You’ll find West Virginia’s ghost towns transformed each year through festivals celebrating their haunted heritage. Hinton hosts the September Haunt Fest with paranormal investigations at historic sites like the Campbell-Flannagan-Murrell House, while Point Pleasant’s Mothman Festival draws over 10,000 visitors to commemorate cryptid sightings near the former TNT plant. Thurmond offers lantern-lit ghost tours through abandoned coal camp streets and hosts the unique June triathlon through New River Gorge’s historic railway corridor, preserving these communities’ stories while welcoming explorers seeking both adventure and authentic Appalachian encounters.
Key Takeaways
- Hinton hosts Haunt Fest annually on September 13, featuring paranormal investigations, haunted tours, and live entertainment from noon to midnight.
- Point Pleasant’s Mothman Festival occurs the third weekend of September, drawing 10,000-12,000 visitors with free admission and various activities.
- Thurmond offers October lantern-lit ghost tours, ACE Adventure Resort ghost hunts, and year-round historic walking tours exploring coal town heritage.
- Thurmond hosts the June Triathlon combining biking, paddling, and running through historic railway areas and New River landscapes.
- Thurmond celebrates seasonal events including August reunions, Holiday in the Hills in December, and community gatherings preserving Appalachian traditions.
Hinton’s Haunt Fest: A Full Day of Paranormal Activities
When darkness falls over Hinton, West Virginia, this historic railroad town transforms into a paranormal hub for its second annual Haunt Fest on September 13, 2025.
Hinton’s historic railroad district awakens with supernatural energy as the second annual Haunt Fest descends on this Appalachian town.
You’ll experience twelve hours of immersive activities running from noon until midnight, exploring spooky legends that have defined this Appalachian community for generations.
The $25 admission grants you access to paranormal vendors selling haunted merchandise, food trucks serving regional fare, and live entertainment throughout the day.
As evening approaches, you can join paranormal investigations from 8PM to midnight at multiple locations, uncovering the mysteries behind haunted hotels and forgotten corners of town. The Creepy Crawl paranormal investigation runs during these nighttime hours, offering dedicated ghost hunters an intensive exploration of the town’s most haunted sites.
The self-guided Creepy Crawl begins at City Park at 7 p.m., allowing participants to explore haunted locations including the Summers County Public Library, Poe Haus, and Wilson Warehouse at their own pace until midnight.
Ghost hunters, horror enthusiasts, and Halloween devotees gather here seeking authentic supernatural encounters.
Come for the scares, stay for the spirits—and discover Hinton’s darker history.
Creepy Crawl Paranormal Investigations in Historic Hinton
Between 8PM and midnight during Haunt Fest, you’ll navigate Hinton’s Creepy Crawl through four historically significant sites where paranormal activity has been documented for generations.
Your $25 self-guided investigation grants access to The Library, the Reach House, Campbell-Flannagan-Murrell House Museum, and Wilson Warehouse—each location selected for its documented supernatural encounters and architectural heritage.
This evening format allows you to conduct your own paranormal research at your preferred pace, exploring the shadows of West Virginia’s most authentically haunted historic structures. Before beginning your investigation, Appalachian Ghost Tours provides an overview of the event, establishes safety rules, and answers questions from participants.
Four Haunted Investigation Locations
As darkness settles over Historic Hinton during Haunt Fest, the Creepy Crawl Paranormal Investigations transforms four of the town’s most storied buildings into an immersive, self-guided ghost tour. You’ll explore at your own pace from 8 p.m. until midnight, conducting paranormal research at the Summers County Public Library, REACHH House, Campbell-Flannagan-Murrell House Museum at 422 Summers St., and Historic Wilson Warehouse.
