The Paranormal Sites Of Pocahontas County
If you’re drawn to the spooky side of travel, Pocahontas County, West Virginia, is the perfect spot for a blend of outdoor adventure and spine-tingling ghost stories. From eerie Civil War battlefields to ancient legends embedded in the county’s forests, our area has plenty to keep visitors on their toes. Whether you’re planning a haunted tour or reading along from the safety of your couch, these spots offer an unforgettable glimpse into the county’s paranormal side.
Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park
If eerie encounters sound intriguing, Droop Mountain Battlefield State Park is your starting point. This historic site was the scene of one of the largest and last major Civil War battles in West Virginia on November 6, 1863, where nearly 400 lives were lost in brutal combat. Legend has it that some soldiers’ spirits never left the mountain. In 1920, two campers pitched their tents near the battlefield, unaware of the nightmarish encounter awaiting them. As one camper gathered firewood, he reported a chilling sight — a ghostly figure without a head standing before him. Since then, visitors have reported spectral apparitions, glowing orbs and even the eerie echo of cannon fire across Droop Mountain. Curious adventurers can explore the battlefield today, hoping for a glimpse of the infamous headless soldier. Even without otherwordly sightings, the park’s solemn beauty and rich history make it a unique visit.
Huntersville Confederate Cemetery
This secluded cemetery on a hill near Huntersville bears silent witness to a different kind of battle. During the Civil War, Confederate soldiers were stationed here, many of whom succumbed to typhoid and were laid to rest in the hillside cemetery. The site was forgotten by most for over a century, only known to neighboring families who maintained the memory of its existence. The quiet atmosphere and lingering history here make it an ideal destination for those interested in the lesser-known hauntings of Pocahontas County.
The Old Huntersville Jail
Huntersville served as Pocahontas County’s county seat from 1821 to 1891, and the jail built in 1878 with sturdy white Medina sandstone was considered escape-proof. Though you can’t go inside the old jail, wandering outside its thick walls gives a sense of the hardships that prisoners must have endured within. Haunted or not, Huntersville’s layered past of skirmishes, tragedy and resilience makes it one of the county’s most intriguing ghost-hunting stops.
Cass
The town of Cass has experienced its share of highs and lows. From the rise of the logging industry to its eventual decline, the town now thrives with visitors, and you can often hear the lively chatter as the steam locomotive chugs into town. Some things have stayed constant in Cass — the old railroad tracks that trace the Greenbrier River, the iconic steam engines that travel them and the Cass Company Houses, which have hosted countless tenants and tourists over the years. Yet, one Company House is particularly active, even in the quieter off-season — the Doyle House on Main Street. Over time, guests have reported sightings of a woman and two children walking along the street late at night. Though mysterious, these encounters have never felt threatening. For those feeling brave, a nighttime stroll through Cass just might reveal a glimpse of its lingering spirits.
The Devil’s Backbone
The earliest settlers in Pocahontas County faced challenges with both the landscape and their own fears. One feature that stands out is a sandstone arch called the Devil’s Backbone, a geological oddity with an ominous name. Many early settlers believed the arch had a supernatural origin, too strange to be natural and attributed it to dark forces at work. Today, it’s still hard not to feel a bit spooked when passing by on the Appalachian Waters Scenic Byway (Route 39). Whether a devilish creation or simply a wonder of erosion, the site holds a certain sinister charm.
Durbin’s Train Depot
For those who prefer a touch of grit to their ghostly experiences, Durbin’s Train Depot offers a blend of history and mystery. This restored station, a relic of the Staunton-Parkersburg Turnpike, becomes a spooky place when cloaked in a late-fall evening mist. Despite its eerie ambiance, you can shake off the chills by hopping on the Greenbrier Express. It’s a ride for all ages, providing adventure, history and stunning views of the Greenbrier River.
Beartown State Park
Beartown State Park straddles Pocahontas and Greenbrier counties, covering 110 acres of dense woods and ancient rock formations that seem to have faces. By day, it’s a fascinating natural attraction with a half-mile boardwalk for visitors to marvel at massive boulders, cliffs and crevices. But as dusk falls, these formations seem to take on a chilling presence, almost as if they’re watching the visitors who pass by.
More Spooky Spots and Events
Beyond these landmarks, Pocahontas County has many other haunted or historically rich sites — from unsettling old houses to the many hidden corners of the Monongahela National Forest. But if you’re looking for family-friendly activities, check out our events calendar for fun without the frights.
Whether you’re planning to encounter some of Pocahontas County’s haunted history firsthand or simply enjoy the stories from home, these sites promise a thrill for ghost hunters and history lovers alike. Request a copy of our free Adventure Guide to learn more about the area.