Are you fascinated by the eerie, the supernatural, and the unexplained? Do you dare to venture into the unknown? Then welcome to the Haunted History Trail of New York State.

Known for its iconic landmarks and vibrant cities, New York State holds a secret beneath its picturesque surface – a rich tapestry of haunted tales, ghostly encounters, and spine-chilling legends. The Haunted History Trail is your passport to this hidden world, offering a tantalizing blend of ghost hunts, guided tours, haunted inns, and dining experiences that will leave you both thrilled and mystified.

Intrigued? Join me as I unravel the mysteries of the Haunted History Trail in a multi-part article series, where every cobblestone street, historic mansion, and moonlit graveyard has a story to tell. If you're a seasoned paranormal investigator or just a curious traveler, this trail promises an unforgettable adventure into the heart of New York's supernatural past.

Prepare to meet restless spirits, uncover centuries-old secrets, and discover the ghostly side of the Empire State. Are you ready to explore? Your ghostly getaway begins here.

What Is the Haunted History Trail of New York State?

The Haunted History Trail of New York State is a unique and thrilling exploration of the supernatural and paranormal aspects of the state. It's a carefully curated collection of haunted locations, ghost hunts, guided tours, haunted inns, and other eerie experiences that draw inquisitive visitors from all around the world.

Here's how it works:

The trail features a selection of historic and intriguing sites across New York State that are known for their haunted histories. These sites range from old inns and historic landmarks to museums and more. Each location has its own unique stories of paranormal activity.

Haunted History Ghost Hunts

One of the highlights of the Haunted History Trail is the opportunity to participate in ghost hunts. Visitors can choose from various locations and experiences. Some places allow you to explore and investigate on your own, seeking out spirits and paranormal phenomena. Others offer guided ghost tours with equipment that may detect the presence of spirits.

Here’s a list of the Top 5 Ghost Hunt sites on the trail. But be on the lookout for Part 2 of my series where I’ll take a deeper dive into some of these exciting locations!

Rolling Hills Asylum: This historic site in East Bethany, New York, is known for its eerie and haunted reputation. Ghost hunters can explore the asylum's dark and mysterious past during special ghost hunts and self-guided tours.
Roberson Mansion: Explore the eerie history of this mansion in Binghamton, New York, by taking a lantern-lit tour that unveils the chilling tales of its former residents who may still linger as spirits. Visitors can join guided ghost tours in October, or opt for self-guided and virtual experiences year-round to discover the mysteries of this haunted mansion, where even recent staff members have reported paranormal encounters.
Fainting Goat Island Inn: Situated in Nichols, New York, this charming inn has a reputation for being haunted by friendly spirits. Guests can experience paranormal activity firsthand during their stay and participate in ghostly encounters.
The Historic Bundy House: Built in 1892, the house was rehabilitated as a museum in 2002. Paranormal investigators often visit this location, inviting the public to join them for investigations and tours, offering opportunities to communicate with the spirits of the past. Monthly ghost tours and paranormal investigations are hosted on the 3rd Friday of every month, and paranormal-themed books are available for those interested in delving deeper into the haunting investigations.
The Tarrytown Music Hall: a 136-year-old historic theater in Sleepy Hollow, New York, has a reputation for unexplained happenings and paranormal activity. Mysterious events include lights turning back on after closing, eerie sounds of an unknown singer in the wings, and high-profile artists sensing a presence in a particular dressing room. Gotham Paranormal Research Society investigated these occurrences in 2019 and uncovered intriguing EVP audio files and EMF readings. The Music Hall offers public Ghost Tours and Paranormal Investigations led by Gotham, allowing visitors to explore its haunted history and the ghostly guests that linger. The historic venue is handicap accessible on the first floor, making it accessible for concerts and other functions.

Haunted History Guided Tours

In addition to ghost hunts, guided tours are available at many of the trail's locations. Knowledgeable guides lead you through these haunted sites, sharing spine-chilling stories and historical context that adds depth to your experience. These guided tours provide an opportunity to delve into the paranormal and historical happenings of each location, guided by experts who share chilling stories and legends.