Each location offers distinct haunted legends rooted in the town’s past, giving you freedom to investigate without scheduled constraints. The Campbell-Flannagan-Murrell House, one of the oldest buildings in town, served as a family residence for over 100 years and has hosted numerous documented paranormal encounters. Investigators may utilize EMF meters, thermal cameras, and spirit boxes to detect unexplained phenomena throughout the evening. After picking up your map and tickets at City Park (3rd & Temple) during the 7 p.m. Appalachian Ghost Tours orientation, you’re equipped to navigate Hinton’s supernatural heritage independently, probing mysteries that have persisted through generations in these preserved historic structures.
Evening Hours and Pricing
Before you venture into Hinton’s supernatural spaces, you’ll need to secure your $25.00 ticket through Appalachian Ghost Tours’ Square site at appalachian-ghost-tours.square.site/shop—all sales are final and non-refundable, so plan accordingly.
The ticket pricing covers your complete evening access from the 7 p.m. briefing at City Park through midnight investigations. Evening hours run continuously, giving you five solid hours to explore five historic locations: Summers County Public Library, Poe Haus, REACHH House, CFM House Museum, and Historic Wilson Warehouse.
You’ll pick up your ticket at designated map locations before the initial gathering, where guides provide ground rules and answer questions.
The self-guided format lets you pace your investigations freely, though all sites close promptly at 12 a.m.
Point Pleasant’s Mothman Festival: Celebrating a Legendary Cryptid
You’ll find Point Pleasant’s transformation from a quiet Ohio River town into West Virginia’s cryptid capital began with a series of strange sightings near the abandoned TNT munitions plant in November 1966.
The town now celebrates its legendary winged creature each September during the Mothman Festival, drawing 10,000-12,000 visitors to its Main Street—far exceeding the local population.
This annual gathering preserves the region’s most famous paranormal chapter through museum exhibits, hayride tours to historic sighting locations, and Bob Roach’s 12-foot metallic statue that’s become the town’s unofficial mascot.
The legend gained international attention following the December 15, 1967 Silver Bridge collapse, which became intertwined with Mothman sightings and heightened the creature’s notoriety.
Festival-goers can download a free Mothman app from the App Store or Google Play to access comprehensive event details, schedules, and real-time updates throughout the weekend celebration.
Origins of Mothman Legend
These folklore origins stem from the area’s abandoned TNT plant—a World War II munitions facility whose contaminated bunkers became ground zero for the phenomenon.
Witnesses reported the winged humanoid lurking outside homes, chasing vehicles, and flying effortlessly without flapping. The creature stood 6 to 7 feet tall with distinctive glowing red eyes that became its most recognizable feature.
The sightings ceased abruptly after the Silver Bridge collapse killed forty-six people on December 15, 1967. The bridge had connected Point Pleasant to Gallipolis, Ohio, spanning the Ohio River during its years of operation.
Festival Activities and Attractions
Standing watch over Gunn Park in downtown Point Pleasant, the 12-foot stainless steel Mothman statue has become the festival’s most photographed landmark since its 2003 installation.
You’ll find the adjacent Mothman Museum packed with eyewitness accounts from the original 1966 sightings—visit Friday to dodge weekend crowds.
Live bands fill River Front Amphitheater throughout Saturday and Sunday, while vendors line Main Street selling cryptid-themed merchandise (bring cash).
The $5 hayride through the abandoned TNT Area runs Saturday evenings, taking you directly to where workers first spotted the creature amid WWII-era explosive manufacturing grounds.
Start your Saturday morning with the Mothman 5K along the Ohio River, then catch guest speakers discussing cryptid legends.
Meet Jeff and Willy from *Mountain Monsters* at the grassy lot next to Counter Point Cooperative, with no ticket necessary but expect possible wait times during their scheduled Friday evening and weekend appearances.
These festival memories preserve Point Pleasant’s most enduring mystery while honoring the region’s folklore heritage.
Planning Your Festival Visit
Mark your calendar for the third weekend of September, when Point Pleasant transforms into cryptid central with its annual Mothman Festival—the 2025 event runs September 20th and 21st.
