Gatlinburg: Ghosts Of The Smokies Haunted Walking Tour (2024)

Gatlinburg, nestled in the Smoky Mountains, is a town steeped in history and shrouded in mystery. The Ghosts of the Smokies Haunted Walking Tour aims to unveil the haunting tales that linger within this frontier settlement, from the brutal murder at the Edgewater Hotel to the uncovering of unmarked graves beneath the Mountain Mall. Visitors are drawn to the eerie atmosphere, seeking to capture evidence of the supernatural and uncover the restless spirits that are said to haunt this place scarred by violence and tragedy. What secrets lie hidden in the shadows of Gatlinburg‘s past?

Key Points

• The Edgewater Hotel is known for the ghostly figure of a woman in white wandering the halls and the eerie sounds of her cries.

• Unmarked graves containing remains with signs of violence have been uncovered at the site of the Mountain Mall, suggesting a dark frontier history.

• Gatlinburg’s turbulent past, including conflicts with Native Americans, the Civil War, and the presence of slavery, has left behind restless spirits.

• The infamous Gatlinburg Witch is rumored to manifest in various forms, with visitors hoping to capture photographic or video evidence of her elusive presence.

• Paranormal activity, such as eerie orbs of light and unsettling whispers, is reported near the White Oak Flats Cemetery and the Gatlinburg Space Needle.

Haunted History of Gatlinburg

Gatlinburg’s haunted history dates back to its frontier origins, when the area witnessed violent conflicts, tragic events, and the lingering presence of the supernatural.

The town’s troubled past includes the infamous Gatlinburg Witch, whose ghostly apparition is said to haunt the local cemetery.

Visitors can also explore the site of the Edgewater Hotel, where a tragic fire claimed numerous lives and left behind a restless spirit.

Beneath the bustling Mountain Mall, it’s rumored that bodies from a forgotten Civil War battle lie buried, their voices echoing through the halls.

From westward expansion to slavery and the ravages of war, Gatlinburg’s haunted history is woven into the fabric of the Smokies.

Frontier Origins and Violent Tales

Tracing the town’s roots back to its frontier days, Gatlinburg’s early history was marked by violent clashes and a tumultuous past. Settlers arriving in the Smokies faced treacherous terrain and conflicts with Native American tribes vying for control of the land.

As the town’s population grew, it witnessed tragedies and ghostly occurrences that have endured to this day. The tour explores the frontier origins and violent tales of Gatlinburg, including:

• The brutal murder of a young woman at the Edgewater Hotel
• The discovery of bodies buried beneath the Mountain Mall construction site
• Hauntings associated with the White Oak Flats Cemetery
• Accounts of the infamous Gatlinburg Witch and her dark legacy

The impact of westward expansion, slavery, and the Civil War on the region.

Ghostly Encounters at Edgewater Hotel

One of the most chilling tales on the Gatlinburg Ghosts tour is the haunting of the Edgewater Hotel, where a young woman was brutally murdered in the late 1960s.

Guests have reported seeing the ghostly figure of a woman dressed in white wandering the halls, her cries echoing through the empty corridors.

Others have felt a sinister presence, as if they were being watched.

Some have even claimed to have caught glimpses of the woman’s apparition in photographs.

The tour guide shares the tragic story, painting a vivid picture of the hotel’s dark past and the restless spirit that’s said to haunt it to this day.

Uncovering Buried Bodies at Mountain Mall

Beneath the bustling Mountain Mall in Gatlinburg lies a chilling secret – the buried remains of several individuals, a grim legacy of the town’s violent past.

Historians believe these unmarked graves date back to the town’s frontier days, when lawlessness and frontier justice were common.

Excavations have uncovered the remains of at least 5 individuals, with evidence of blunt force trauma and gunshot wounds. The bodies were likely hastily buried to conceal their fate, as records from the era are scarce and fragmented.

Theories suggest these victims were either early settlers, Civil War combatants, or victims of frontier feuds and vigilante activity.

The site has become a source of fascination and unease for both locals and travelers. Paranormal activity has been reported, with some claiming to have seen ghostly figures near the mall’s foundations.

