Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, Charleston, West Virginia, emerges as a city draped in whispers of the past and shrouded in spectral intrigue. This storied city, with its grand, historic architecture and meandering, mist-laden Kanawha River, serves as a backdrop for tales that are as chilling as they are captivating.
Beyond its quaint streets and Southern charm, Charleston harbors secrets buried beneath shadows of forgotten alleyways. Ghostly footfalls echo through the halls of ancient buildings, where the veil between the living and the dead thins just enough to send shivers down your spine.
Each corner of Charleston seems to tell a tale of restless souls, with long-forgotten spirits weaving themselves into the fabric of the present. As twilight descends, the city whispers stories of sorrow, revenge, and the inexplicable, inviting even the bravest of souls to wander its haunted paths.
In Charleston, the chill in the air is more than just the mountain breeze—it’s a silent promise of encounters with the unknown. Dive into this haunted narrative and discover why the phantoms of Charleston refuse to find rest in the afterlife.
Affordable

Charleston’s Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour
- Walking Tour
- 1.5 hours
- $29
Small Groups

Real Hauntings of Charleston: Small Group Ghost Tour
- Walking Tour
- 1.5 hours
- $35
Tour in Style

Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston
- Carriage Tour
- 40 minutes
- $45
Haunted Sites in Charleston, West Virginia


Amid the misty hills of Charleston, West Virginia, stands the regal and hauntingly beautiful West Virginia State Capitol. Legend whispers that restless spirits of workers who perished during its construction roam the grand halls, their ghostly silhouettes seen wandering through the opulent corridors at night.
A short distance away lies the eerie Spring Hill Cemetery, where tombstones tilt under centuries-old trees framing the pale moonlight. Among the souls interred here, some have never truly found rest, with visitors reporting glimpses of shadowy figures and the distant echo of mournful wails.
In the heart of downtown Charleston, the historic The Atlas Building hides chilling secrets within its brick facade. Once a site of bustling activity, spectral footsteps now resound in its deserted hallways, and the temperature plummets unpredictably, as if icy fingers brush against unwary travelers.
The Craik-Patton House, a stately antebellum home, is not just a relic of Southern elegance but a den of unexplainable activity. Stories of phantom children playing in the garden and spectral maids gliding silently through rooms persist, their presence felt rather than seen, captivating the imaginations of all who visit.
Concluding this spectral journey is the abandoned Staats Hospital, where the air is heavy with past sufferings and whispered secrets. Broken windows and decaying walls serve as a backdrop for sightings of ghostly nurses attending to long-deceased patients, breathing life into Charleston’s rich tapestry of haunted stories.
So let’s dive into the best ghost tours in Charleston, West Virginia!
Charleston’s Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour

