Friday, October 3, 2025
72.8 F
Beckley
More

    W.Va. grows as a popular destination for ghost hunting

    PAX, W.Va. — West Virginia's popularity as a destination for ghost hunting continues to increase, says the publisher of one of the state's leading paranormal websites.

    Advertisement

    Thousands of ghost hunters are now coming to the Mountain State monthly, according to Jonathan Moore, the publisher of , which celebrates its 24th year of publication.

    Moore says high-end paranormal destinations such as the and the have been attracting enthusiasts from across the globe for years. However, paranormal destinations are growing accessible across the state.

    Moore's publication since 1999 allows real people to post their stories of encounters and more than 500 of paranormal encounters in the state have been submitted to the online collection.

    Advertisement

    "When I first launched West Virginia Ghosts in 1999, the paranormal was considered a taboo niche. There weren't many people who would openly admit to having paranormal experiences,' Moore said.

    "As the years progressed, with the help of popular paranormal television shows, people became more interested and open.

    "Anymore, just about everywhere I go, I hear people talk about paranormal activity. I love hearing about a good ghostly encounter."

    Visitors to the online guide at will find far more than the story collection as the site is being redeveloped, Moore said.

    Advertisement

    "West Virginia Ghosts is in the process of a transformation. Over the next few years, the site will feature new content, such as live or recorded investigations, haunted location reviews, equipment reviews, training, software, and perhaps even podcasts."

    West Virginia Ghosts has seen an influx of visitors recently, and more than 26,000 people now follow the site, "and those numbers are climbing every single day," Moore says.


    Five unsettling West Virginia ghost stories recounted

    Burnt House by Jesse Thornton

    Nary a hill nor holler in West Virginia exists without a ghost around to haunt it, seemingly. Mountaineers love their lore and find plenty of places for restless spirits to walk. Many such tales are based on actual events, others on traditions handed down, and Susanna Connelly Holstein, of Jackson County, has collected as many as she’s been able.


    Sign up to receive a FREE copy of West Virginia Explorer Magazine in your email weekly. Sign me up!
    Bianca Bosworth
    Bianca Bosworthhttp://wvexplorer.com
    Born in Charleston, Bianca Bosworth spent years traveling the world as a travel nurse and freelance writer. In 2009 she returned to West Virginia to pursue a career in writing and mountaineering. She now calls Putnam County home.

    LEAVE A REPLY

    Please enter your comment!
    Please enter your name here

    Hot this week

    Duck, goose, waterfowl hunting season in West Virginia open October 4

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Several migratory bird hunting seasons will...

    Autumn colors continue to unfold across 'Almost Heaven,' West Virginia

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Autumn is sweeping across 'Almost Heaven,'...

    Once controversial, Mountaineer war memorial hides at the West Virginia capitol

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Motorists driving along Kanawha Boulevard past...

    West Virginia tourism tops record $9 billion in annual economic impact

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The W.Va. Department of Tourism today...

    West Virginia officials to open scenic new elk viewing platform on October 1

    LOGAN, W.Va. — West Virginia officials will host a...

    Topics

    Duck, goose, waterfowl hunting season in West Virginia open October 4

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Several migratory bird hunting seasons will...

    Autumn colors continue to unfold across 'Almost Heaven,' West Virginia

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Autumn is sweeping across 'Almost Heaven,'...

    Once controversial, Mountaineer war memorial hides at the West Virginia capitol

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Motorists driving along Kanawha Boulevard past...

    West Virginia tourism tops record $9 billion in annual economic impact

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. - The W.Va. Department of Tourism today...

    Which are the five most haunted towns in West Virginia, wild and wonderful?

    CHARLESTON, W.Va. — Which are the five most haunted...

    Related Articles

    Popular Categories