Discover the Most Haunted Places in New Hampshire: Your Complete Paranormal Guide

New Hampshire may be nicknamed the Granite State, but beneath its rugged mountains and postcard-perfect villages lies a much darker side. With over 400 years of recorded history, this small New England state has accumulated centuries of tragedy, mystery, and restless spirits. From cursed cemeteries and spectral pirates to haunted hotels where guests never check out, New Hampshire is a paradise for paranormal enthusiasts.

Whether you’re a seasoned ghost hunter or simply curious about the supernatural, this complete guide will walk you through the most haunted locations across the Granite State — along with their chilling backstories and the eerie phenomena reported by visitors and locals alike.

Why Is New Hampshire So Haunted?

New Hampshire’s haunted reputation isn’t accidental. As one of the original thirteen colonies, the state carries the weight of centuries of colonial conflict, Native American displacement, maritime disasters, and industrial-era tragedies. The harsh New England winters claimed countless lives, and the isolation of many rural communities gave rise to deeply rooted folklore and superstition.

The spiritualism movement of the 1800s also took firm hold in New Hampshire, with residents holding séances and investigating paranormal phenomena long before modern ghost hunting became popular. Famous author Nathaniel Hawthorne even drew inspiration from the state’s ghostly legends, writing about spectral figures on the Isles of Shoals.

All of this history has left a permanent mark — one that many believe echoes through the state’s oldest buildings, roads, and burial grounds to this day.

The Most Haunted Places in New Hampshire

1. Omni Mount Washington Resort — Bretton Woods

Address: 310 Mount Washington Hotel Rd, Bretton Woods, NH 03575

The Omni Mount Washington Resort is widely considered the most haunted location in all of New Hampshire, and it has earned national recognition on lists of America’s scariest places.

The History: Construction on this grand hotel began in 1900 and was completed in 1902 by wealthy businessman Joseph Stickney. Tragically, Stickney died just one year after the hotel opened. His widow, Carolyn Foster Stickney, eventually remarried a French prince — Jean Baptiste Marie de Faucigny Lucinge — earning her the affectionate nickname “The Princess” among hotel staff.

Carolyn passed away in 1936, but according to countless witnesses, she never truly left the resort.

The Haunting: Princess Carolyn’s ghost is the star of the show at the Mount Washington Resort. Staff members have reported seeing her descending the grand staircase as though heading to dinner, just as she would have in life. Lights in one of the hotel towers turn on and off with no explanation.

The epicenter of the haunting is Room 314, where Carolyn’s original four-poster maple bed still remains. Guests who stay in this room have reported waking in the middle of the night to find a woman sitting at the foot of the bed, slowly brushing her hair. She appears as a hazy apparition in photographs taken throughout the hotel.

Some versions of the legend also mention the ghost of a Native American princess named Saco, who allegedly cursed the land after being betrayed by a lover. Her spirit has been reported roaming the halls in a wedding dress.

Can You Visit? Yes. The Omni Mount Washington Resort is a fully operational luxury hotel. You can book Room 314 if you dare.

2. Pine Hill Cemetery (Blood Cemetery) — Hollis

Address: Nartoff Road, Hollis, NH

Pine Hill Cemetery is arguably the most famous haunted cemetery in New Hampshire. Locals have long referred to it as “Blood Cemetery,” and the name alone is enough to send chills down your spine.

The History: The cemetery dates back to 1769 when Benjamin Parker Jr. donated the land. It contains nearly 300 graves. The cemetery gets its ominous nickname from Abel Blood, one of the most prominent figures buried there. Abel died in 1867, and his gravestone features a hand with a finger pointing upward — a common Victorian symbol representing a soul ascending to heaven.

The Haunting: According to legend, the finger on Abel Blood’s gravestone changes direction after dark, pointing downward toward the ground instead of up toward heaven. Visitors have reported seeing the ghostly figure of a child from the Blood family near the road, sometimes visible in car rearview mirrors.

The cemetery takes on an entirely different atmosphere at night. Witnesses describe misty apparitions drifting among the headstones, a black-hooded figure lurking near the treeline, and the unsettling sensation of being watched or even physically pushed back when approaching certain areas. Some visitors claim that walking from the front entrance to the center of the cemetery feels like wading through water.