- Type of tour: Walking
- Duration: Approximately 90 minutes
- Departure Location: 40 N Market St, Charleston, SC
- Price Range: $20-$30 per person
- Tour Times: Nightly at 8 pm
Charleston’s Pleasing Terrors Night-Time Walking Ghost Tour takes brave souls on a journey through the shadowed streets of the historic city. Led by a masterful storyteller, this tour delves into tales of restless spirits and dark history, weaving myths with well-documented hauntings at some of Charleston’s most iconic sites.
Pros
- Expert storytellers who bring Charleston’s haunted history to life.
- Rich in historical details that enhance the spooky atmosphere.
- Small group sizes ensure a personal and engaging experience.
Cons
- Nighttime tours can sometimes be crowded, especially during peak tourist season.
- Some stories may vary slightly, depending on the guide’s style, which can affect the consistency of the experience.
Sites Visited
- Unitarian Church Graveyard
- The Philadelphia Alley
- St. Philip’s Church Cemetery
- Poogan’s Porch
- Old Exchange and Provost Dungeon
Highlights
- The legend of the enigmatic ghost of a doomed bride wandering the Unitarian Church Graveyard.
- Discover the chilling history of duels and spectral encounters at The Philadelphia Alley.
- Guides captivate with tales in full costume, adding an authentically eerie touch to the experience.
Real Hauntings of Charleston: Small Group Ghost Tour
- Type of tour: Walking
- Duration: 1.5 hours
- Departure Location: Charleston, South Carolina
- Price Range: $25 – $45
- Tour Times: Evening schedules vary
Description
Amble through the shadowed streets of Charleston with the Real Hauntings of Charleston tour, where history and hauntings intertwine. This spine-chilling journey takes you deep into the heart of the city’s ghostly lore, unraveling tales of restless spirits and historic mysteries that linger beneath the cobblestones.
Sites Visited
- The Battery
- St. Philip’s Churchyard
- Charleston’s Old Jail
- Meeting Street
Highlights
- The story of the ghostly Lady in White at The Battery
- Chilling tales of the imprisoned souls of Charleston’s Old Jail
- Guides wield lanterns, their flickering light enhancing each tale’s mystery
- Rich historical context blended with eerie folklore for a captivating narrative
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Small group size ensures a personalized experience
- Enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides bring history to life
- Haunting stories are well-researched and engaging
Cons
- Inconsistent tour times can be difficult for planning
- Some guests felt the tour length left them wanting more history
Haunted Evening Horse and Carriage Tour of Charleston
- Type of tour: Carriage
- Duration: 40 minutes
- Departure Location: 14 Anson Street, Charleston, South Carolina
- Price Range: $50-$75
- Tour Times: Evening
Description
Embark on a chilling journey through Charleston’s shadowy streets as hooves clatter softly against the cobblestones. This horse-drawn carriage tour unveils tales of eerie folklore and morbid history, narrated as you pass by the city’s dimly lit squares and haunted mansions.
Sites Visited
- The Old Exchange Building
- The Provost Dungeon
- St. Philip’s Graveyard
- The Circular Congregational Church
- The Dock Street Theatre
Highlights
- The spectral tale of a headless torso roaming the Old Exchange.
- Stories of imprisoned souls trapped in the Provost Dungeon.
- Guides donning period costumes to enhance the spooky atmosphere.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Enthralling storytelling that captivates the imagination.
- An intimate, atmospheric setting under the Charleston night sky.
- Knowledgeable guides who vividly bring history back from the grave.
Cons
- Limited duration, leaving some ghost enthusiasts yearning for more.
- Evening schedule may clash with dinner plans for those unprepared.
Charleston Haunted Booze and Boos Ghost Walking Tour
- Type of tour: Walking
- Duration: Approximately 2 hours
- Departure Location: 215 Meeting St, Charleston, SC
- Price Range: $30 – $40
- Tour Times: 7:00 PM and 9:30 PM
Description
Ghostly tales entwine with the charm of Charleston as this tour reveals the hidden spectral stories lurking in the city’s shadowed corners. Combining the eerie allure of haunted bars with chilling local legends, this tour promises a nocturnal adventure brimming with unsettling thrills and spirited libations.
Sites Visited
- Charleston’s infamous haunted taverns
- Whimsically dark alleys steeped in history
- The historic French Quarter
Highlights
- Revel in the tale of restless souls lingering in Charleston’s oldest bars.
- Encounter guides who craft the perfect mix of history and horror, skillfully spicing their narratives with theatrical flair.
- Enjoy interactive storytelling that engages and thrills, making you feel like part of Charleston’s spectral lore.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Enthusiastic and knowledgeable guides bring stories to life.
- Perfect for those who enjoy mingling a bit of history with their drinks.
- Offers a unique way to explore Charleston’s haunted side, blending local culture with a spooky twist.
Cons
- Some guests feel the tour is geared more towards storytelling than serious ghost hunting.
- Walking tour may not be suitable for those with mobility issues.
Charleston Dark History Ghost Tour with Adam
- Type of tour: Walking
- Duration: Approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes
- Departure Location: Charleston, South Carolina
- Price Range: Moderate
- Tour Times: Evening departures
Description
Embark on a spine-tingling journey through Charleston’s storied streets with the Dark History Ghost Tour. Under Adam’s expert guidance, uncover chilling tales of restless spirits and dark deeds in this historic city. As you meander through shadowy alleys and cobbled lanes, hear riveting accounts of ghostly apparitions and unsolved mysteries that even the bravest souls will find eerie yet fascinating.
Sites Visited
- The Battery
- Charleston’s Old City Jail
- Four Corners of Law
Highlights
- Hear the haunting accounts of the notorious ghosts of Charleston’s Old City Jail, where eerie echoes of the past seem to linger.
- Adam’s dramatic storytelling breathes life into Charleston’s haunted history, making each tale feel as if it’s happening right before your eyes.
- Discover interactive scenarios that encourage participation, adding an element of surprise and engagement.
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Enthusiastic and knowledgeable tour guide who makes history come alive.
- Engages tourists with interactive elements that ennoble an unforgettable experience.
- A well-paced tour that balances storytelling with exploration.
Cons
- Tour can be crowded during peak times, making it hard to hear every story.
- Some participants may find the tour slightly shorter than expected for its price.
Wrapping Up
As the mist descends upon Charleston, West Virginia, the city transforms into a stage for its phantom players. Outside your window, whispers of the past beckon, and the shadows grow ever more inviting.
Dare to step beyond the veil of your reality and into the enchanting alleys where history’s mysteries reside. Choose your ghost tour guide to unveil tales of secrets and spirits that linger just out of sight.
Navigate dimly lit corridors with seasoned storytellers who hold the keys to Charleston’s spectral secrets. Follow their flickering lanterns and unearth the chilling stories echoing through time.
Every corner of the city holds a tale, ready for those brave enough to listen. Book your ghost tour today and become part of Charleston’s haunting narrative, where the eerie and entertaining meld into a night you won’t soon forget.