October in Chattanooga is more than just pumpkin patches and candy corn—it's a month full of spine-tingling, hair-raising adventures. From haunted picnics to ghost-filled hotels, eerie festivals, and paranormal investigations, there’s no shortage of spooky fun waiting for you. Whether you’re craving a chill or a thrill, these haunted happenings will leave you with stories to tell long after the October fog has lifted. Ready to take a step off the haunted path? Let’s dive into Chattanooga’s spookiest adventures.

Feast like a Phantom with Eerie Outings Haunted Picnics! 

Looking for a one-of-a-kind, eerie adventure? Step into a world of haunted feasts with Chattanooga’s spooky pop-up picnic experience! Gather up to three friends and enjoy a spine-tingling picnic in the heart of the city, where every detail is designed to give you chills – in a fun way. 

This eerie-themed picnic is not only a unique way to spend time outdoors, but it also supports local businesses, as all goods and services are sourced from Chattanooga's finest. You can add delightful extras, including a charcuterie board, sparkling water, and even spooky entertainment like tarot cards, board games, and a Bluetooth speaker to set the perfect haunting atmosphere.  

Have a Haunted Sleepover at the Read House 

The Read House Hotel, formerly known as the Old Crutchfield House, has hosted many famous guests, including Oprah Winfrey and Winston Churchill. It is the longest continuously operated hotel in the South— with an incredible and storied history.  But the story of Annalisa Netherly draws those seeking a paranormal thrill. If you’re up for a ghostly encounter, book Room 311 in advance—just be ready for an unforgettable stay with an extra guest. Legend has it that the room is haunted by the spirit of Annalisa Netherly, a guest who was tragically beheaded by a jealous lover in 1927. Over the years, guests have reported eerie experiences such as flickering lights, strange noises, running water, and even shadowy figures. 

Room 311, restored to its original 1920s glory, still features elements from Annalisa’s time, including a vintage clawfoot tub and an AM radio. The manual door lock requires a physical key, just as it did nearly a century ago, adding to the authentic feel of the room.

Search for Spirits at a Historic Hale’s Bar Dam 

As Halloween nears, there's no better time for spine-tingling tales, and Hales Bar Dam in Marion County, TN, is among the most haunted locations in the state. Originally built by TVA to harness the Tennessee River's power, the dam has a reputation for paranormal activity, with stories of Native American curses and tragic accidents. Built in 1905 to improve navigation and generate electricity for Chattanooga, it was the first multipurpose dam on the Tennessee River. However, its construction was fraught with challenges—floods, financial troubles, and accidents that claimed workers' lives.  

Despite being plagued by leaks and eventually replaced by Nickajack Dam in the 1960s, the Hales Bar powerhouse remains a hotspot for ghost tours and paranormal investigations. Visitors report eerie encounters in the dam's underground tunnel, built for workers to pass beneath, and tales of accidents and murders add to its spooky allure.  

During the Halloween season, there is a fully operational haunted house, called The Hale’s Bar Dam Haunt, adding to the spookiness of the area. To explore the dam separately (and in the company of a different kind of spirit) book a Distillery plus History Tour through Dam Whiskey, the on-site whiskey distillery. They will take you through the underground tunnels and shore the dam’s lore. 

Croon with Cryptids at the Green Eyes Festival

Join the spooky fun at the Green Eyes Festival in Chickamauga, GA on October 5, a fall celebration of folklore and culture in Northwest Georgia and Southeast Tennessee. Named after the legendary ghost "Old Green Eyes," who is said to haunt the Chickamauga Battlefield in various forms—from a Confederate soldier to a green-eyed panther—this festival is all about family-friendly chills and thrills. Enjoy spooky vendors, live music, and hear from cryptid researchers, including a special appearance by the Bigfoot Field Researchers Organization. Costumes are encouraged for this eerie yet lighthearted event that honors local legends and history. 

Stay Up All Night at the Old South Pittsburg Hospital Paranormal Research Center

Explore the eerie history of Old South Pittsburg Hospital, a once-functional medical facility located in South Pittsburg, Tennessee. Originally founded in 1959, the hospital served the community for nearly 40 years before closing its doors in 1998. The 68,000-square-foot building witnessed its share of tragic events and is rumored to sit on land once occupied by Union soldiers during the Civil War. The combination of its turbulent past and its position atop an underground spring feeding into the Tennessee River has made it a hotspot for paranormal activity. 

Even during its years in operation, staff reported strange occurrences—medicine carts and wheelchairs moving on their own, dark shadowy figures roaming the corridors, and disembodied voices filling the halls. The activity has only intensified since reopening for paranormal investigations and curious visitors. You can bravely explore overnight, or book a day visit for something a bit more low-key. If you want to conduct your very own paranormal investigation, there is ghost-hunting equipment available on-site for rent. 

See a Classic Chattanooga Attraction in a New Light 

Glow up on Lookout Mountain and chase the Halloween spirit with the special Lantern Tours: Ghost Walk Edition at Ruby Falls! On select dates from September 8 – October 31, 2024, enjoy spooky stories from Ruby Falls' 95-year history and Chattanooga legends as you walk to the waterfall by lantern light. At this after-hours tour, hear about eerie encounters, mischievous mayhem, and past tragedies. With limited availability, be sure to purchase your tickets online in advance—remember, it's only for those 12 and up! 

Looking for more Spooky fun this Fall?

From ChattaBOOga to Chasing Fall Colors to Fall Festivals and Events, explore more ways to make the most of Fall in Chattanooga.