Animals seem to sense something too — horses and dogs are known to refuse to go near the area. Residents in nearby homes have reported glasses breaking on their own, cold spots appearing out of nowhere, and doors opening and closing without explanation.

Can You Visit? Yes, but like most cemeteries, it is closed after sunset. Please be respectful of the site.

3. Ocean-Born Mary House — Henniker

Address: Private residence, Henniker, NH

The legend of Ocean-Born Mary is one of the most famous ghost stories in all of New England, blending pirate lore with the supernatural in a tale that has captivated imaginations for centuries.

The History: In 1720, a ship carrying settlers from Ireland to the New World was attacked by pirates led by a captain named Don Pedro. On board, a woman named Elizabeth Fulton had just given birth to a daughter. The pirate captain, moved by the sight of the newborn, made a deal: he would spare everyone’s lives if the baby was named Mary, after his own mother. The family agreed, and the captain even gifted them a piece of green silk for Mary’s future wedding dress.

Mary Fulton, known as “Ocean-Born Mary,” grew up in Londonderry, New Hampshire, married James Wallace, and had four sons. She eventually settled in Henniker and lived to the remarkable age of 94, passing away in 1814.

The Haunting: The two-story wood-frame house in Henniker that Mary’s son Robert built is said to be haunted by her spirit. Witnesses describe seeing a tall, red-haired woman with piercing green eyes appearing in the upstairs windows, near the bay windows, and on the central staircase. Many occupants over the years have reported feeling a protective, guardian-like presence in the home.

Despite the eerie sightings, those who have encountered Mary’s ghost describe the experience as non-threatening. Many believe she simply watches over the home she loved in life.

Mary Wallace is buried in Centre Cemetery behind the Henniker town hall.

Can You Visit? The house is a private residence and does not welcome uninvited visitors. You can visit Mary’s grave at Centre Cemetery.

4. Three Chimneys Inn — Durham

Address: 17 Newmarket Rd, Durham, NH

The Three Chimneys Inn is one of the oldest buildings in New Hampshire, and its centuries of history come with at least one permanent, ghostly resident.

The History: The oldest section of the inn was built in 1649 by Valentine Hill, who also constructed a sawmill and gristmill in the area. It is his daughter, Hannah, who is believed to haunt the property. Records show that Hannah was married at the age of 20, but after that, there is no further mention of her life or death. Local legend holds that she drowned in the nearby Oyster River.

The Haunting: Hannah is described as a playful but mischievous ghost. She likes to hide objects from staff and guests, tamper with electrical equipment, and has even been known to play with the hair of sleeping staff members. Her apparition has been seen walking the hallways, and other spirits may linger alongside her.

Guests have reported hearing mysterious footsteps, encountering sudden cold spots, and feeling an unmistakable presence — especially late at night.

Can You Visit? Yes. The Three Chimneys Inn is a fully operational inn and restaurant. You can book a stay and experience the haunting for yourself.

5. Vale End Cemetery — Wilton

Address: Vale End Cemetery, Wilton Center, Wilton, NH

Vale End Cemetery is considered one of the most haunted cemeteries in all of New England, and its resident ghost — the Blue Lady — has become a regional legend.

The History: Established in 1752, Vale End Cemetery is home to gravestones that have stood for over 250 years. The cemetery has an unusual and somewhat unsettling appearance, with many of the older headstones featuring carved faces at the top. Small secondary stones lean against the backs of several larger monuments for reasons that remain unexplained.

The most famous spirit here is that of Mary Ritter, who passed away under mysterious circumstances in 1808. Some accounts say her husband buried her alive. Others claim she was murdered by a devil-worshipping cult. The true cause of her death remains unknown.

The Haunting: Mary Ritter’s ghost is known as “The Blue Lady” because her apparition manifests as a large, blue, human-sized glowing orb that hovers above her headstone. The phenomenon has been reported by numerous visitors over the years, and photographs taken at the site have allegedly captured the blue glow.

Beyond the Blue Lady, visitors have reported seeing shadowy figures wandering among the graves, hearing disembodied voices, and feeling an overwhelming sense of unease upon entering the cemetery grounds.

Can You Visit? Yes. The cemetery is open to the public during daylight hours. Please treat the site with respect — vandalism has been a problem in the past.