You’ll want to book accommodations early, especially the historic Lowe Hotel on Main Street, which sells out quickly due to its prime location near the Mothman Museum at 400 Main Street.
Saturday’s activities run morning through evening, while Sunday wraps at 5 PM.
Navigate the 200–500 blocks of festival territory via the Bartow Jones Memorial Bridge.
Find the Info Tent beside the Post Office on the 300 block for guidance.
This paranormal tourism hotspot draws over 15,000 seekers annually, blending ghost stories with cryptid culture.
For extended adventure, catch wagon rides at State Farm Museum nine miles north.
Thurmond Triathlon: Adventure Through New River Gorge
Why settle for a typical race when you can challenge yourself through one of Appalachia’s most storied landscapes? The Thurmond Triathlon takes you through New River Gorge‘s preserved railway routes, calm river passages, and historic townscapes each June.
Challenge yourself through Appalachia’s storied landscapes—preserved railways, calm rivers, and historic townscapes await at the Thurmond Triathlon.
You’ll bike two miles along the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, paddle 1.5 miles on the New River, and run two miles through Thurmond’s century-old streets.
Registration opens at 8:30AM, with the race starting at 10AM from Dun Glen Day Use Area.
Whether you’re tackling it solo or forming a team, you’ll find volunteer opportunities and eco-friendly practices woven throughout.
All proceeds support Active Southern West Virginia’s conservation programs across multiple counties, ensuring these trails remain accessible for future adventurers seeking authentic Appalachian experiences.
Thurmond’s Seasonal Events: From Reunions to Holiday Celebrations
When August’s heat settles over the gorge, former residents return to Thurmond for the annual Reunion Celebration on the second Sunday of the month. The Town of Thurmond hosts this gathering at Dun Glenn day use area, strengthening bonds across generations who share this coal town’s heritage.
Seasonal traditions continue through fall and winter. Community celebrations include:
- October’s lantern-lit ghost tours weave spine-tingling tales through historic streets where miners once walked
- December’s Holiday in the Hills transforms the depot with festive decorations and hot cocoa
- Year-round walking tours let you explore 1920s-era buildings at your own pace
- August reunions reunite families who built their lives in these mountains
Each event honors Appalachian heritage while welcoming visitors to experience Thurmond’s living history beyond its ghost town reputation.
Eerie Walking Tours Through Thurmond’s Haunted Past
As darkness descends on Thurmond each October, lantern-lit paths guide you through streets where coal miners once walked, their stories now woven into spine-tingling ghost tours. You’ll hear ghostly legends from haunted locals who’ve witnessed unexplained phenomena in this National Park Service-managed town of just five residents.
Beyond October’s organized tours, you can explore independently year-round with maps from the 1904 Thurmond Depot visitor center. The self-guided route winds past preserved Main Street structures where informative signs detail coal camp life.
ACE Adventure Resort hosts sold-out ghost hunts twice yearly using EMF meters and spirit boxes, investigating paranormal hotspots where seasoned investigators encounter black masses and the notorious lady in red.
Access requires traversing a narrow seven-mile road—unsuitable for RVs—but rewards you with authentic haunting experiences.
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum: Historic and Paranormal Tours
Towering above Weston since 1858, the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum stretches nearly a quarter-mile as North America’s largest hand-cut stone masonry building—a Gothic Revival monument where 130 years of mental health history converge with documented paranormal activity.
You’ll discover both historical preservation and architectural significance through daytime tours exploring Kirkbride’s therapeutic design philosophy, Civil War occupation as Camp Tyler, and the overcrowding crisis that saw 2,600 patients crammed into spaces meant for 250.
- Walk original patient corridors where Civil War soldiers once bunked
- Explore the 1887 women’s auxiliary building frozen in time
- Join overnight paranormal investigations from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m.
- Stand among unmarked graves of unclaimed patients
This National Historic Landmark‘s foundation-run museum invites you to experience authentic history without sanitization.