The Dr. Best House & Medical Museum: A chilling journey into the past. This well-preserved Victorian house and medical office serves as a haunting time capsule of early medicine, complete with eerie medical apparatuses. This location has become a paranormal hotspot, where visitors can explore the chilling tales, original obituaries, and recordings of piano playing and distant voices left behind by the spirits that linger within its walls.
Eerie Albany Ghost Tours: Join a guided tour of Albany, the capital of New York, and uncover the city's spooky and mysterious past. Learn about the paranormal and historical happenings while exploring the haunted locations.
Haunted Saratoga Ghost Tours: Saratoga Springs, New York, is known for its rich history and ghostly tales. Take a guided tour to discover the haunted secrets of this charming town, including stories that will send a chill down your spine.
New York State Capitol Hauntings Tour: Explore the impressive New York State Capitol building in Albany while learning about its haunted history. This guided tour offers a unique blend of architecture and paranormal intrigue.
Park After Dark Ghost Tours: These ghost tours offer a spine-tingling experience in Canandaigua, New York. Explore the dark side of the town and hear stories that may lead you to encounter spirits along the way.

Haunted History Trail’s Inns and Dining

If you're looking for a full immersion into the supernatural, spend a night in a room with a ghostly history or enjoy a meal at a haunted establishment. Believer or a skeptic, spending a night in one of these inns can be a truly unforgettable experience.

Haunted Inns:

Belhurst Castle: This historic castle inn offers a unique and spooky experience in Geneva, New York. Guests have reported encounters with ghostly residents who checked in but never left. Stay at Belhurst Castle for a chance to experience the paranormal.

Burn Brae Mansion: Located in Glen Spey, New York, Burn Brae Mansion is known for its ghostly inhabitants. Spend a night in this haunted mansion and immerse yourself in the mysterious and supernatural stories that surround it.

The Shanley Hotel: Located in Napanoch, New York, The Shanley Hotel is famous for its paranormal activity. It's believed to be one of the most haunted hotels in the state. Spend a night here if you dare, and you may have a spine-tingling encounter with the unknown.

Haunted Dining

Dining at a haunted establishment offers a blend of delicious cuisine and the potential for paranormal encounters.

Belhurst Castle: Dine in the eerie ambiance of Belhurst Castle in Geneva, New York. This haunted restaurant offers not only delicious cuisine but also the possibility of a ghostly visitor at your table. Keep an extra chair ready for unexpected company.

Bull's Head Inn: Located in Cobleskill, New York, the Bull's Head Inn provides a dining experience with a paranormal twist. As you enjoy your meal, be prepared for unexpected and ghostly guests who might join you at your table.

The Brae Loch Inn: In Cazenovia, New York, The Brae Loch Inn offers a haunted dining experience in a charming and historic setting. It's not just about the food; it's about the chance to share your meal with spirits from the past.

Events of the Haunted History Trail

The Haunted History Trail hosts various events and activities throughout the year, including special ghost hunts, themed tours, and seasonal activities related to the paranormal. These events offer a wide range of ghostly experiences, from guided tours and investigations to walks through historic towns with dark histories. History buffs and thrill-seeker alike will enjoy the opportunity to explore the haunted side of New York State.

Please note: check websites for updated information and dates of events.

Ghost Hunts & Self-Guided Tours | Rolling Hills Asylum
Date: September 9 - 23

Discover the mysteries of Rolling Hills Asylum, a historic location steeped in history and shrouded in an aura of the unknown. Participate in ghost hunts and self-guided tours to uncover the secrets of this eerie place.

Haunted Oswego Tours

Date: August 16 - October 28

Explore the world of ghost stories with Haunted Oswego Tours. Hear captivating tales that have been passed down through generations, enchanting and entertaining visitors for hundreds of years.

After-Hours Tour: Ghost Stories | Genesee Country Village & Museum

Date: September 15 - 16

Genesee Country Village & Museum offers After-Hours Adventures with a Ghost Stories tour. Explore the historic village after dark and hear ghostly tales from the past.

Plan Your Haunted History Adventure

Visitors can explore the trail by experience or by region, allowing you to tailor your journey based on your interests and location. The trail's website provides information on upcoming events, locations, and experiences to help you plan your ghostly adventure.

Request Brochures on the Haunted History Website

You can request brochures and visitor guides from each county along the trail to get more detailed information about the locations and experiences available. These guides offer valuable insights into planning your visit.

Helpful Haunted History Travel Tools:

The Haunted History Trail website provides additional travel tools, such as a trip planner and digital trail brochure, to assist you in organizing your paranormal exploration.

In summary, the Haunted History Trail of New York State is a captivating adventure for those who seek to explore the world of the supernatural. It offers a range of experiences, from ghost hunts and guided tours to stays in haunted inns, all while delving into the rich history and eerie legends of New York State. It's an ideal way to satisfy your curiosity about the paranormal and create unforgettable, spine-tingling memories.

COMING SOON: Part 2: Hunting Ghosts on New York's Haunted History Trail

Explore the Haunted History Trail of New York State