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Last Updated on October 7, 2025 by Tracy
Discover the best haunted places and ghost hunting tips this Halloween in this guest post by US Ghost Adventures.
One of the greatest things about ghost hunting is you don’t have to be an expert to enjoy it or for your efforts to be successful. Sure, it helps to have some insight on what techniques to use, what tools to buy, and the best places to go, but as long as you have an open mind, you have a chance to experience a real ghost encounter whether you consider yourself a professional paranormal investigator or simply a horror enthusiast.
Ghost hunting can be thrilling any time of year, but in our opinion, Halloween is the very best time to give it a try. After all, the holiday is based on the Celtic tradition of Samhain, which is believed by many to be the time of year when the veil between the living and dead becomes thin, allowing us to communicate with those in the spiritual realm.
If you’ve always wanted to go ghost hunting but didn’t know where to start, we have the solution. Here are some tips, location suggestions, and advice on the best ghost hunting tools to use to help make your first search for spooky spirits a memorable one.
Tips for Beginner Ghost Hunters
Before we get started on our suggestions for the best cities to visit for a successful ghost hunt, here are some helpful tips for beginners that you may find useful.
Choose the Right Equipment
Using the right equipment is the key to any successful ghost hunt. Some of the basic tools you should own include a digital voice recorder for capturing strange noises and a good-quality EMF meter that can detect changes in the electromagnetic field.
Whenever you notice spikes on your EMF device, that’s letting you know that you’re in the presence of a spiritual being. Additional tools that may come in handy include spirit boxes, EMF pumps, and night vision cameras.
Do Your Research
While it’s true that anyone is capable of going ghost hunting, it’s always a good idea to do a little research on the subject so that you know what you’re getting into. Encounters with spirits can range from subtle nudges, such as hearing strange noises or flashing lights, to more direct interactions, like objects moving on their own or seeing apparitions in the shadows.
You need to approach every investigation with an open mind and plenty of skepticism. Not every strange event is the result of a supernatural force, and the more you research the topic by reading blogs or watching videos, the easier it will be for you to determine the real thing from what’s simply the effects of your imagination running wild.
Take Safety Precautions
Safety should always be your number one priority while you’re out ghost hunting. Remember that most haunted locations throughout the U.S. are old, abandoned buildings, and some may be unsafe to enter. For that reason, you should visit the location you intend to investigate during daylight hours so that you can look for any potential hazards.
Remember to always get permission before accessing private property, bring along a first aid kit, and make sure your phone stays charged in case you need to call for help. Additionally, you should always tell someone where you plan to go and what your expected return time should be.
Choose the Best Location for Hauntings
To ensure that your ghost hunt is a success, you should research your local area to find out where other people have experienced encounters with spirits. You don’t want your first hunt to be at a place where no ghostly activity has ever been reported. Therefore, it’s a good idea to look up haunted places in your town, such as hotels, graveyards, and old historic houses that are known to have several ghost stories or urban legends attached to them.
The Top Cities for Ghost Hunting this Halloween
To help you get started, we have put together a list of the top cities for ghost hunting this Halloween!
Gettysburg, PA
The City of Gettysburg, PA is a town that is synonymous with hauntings. With several locations tied to the historic Battle of Gettysburg during the Civil War, this area is filled with spirits of those who suffered from tragic death during one of the darkest eras of our nation’s history.
Tillie Pierce House Inn
The Tille Pierce House Inn is named after a woman who lived in Gettysburg during the Civil War. The inn is still open for business today, offering food and lodging to those visiting the area. This location is believed to be home to an unexplainable phenomenon that many have described as a trickster poltergeist.
Who was Tillie Pierce?
Tille Pierce was the youngest of the Pierce family. Her father was a butcher, and her mother was a caretaker. She had two older brothers who were both serving in the Civil War. When the Battle of Gettysburg broke out in 1863, it occurred right outside the Pierce family property. To keep her safe, TIllie’s parents sent her south of town, but unbeknownst to them, that is where the fighting was the most extreme.
Amidst the chaos, Tillie decided to join the war effort and became the Union Army’s newest field nurse. She would take food and medical supplies to the soldiers, comfort the wounded, and provide first aid to those who were injured.