Silver Run Tunnel: Daytime Trail and Nighttime Hauntings
While the Trans-Allegheny Asylum‘s Gothic towers command attention through sheer architectural presence, West Virginia’s haunted history also lurks within landscape itself—carved through mountains where daylight surrenders to absolute darkness.
Silver Run Tunnel on the North Bend Rail Trail offers you this duality: by day, it’s part of a 72-mile converted railroad perfect for hiking and biking through 1,376 feet of pitch-black passage.
By night, eerie legends emerge. Since 1910, witnesses report a spectral woman in white haunting the tunnel entrance—once allegedly riding an engineer’s cowcatcher after he dismissed her as fog.
You’ll find moonlit shadows and unexplained moans drawing paranormal enthusiasts to this pre-Civil War railroad bore, where Baltimore and Ohio’s “Appalachian Subway” becomes something altogether more unsettling.
Planning Your Visit to West Virginia’s Haunted Event Destinations
Before you pack your ghost-hunting equipment or cryptid-tracking camera, you’ll need practical details that transform curiosity into confirmed plans. West Virginia’s haunted architecture and urban legends demand preparation beyond enthusiasm.
Essential Planning Considerations:
- Dress for outdoor exploration – Fayetteville Wizard Weekend and Thurmond’s lantern-lit paths require weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
- Secure tickets strategically – Trans-Allegheny’s $11 flashlight tours operate first-come, first-served. Arrive early during special events.
- Plan parking logistics – Mothman Festival’s $20 Krodel Park spaces fill quickly. Walking to Main Street is required.
- Contact venues directly – Bigfoot Festival vendor details (304-644-0455) and Thurmond event specifics through SouthernWV ensure access.
These haunted architecture sites celebrate preservation while honoring regional folklore, welcoming independent explorers ready for authentic experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Children Allowed to Participate in the Paranormal Investigations and Tours?
You’ll find most ghost town tours don’t explicitly ban children, though you should consider children’s safety during paranormal activities. These historic sites welcome families, but you’re responsible for deciding if nighttime investigations suit your kids’ comfort levels.
Can I Get a Refund if Weather Cancels My Event?
Refund policies for weather cancellations vary by organizer—full refunds are rare. You’ll likely receive rain checks or rescheduling options instead. Check your ticket terms beforehand, as most West Virginia event contracts include force majeure clauses excluding weather-related refunds.
Do I Need to Book Paranormal Tours in Advance or Buy Tickets Onsite?
While spontaneity feels freeing, you’ll need advance booking for Haunt Fest Hinton’s Creepy Crawl ($25 online-only). Tour reservation tips: most regional ghost walks welcome onsite purchases. Ticket purchasing options vary—popular paranormal investigations like asylum tours sell out fast.
Are Pets Permitted at These Ghost Town Events and Festivals?
Pet policies vary by festival regulations at each ghost town venue. You’ll need to contact specific event organizers directly, as West Virginia’s historic sites maintain different rules protecting both preserved structures and visitor safety during annual gatherings.
What Accommodations Are Available Near These West Virginia Ghost Town Locations?
You’ll find historic lodging at Blennerhassett Hotel in Parkersburg and rustic accommodations throughout New River Gorge near Thurmond. Regional options include preserved inns, bed-and-breakfasts in surrounding communities, and campgrounds offering authentic mountain heritage experiences.
References
- https://visitwv.com/event/haunt-fest-in-hinton-wv/
- https://www.mothmanfestival.com
- https://thurmondwv.org/pages/up-comming-events
- https://wvtourism.com/almost-heaven-after-dark/
- https://www.westvirginiahauntedhouses.com/west-virginia-festivals.aspx
- https://wherealmostheavenbegins.com/calendar
- https://www.wvlandtrust.org/event/witch-walk-in-the-woods/
- https://wvdn.com/173911/
- https://hintonnews.com/2025/09/08/hinton-prepares-for-spine-tingling-haunt-fest-on-september-13/
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rRrjenh-It0