Westward Expansion, Slavery, and Civil War

Gatlinburg’s haunted past is inextricably linked to the tumultuous history of westward expansion, slavery, and the Civil War that shaped the region. As the town grew from a frontier settlement, it bore witness to the violent realities of these formative eras, leaving behind a legacy of tragedy and ghostly remnants. The westward movement brought settlers and slave owners to the area, leading to conflicts with the indigenous Cherokee people. The Civil War further exacerbated tensions, with the town becoming a battleground for Union and Confederate forces. This turbulent history has left indelible marks, with some speculating that the restless spirits of those who perished continue to haunt the streets of Gatlinburg.

Capturing Evidence of Gatlinburg Witch

According to accounts, participants on the Gatlinburg Haunted Walking Tour often aim to capture photographic or video evidence of the infamous Gatlinburg Witch, whose ghostly presence is said to haunt the town’s historic streets and buildings. Tour-goers hope to immortalize glimpses of the witch, who’s rumored to manifest in various forms, including:

• A shadowy figure gliding through the fog
• A crone-like hag peering out from the windows of the Gatlinburg Inn
• Eerie orbs of light drifting above the White Oak Flats Cemetery
• Unexplained cold spots and unsettling whispers near the Gatlinburg Space Needle
• Strange disturbances and unexplained anomalies recorded on digital devices

While definitive proof remains elusive, the allure of encountering the Gatlinburg Witch keeps thrill-seekers returning to this haunted town.

Visiting Haunted Locations in Gatlinburg

The Gatlinburg Haunted Walking Tour takes participants on a chilling journey through the town’s storied past, visiting a series of eerie locations with dark histories. The tour stops at the Gatlinburg Space Needle, where ghostly sightings have been reported, and the White Oak Flats Cemetery, a resting place for early settlers. Visitors may even uncover bodies buried beneath the Mountain Mall, a haunting reminder of Gatlinburg’s violent history. The tour also explores the Gatlinburg Inn, where the tragic tale of the Edgewater Hotel ghost is shared, and other sites connected to the region’s frontier origins, westward expansion, and the Civil War.

Tour Overview and Practical Considerations

This 1-hour guided walking tour allows visitors to explore Gatlinburg’s haunted past, uncovering the town’s frontier origins, violent history, and ghostly tales.

The tour visits 7-11 historical and haunted locations, including the iconic Gatlinburg Space Needle, the eerie White Oak Flats Cemetery, and the infamous Gatlinburg Inn.

Highlights include:

• Capturing evidence of the notorious Gatlinburg Witch
• Hearing the tragic tale of the Edgewater Hotel ghost
• Discovering bodies buried under the Mountain Mall
• Delving into the region’s history of westward expansion, slavery, and the Civil War
• Exploring the haunting legacy of Gatlinburg’s past

The tour runs rain or shine, and is family-friendly, suitable for all ages. Smoking, intoxication, and video recording aren’t permitted.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour does not specify a maximum group size. The tour is advertised as a guided walking tour and is suitable for all ages, suggesting it can accommodate a range of group sizes.

Are There Any Discounts Available for Seniors or Children?

Yes, the tour offers discounts for seniors and children. Seniors aged 65+ receive a reduced price, while children under 12 can participate at a discounted rate. These discounts help make the tour accessible to a wider range of visitors.

Can We Bring Our Own Cameras or Recording Devices?

The tour’s policy is that video recording and photography are not allowed. However, guests can bring their own cameras and devices for personal use, as long as they don’t disrupt the tour experience.

Are There Any Mobility Restrictions or Accessibility Concerns?

The tour is wheelchair-accessible and accommodates guests with limited mobility. Guests should notify the tour operator in advance of any special needs. The tour route involves some walking on uneven terrain.

What Is the Cancellation and Refund Policy for the Tour?

The cancellation and refund policy allows participants to cancel up to 24 hours prior to the tour for a full refund. Cancellations within 24 hours are subject to a 50% refund. No-shows receive no refund.

Recap

The Gatlinburg: Ghosts of the Smokies Haunted Walking Tour offers visitors a chilling exploration of the town’s dark past.

From unsolved murders to unmarked graves, the tour delves into Gatlinburg’s haunting history, uncovering tales of violence, tragedy, and the lingering spirits said to haunt this frontier settlement.

Guests hope to capture evidence of the supernatural, seeking to unveil the restless ghosts that continue to roam the Smoky Mountains.