When Tille returned home, she wrote a book about her experience and was praised for her bravery on the battlefield. She moved away from Gettysburg years later and died in Philadelphia, but there are many who believe that her spirit returned to her childhood home and still roams the inn today.
The ghost of Tillie Pierce is often seen in the Blue Room at the inn. Visitors have reported hearing footsteps behind them when no one is there and even feel pressure on the mattresses while they’re in bed asleep.
Sachs Covered Bridge
The historic covered wooden bridge located over Marsh Creek in Gettysburg once provided a safe passage for both Confederate forces and the Union Army during the Civil War. While that may not be too eerie, the fact that it was also the execution site for three soldiers from the Confederacy casts a dark shadow over this otherwise picturesque location. According to the story, the soldiers were hanged at the bridge after being charged with the crime of impersonating Union soldiers.
Today those who visit the bridge have witnessed several signs that it is haunted, such as the strange scent of cigar smoke and the feeling as if someone is touching them on the shoulder when no one is around. There have also been a few people who report that they’ve heard the sound of gunfire and even a cannon in the distance.
But perhaps the most unsettling account is from those who have witnessed the disturbing sight of bodiless heads floating throughout the covered bridge in the mist.
Gettysburg is the perfect place to do a ghost hunt on Halloween, with numerous ghost hunts available, including in historic haunted houses like the Welty House and the Jennie Wade Birthplace House.
Salem, MA
Salem, MA is considered haunted by more than just paranormal experts. Anyone who knows anything about this town will typically agree that it’s haunted by multiple spirits thanks to the tragic events of the Salem Witch Trials.
The witch trials were one of the darkest times of American history, when 20 innocent people were executed after they were falsely accused of witchcraft. There are several locations in Salem linked to the trials, and all of them are excellent places to go for a successful ghost hunt.
The Witch House
Located at 310 ½ Essex Street, The Witch House is the former home of the Witch Trials Judge Johnathan Corwin. The house is the only structure that is still standing that has a direct connection with the trials, and it is also open to the public.
Visitors to the house have claimed to have heard strange voices, felt sudden drops in temperature, and felt an overall sense of unease while inside the building. While it’s important to note that no witches ever lived in the house, the judge’s direct involvement with the trials is why it has such a strong reputation for being haunted.
The House of Seven Gables
Author Nathaniel Hawthorne was encouraged by his cousin Susanna to write his second novel, The House of the Seven Gables, based on her home, the Turner-Ingersoll mansion. Hawthorne was the great-great-grandson of the judge of the witch trials, and he used some of the facts from true events that occurred during that time in his story.
The book, which is a fictional tale about a cursed family, has contributed to the local lore that the home has a dark and evil presence within it.
Some of the most frequently reported sightings include a man seen at the top of a secret staircase, a little boy playing in the attic, flickering lights, and strange noises all throughout the home.
Savannah, GA
The City of Savannah, GA is believed to be one of the most haunted places in the South. There have been many reported ghostly encounters here thanks to the city’s dark past associated with wars, untimely deaths, and involvement in the Atlantic slave trade.
The Sorrel-Weed House
The Sorrel-Weed House has been the focus of several urban legends around town. It was the home of Francis Sorrel, a wealthy plantation owner whose life was shattered by tragedy and scandal.
After the untimely death of his first wife, Francis went on to marry his sister-in-law Matilda. Their marriage was short-lived when Matilda caught Francis having an affair with one of his slaves named Molly. Matilda was so distraught by his disloyalty that she committed suicide in the home. A few weeks later, Molly was also found dead; apparently, her cause of death was suicide as well.
It is believed that the ghosts of Matilda and Molly haunt the house today. Those who have visited the home mention there being a dark energy inside, and some have even said they feel like they are being choked to death. Other people have reported feeling drowsy as soon as they enter.
According to local lore, not only is the home haunted by Molly and Matilda, but there are also spirits of dead soldiers inside who were killed during the bloody Siege of Savannah.
17Hundred90 Inn
This historic Inn and restaurant is located at 307 E. President Street in Savannah. It is one of the most luxurious places to stay in Savannah, and it’s also one of the spookiest, depending on which room you book.
While it’s hard to say just how many ghosts haunt this location, there are three who are most commonly seen at the inn: Anna, Thaddeus, and a vengeful spirit who stays in the kitchen.