6. Alton Town Hall — Alton

Address: 1 Monument Square, Alton, NH

This historic government building may look unassuming from the outside, but it is widely regarded as one of the most actively haunted locations in the state.

The History: The Alton Town Hall dates to the 19th century and originally served as a school before becoming the town hall. Over the decades, numerous people have passed through its doors — and some, it seems, never left.

The Haunting: The paranormal activity at Alton Town Hall is remarkably varied. Employees and visitors have reported hearing heavy, deliberate footsteps when no one else is in the building. Furniture moves on its own, doors open and close mysteriously, and disembodied voices echo through empty rooms.

The ghost most frequently described is that of a rugged outdoorsman — a figure from a bygone era who seems to linger in the halls. Others have reported seeing the apparition of a young girl in old-fashioned clothing peering out of windows. The basement is said to be haunted by a former janitor who died while working there, and visitors often report feeling his presence or witnessing objects move on their own.

Can You Visit? Yes. The Alton Town Hall is a public building and can be visited during normal operating hours.

7. The Isles of Shoals — Off the Coast of Portsmouth

The Isles of Shoals are a group of nine small islands located about ten miles off the coast of Portsmouth, split between New Hampshire and Maine. They have been the subject of ghost stories since the 1800s.

The History: These rocky, windswept islands have witnessed pirate activity, brutal murders, shipwrecks, and centuries of isolation. The most notorious event occurred on Smuttynose Island in 1873, when Louis Wagner murdered two women — Anethe and Karen Christensen — in what became one of the most infamous crimes in New Hampshire history.

Nathaniel Hawthorne himself visited the islands and wrote about a ghost called “Old Bab” who was said to dwell between the hotel and the sea.

The Haunting: Each island seems to have its own resident ghost. On Smuttynose Island, the spirit of Louis Wagner is said to wander in eternal remorse for his crimes. On Lunging Island, one of Blackbeard’s wives supposedly appears as a milky-white figure. On Star Island, the ghost of Betty Moody haunts a cave where she hid from a raid, allegedly smothering her child to keep him silent — her cries are said to be heard before storms.

At the Oceanic Hotel on Star Island, guests have heard sounds of someone rummaging through drawers and moving furniture on the fourth floor, which is nothing but empty attic space. At the Boon Island Lighthouse, an unknown spirit creates phantom footsteps and opens and closes doors.

Can You Visit? Star Island offers seasonal programs and retreats. The other islands are largely uninhabited and harder to access.

8. Amos J. Blake House Museum — Fitzwilliam

Address: 66 Route 119, Fitzwilliam, NH

With eleven ghosts and a phantom cat, the Amos J. Blake House may have the highest concentration of spirits per square foot of any building in New Hampshire.

The History: Built in 1837 as a combined store and residence, the building now operates as a museum. It gained national attention when it was featured on the television show “Ghost Hunters.”

The Haunting: The Soul Seekers Paranormal Society has investigated the museum and documented extensive paranormal activity. Workers and visitors have reported hearing disembodied screams, phantom footsteps, and encountering ectoplasm-like substances. Objects move on their own, and many visitors report feeling suddenly nauseous or uneasy inside the building.

The ghost cat is an especially unique feature — its presence is said to be felt brushing against visitors’ legs.

Can You Visit? Yes. The museum offers tours and welcomes visitors.

9. New Hampshire State Hospital — Concord

Address: 105 Pleasant Street, Concord, NH

Like many abandoned asylums across the country, the New Hampshire State Hospital carries a heavy burden of suffering — and, reportedly, restless spirits.

The History: Originally called the “New Hampshire Asylum for the Insane” when it was built in 1842, the facility’s name was changed to the New Hampshire State Hospital in 1901. Like similar institutions of the era, it was eventually closed amid disturbing allegations of patient neglect and abuse.

The Haunting: Though the hospital now sits largely abandoned, visitors report that it is far from empty. Phantom footsteps echo through the corridors, and disembodied screams can be heard reverberating through the building. Cold spots appear without warning, and objects have been seen sliding off tables and shelves as though pushed by invisible hands.

Perhaps most unsettling, the old elevators have been known to activate on their own — moving between floors with no one inside. Everyone who visits reports an overwhelming, persistent feeling of being closely watched.

