which include massive granite blocks and historic quarry tools, visitors learn about the intense labor and craftsmanship behind Vermont’s iconic stonework and the legends woven into its history. Fall is an especially evocative time to visit, when the crisp air and early dusk add a spectral edge to the museum’s shadowy displays.
Finally, in Woodstock, roughly 45 minutes south of Montpelier, the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park stands as a testament to conservation and the complicated relationship between man and wilderness. The park, with its stately mansion and miles of wooded trails, is also the setting for tales of strange lights and phantom footsteps. Walking the Rockefeller family’s historic carriage roads, visitors can immerse themselves in Vermont’s pastoral beauty while pondering the park’s whispered secrets. Early morning fog and the golden light of autumn afternoons make this an especially magical spot to connect with Vermont’s mysterious past.
Each of these places offers a window into Vermont’s rich tapestry of stories, where natural beauty and legend intertwine. From haunted cemeteries to phantom piano tunes, the Green Mountain State invites visitors to explore its wild, whispering heart, where every bend in the trail or shadow in the historic halls might conceal a ghostly tale.