Anna is the most well-known spirit at the inn. Guests who stay overnight in room 204 report jewelry and clothing being moved from one place to another and their bed covers being moved unexpectedly.
According to the story, Anna was involved in an arranged marriage when she fell in love with a sailor. When he sailed off to sea, leaving her behind to marry someone she didn’t love, Anna threw herself from the third-floor window onto the brick courtyard below.
The ghost of a young boy named Thaddeus is often seen on the ground floor of the restaurant and inside the tavern. He will leave pennies lying on the tables, on the bar, and on the desk. He is said to be a friendly spirit, and those who have encountered him say he gives off an unexplainable warm energy.
Unfortunately not all of the ghosts at 17Hundred90 are as pleasant as Thaddeus. There is a spirit who stays inside the kitchen of the restaurant, who will toss around pots and pans, throw spice jars on the floor, causing the contents to spill, and even throw items at unsuspecting restaurant workers.
Looking for more things to do in Savannah while you are in town? Be sure to check out How to Plan the Best Weekend in Savannah and Things To Do In Savannah for Under $10.
New Orleans, LA
New Orleans, Louisiana, may be the best city to visit on Halloween if you want to have a truly frightening and festive ghost hunt. The city is well known for being home to lore about witches, vampires, and voodoo queens. There is a rich, mysterious presence in the air, especially in the French Quarter, where all types of dark magic have been practiced for centuries, and the location of the infamous LaLaurie Mansion.
Hotel Monteleone
The illuminated sign outside of Hotel Monteleone is one of the most recognizable in the French Quarter. It was built in the early 1900s and has always been a beacon of timeless elegance and luxury in town.
In 1880, Sicilian-born Antonio Monteleone moved to New Orleans and purchased a cobbler shop on Royal Street. Years later, when a 64-room hotel on the same street went on the market, Antonio purchased it and began to expand it, first by adding 30 more rooms and later by increasing the guest room count to a staggering total of 300. Years later, when his son took over ownership, that number increased to 600 rooms.
The hotel brought Antonio years of wealth and success, and the building was truly his passion project in life. After he died in 1913, many believed that his ghost lingered at the hotel that he loved so much. But he’s not the only ghost who inhabits the hotel. WIth so many guest rooms and people checking in and out over the years, it would be strange to assume that every guest at the Hotel Monteleone checked out on time.
Employees at the hotel say that none of the ghosts who linger there seem to be angry or vengeful. And there haven’t been any aggressive encounters reported, such as items being thrown or doors slamming. Therefore, this would be an excellent location for beginner ghost hunters who want to experience a pleasant ghost encounter that isn’t too frightening.
Bourbon Orleans Hotel
The Bourbon Orleans Hotel was originally the Orleans Ballroom and Theatre when it first opened its doors in 1815. It was a grand location where the elite would gather for dancing and entertainment.
After a fire destroyed the building in 1816, it was purchased by entrepreneur John Davis, who wanted to bring the theater back to its glory days. After he rebuilt the theater and ballroom, the venue started hosting events again, including the infamous Quadroon Ball. But in 1828, a fire burned down the Capitol Building, and it forced state legislatures to move their operations into the ballroom.
Years later, in 1881, the theater was purchased by the Sisters of the Holy Family, who converted it into a convent, a motherhouse, and a school for African American girls. The sisters purchased the lot adjacent to the theater and converted it to an asylum for orphan girls.
By the 1960s the Sisters of the Holy Family grew to include more than 400 nuns. They sold the property to the Bourbon Kings Hotel Corporation, who not only restored the former Orleans Ballroom building but also developed a $7 million dollar hotel and constructed a new building on the site of the former asylum.
Today the hotel is considered to be among the top ten most haunted in teh U.S. The building was home to so many different people from different walks of life, from the most elite in New Orleans to desolate children with nowhere else to go.
There are several ghosts that haunt the Bourbon Orleans. One is the spirit of a Confederate soldier known as “The Man,” who haunts the third and sixth floors. People have spotted apparitions of a little girl rolling a ball and chasing it down the sixth floor. hallway. There are several ghost children and female spirits believed to be members of the Sisters of the Holy Family. And there is also a beautiful ghost dancer who can be found in the grand ballroom, underneath the elaborate crystal chandelier.