Can You Visit? Access may be restricted. Always check local regulations before visiting.

10. Kimball Castle — Gilford

Kimball Castle looks like it was pulled straight from a gothic horror film, and the paranormal activity reported within matches its ominous appearance.

The History: This former estate belonged to railroad magnate Benjamin A. Kimball and sits on a 24-acre tract of land in Gilford. The castle-like structure, now in ruins, radiates a foreboding atmosphere even from a distance.

The Haunting: Visitors report that the presence inside Kimball Castle is decidedly unwelcoming. Loud, unexplained noises echo through the ruins. Lights behind closed doors in vacant rooms turn on and off by themselves. Most strangely, a couple of antique clocks that had been broken and non-functional for years have suddenly started ticking again.

The energy at Kimball Castle gives many visitors the distinct impression that whoever — or whatever — resides there wants to be left alone.

Can You Visit? The property is on public land, but the ruins can be dangerous. Exercise caution.

11. Island Path Road — Hampton Beach

New Hampshire is so haunted that even its roads have ghosts. Island Path Road in Hampton Beach may be the state’s most paranormal stretch of pavement.

The History: Goodwife Eunice “Goody” Cole lived at the end of Island Path and was accused of witchcraft in 1656 and again in 1671. She endured decades of persecution before dying of natural causes in 1680. Another legend tells of two young lovers who drowned after being caught in a violent storm while walking along the road.

The Haunting: Today, the entire area along Island Path is considered active paranormal territory. Drivers and pedestrians have reported encountering unexplained moving objects, flickering lights, and a ghostly figure that materializes in the fog. Some believe the figure is Goody Cole herself, still wandering the road centuries after her death. Others have reported seeing the ghostly outlines of two figures walking hand in hand — the doomed lovers from the storm legend.

Can You Visit? Yes. Island Path Road is a public road in Hampton Beach.

12. RG Sullivan Building — Manchester

Address: 175 Canal Street, Manchester, NH

The RG Sullivan Building carries the echoes of one of Manchester’s darkest chapters.

The History: The building once housed a cigar factory that notoriously used child labor. The working conditions were harsh, and the suffering of the young workers left a permanent mark on the building.

The Haunting: Visitors and workers in the building have reported hearing children crying when no children are present. Doors slam shut violently on their own, and an oppressive, heavy atmosphere pervades the space. The sounds are most commonly heard in the areas where the factory floor once operated.

13. Woodland Cemetery & Sumner Knight Chapel — Keene

Woodland Cemetery in Keene is home to multiple reported hauntings, with the Sumner Knight Chapel at the center of the activity.

The Haunting: A little girl’s ghost has been seen peering out from behind trees and buildings, giggling, and even following visitors around the grounds. The chapel itself is said to house a much more aggressive spirit — an angry, malevolent entity that has reportedly chased investigators away from the building.

There’s even an unusual twist: visitors who use profanity near the chapel claim to suddenly taste soap in their mouths.

14. The Chase House — Portsmouth

Address: 698 Middle Road, Portsmouth, NH

The History: Built in the late 19th century as a home for orphaned children, the Chase House later became a court-appointed children’s home. The building has been used as counselor housing and various other purposes over the years.

The Haunting: Locked doors mysteriously unlock and open on their own. Lights and ceiling fans turn on and off without explanation. Footsteps are frequently heard on the third floor, where counselors once lived — measured, deliberate steps moving toward the staircase, though no one is ever found there. A female apparition has been seen running down a hallway before vanishing completely, and screams have been heard echoing through the building at night.

15. The Ghost Horse of Toll Hill — Eaton

This may be New Hampshire’s only equine haunting, and it’s as heartbreaking as it is eerie.

The History: On Toll Hill in Eaton Center sits an old farmhouse with a tragic past. During a brutal winter blizzard, a horse sought shelter inside the abandoned building but became trapped and died inside.

The Haunting: The spirit of the horse is said to still be trying to escape. Visitors have reported hearing the sounds of a horse thrashing and whinnying from inside the building, despite it being completely empty. The sounds are most commonly reported during winter storms, as though the horse is reliving its final moments over and over again.

