Paranormal Trail Returns For Spooky Season

The West Virginia Paranormal Trail is back for another season, and there’s even a new location this year.  

The free, self-guided experience highlights some of West Virginia’s most legendary paranormal destinations, from historic asylums and haunted theatres to mysterious cryptid sites and spine-tingling tunnels.  

The newest destination is the Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park in Pocahontas County. The Civil War battlefield ranks among the region’s most haunted locations, with ghostly encounters reported throughout its grounds. 

Since its official launch in 2024, the trail has received nearly 14,000 sign-ups from visitors around the globe and includes 20 locations. 

Travelers can register online and instantly receive a digital passport by email or text. And when you do, you can earn prizes. Previous participants must register again to receive a new digital passport and be eligible for the 2026 challenge. 

• Check in at three or more spots and receive a glow-in-the-dark sticker. 

• Check in at eight or more spots and receive a custom beanie. 

• Check in at 15 or more spots and receive an adventure-ready lantern. 

• Check in at all locations and receive a limited-edition poster. 

Participants who visit all locations will be entered to win the grand prize of a gift certificate valid for an overnight tour at the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum for two people. The winner will be announced in January 2027.  

For more information on West Virginia’s Paranormal Trail or to register for a digital passport, visit wvtourism.com/paranormal.