The Best Ghost Hunting Tools
Having the right ghost hunting tools on hand is the best way to ensure your attempts at communicating with the spiritual realm will be a success. We have put together a list of essential tools for paranormal investigations, all available from the Ghost Daddy brand, featuring high-quality devices made by ghost hunting experts
Phantom-X USB-C Rechargeable EMF Detector with LED Signal Display
With the New and Improved USB-C Rechargeable Phantom-X EMF Reader, you will know exactly when you are in the presence of a ghost, spirit, or entity. This device is essential whether you are monitoring an electromagnetic field as a professional investigator or for personal use. It conveniently recharges using a USB-C charger, eliminating the need for batteries. The device has a wide detection range that can detect EMF signals from 0 to 20+ milligauss, making it easy to identify subtle or strong fluctuations in energy.
This EMF Reader is ideal for beginners and experts alike. It’s easy to use and has a sleek design that professionals in the field are sure to appreciate.
EMF Pump
The EMF Pump by Ghost Daddy is another essential device that can make your attempts at encountering a ghost much easier. This compact, battery-powered tool is ideal for use in haunted locations, overnight vigils, or any place where you feel the presence of a spirit.
EMF Pumps work by increasing the ambient EM field, which creates an environment that invites spirits in. While it may not summon a ghost, this product will provide you with a potential energy source for any entities that are present to draw from.
Ghost Torch Ghost Hunting Flashlight
Anytime you go exploring in a dark and mysterious location, you need to have a reliable flashlight so that you can roam the area safely. The Ghost Torch Ghost Hunting Flashlight by Ghost Daddy features three light modes: Standard, High, and UV/Blacklight, which each serve a unique purpose while ghost hunting. Standard mode will help you navigate dark spaces safely, while High and Vibrate modes can prompt spirits to make contact with you.
The unique UV/Blacklight mode will enhance your ghost hunt. Many experts in the field believe that some ghosts are attracted to UV lighting, and they may also be easier to see using this setting.
This high-quality flashlight provides up to 8 hours of continuous use on a single charge. It features a high-transparency optical glass lens and is fall- & corrosion-resistant thanks to its aluminum alloy casing. It is also rechargeable using a USB-C charger.
Deluxe Dowsing Rod Kit
Dowsing rods are ancient tools that have been used for centuries to track paranormal energy, find underground water sources, or confirm that strange movements or noises came from something that wasn’t quite human. This Deluxe Dowsing Rod Kit by Ghost Daddy may be seen as a novelty item by some, but for those who are tuned in to the paranormal, this kit can provide you with answers to your most intriguing questions.
This kit includes a pair of copper dowsing rods with retractable gold-toned handles that are designed for accuracy and responsiveness and are sensitive enough to pick up even the most subtle shifts in energy.
Also included is a spirit board with answers Yes, No, Maybe, and Rephrase. Black Obsidian crystals are also included to provide protection to you while using the dowsing rods.
Sinister Speaker – Ghost Hunting Spirit Box Radio
Radio static, otherwise known as white noise, can work as a conductor for spiritual activity. If you listen closely to white radio static in a haunted area, you will hear the faint sound of voices between the white radio static. This is known as Electronic Voice Phenomenon, or EVP. These noises are believed by ghost hunting experts to be the voices of spirits trying to connect with us from another realm.
Now, you can pick up strange sounds and disembodied voices while ghost hunting when you use the Sinister Speaker Ghost Hunting Spirit Box Radio by Ghost Daddy. This modern take on the classic spirit box will scan AM/FM radio frequencies using a fixed channel to provide you with white noise that can manipulate frequencies to deliver messages from beyond the grave.
The Sinister Speaker features an advanced EVP recorder with a built-in microphone, Bluetooth connectivity for pairing with mobile tools, and a headphone line-in for the most immersive ghost hunting sessions. Add in the stylish and highly portable design that both beginners and professionals in haunting investigations are sure to love.
Whether you are going ghost hunting for the very first time, or you are a seasoned pro, attempting to connect with ghosts and spirits is always an intriguing, spooky, and exciting experience, especially when you go on Halloween night. Be safe out there while visiting some of our recommended top haunting locations, have fun, and be sure to pick up some of our recommendations for ghost hunting tools.
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