Haunted Hotels and Inns Worth Staying In

If you want to sleep alongside New Hampshire’s ghosts, these haunted accommodations welcome brave guests:

The Tilton Inn (1875 Inn): Haunted by a 12-year-old ghost named Laura who perished in a 19th-century fire. The inn has been featured on Ghost Hunters. Laura’s apparition has been seen by numerous guests over the years.

Three Chimneys Inn, Durham: As detailed above, Hannah the ghost has been a resident here since the 1600s. She enjoys hiding objects and playing with guests’ hair while they sleep.

Omni Mount Washington Resort, Bretton Woods: Book Room 314 for the best chance of encountering Princess Carolyn. Just don’t be surprised if you wake up to find someone brushing their hair at the foot of your bed.

Haunted Cemeteries of New Hampshire

New Hampshire’s burial grounds are among the most paranormally active in New England:

Pine Hill Cemetery (Blood Cemetery), Hollis: The finger on Abel Blood’s gravestone allegedly changes direction at night. Misty apparitions, a black-hooded figure, and the sensation of wading through water have all been reported.

Vale End Cemetery, Wilton: Home to the Blue Lady — the glowing blue apparition of Mary Ritter, who may have been buried alive in 1808.

Stark Road Graveyard, Conway: A pair of large, glowing red eyes are said to follow visitors up and down Stark Road after dark.

Gilson Road Cemetery, Nashua: Witnesses report glowing lights, a woman in a white dress, a wandering baby, screaming noises, strange fog that rolls in from nowhere, and people being physically pushed by unseen forces.

Tips for Ghost Hunting in New Hampshire

If you’re planning your own paranormal investigation in the Granite State, keep these tips in mind:

Respect Private Property: Several of New Hampshire’s most haunted locations, including the Ocean-Born Mary House, are private residences. Never trespass.

Observe Cemetery Hours: Most cemeteries in New Hampshire close at sunset. Visiting after hours can result in fines or arrest.

Bring the Right Equipment: EMF detectors, digital voice recorders for EVP sessions, infrared cameras, and a good flashlight are essential tools for any ghost hunt.

Go With a Group: Many of New Hampshire’s haunted locations are in remote, rural areas. For safety and to have corroborating witnesses, always investigate with at least one other person.

Document Everything: Take photos, record audio, and keep a written log of your experiences. Many of the most compelling pieces of paranormal evidence from New Hampshire have come from casual visitors who simply had their cameras running.

Be Respectful: Whether you believe in ghosts or not, many of these locations are tied to real human tragedy. Approach every haunted site with respect for the people who lived and died there.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most haunted place in New Hampshire? The Omni Mount Washington Resort in Bretton Woods is widely considered the most haunted location in the state. The ghost of Princess Carolyn Stickney has been reported by guests and staff for nearly a century.

Are there any haunted places in New Hampshire I can visit for free? Yes. Many of New Hampshire’s haunted cemeteries — including Pine Hill Cemetery in Hollis, Vale End Cemetery in Wilton, and Stark Road Graveyard in Conway — are free to visit during daylight hours. Alton Town Hall is also a public building.

Has New Hampshire been featured on ghost hunting TV shows? Yes. Several locations have appeared on the television series Ghost Hunters, including the Amos J. Blake House Museum in Fitzwilliam, the Tilton Inn, and the Palace Theatre in Manchester.

What is the Blue Lady of Vale End Cemetery? The Blue Lady is the ghost of Mary Ritter, who died under mysterious circumstances in 1808. Her spirit appears as a large, blue, glowing orb above her headstone in Vale End Cemetery in Wilton.

Is it legal to ghost hunt in New Hampshire? Ghost hunting itself is not illegal, but trespassing on private property or entering cemeteries after posted closing hours is against the law. Always obtain permission before investigating any location, and follow all posted rules and regulations.

Final Thoughts

New Hampshire’s haunted history runs as deep as the granite bedrock beneath its soil. From pirate ghosts and cursed witches to phantom horses and restless asylum patients, the Granite State offers an extraordinary range of paranormal experiences for anyone willing to look beyond its scenic surface.

Whether you visit the grand hallways of the Mount Washington Resort, stand among the ancient headstones of Blood Cemetery, or drive the foggy stretch of Island Path Road at dusk, you may find that New Hampshire’s ghosts are closer than you think.

Just remember — in the Granite State, the dead don’t always stay buried, and some guests never check out.