Lore and Legend

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

Her white coat gleaming against the grey cliffs atop Powell Mountain, a lonely she-goat that became the darling of motorists traveling U.S. 19 has likely passed. Anne Johnson, who helped popularize the Powell Mountain Goat through her photography, confirmed Wednesday that it had not been seen grazing above the expressway for six months. “The mountain … Read more

Fans of a solitary nanny goat that’s become a celebrity in central West Virginia are concerned about its apparent absence and are hoping someone can provide clues as to its whereabouts. Anne Johnson, a writer and photographer who’s become one of the goat’s best known protectors and devotees, spent Friday afternoon roaming the summit of … Read more

Few hills and hollers in West Virginia exist without a ghost around to haunt them. Mountaineers love their lore and find plenty of places for restless spirits to walk. Many such tales are based on real events, others on traditions handed down, and Susanna Connelly Holstein, of Jackson County, has collected as many as she’s … Read more

Perhaps there’s no better time than fall to visit the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum: Dry leaves skittering along like skeletal fingers and the howl of autumnal winds add to the inherent eeriness of the edifice that overlooks the historic town of Weston, West Virginia. Halloween marks the height of the season of ghostly ghastliness here where … Read more

Need to stretch your legs Halloween night? Two proponents of active living in southern West Virginia are leading a group hike to what’s been called one of West Virginia’s most chilling locales — the old farm at Grey Flats in Beckley. Levi Moore, senior community captain for Active Southern West Virginia, and David Sibray, a … Read more