WV Tourism introduces paranormal trail highlighting local lore

SUTTON, WV (WOWK)–West Virginia is wading into the ever-growing scare tourism through the introduction of a paranormal trail.

West Virginia Tourism’s Paranormal Trail highlights 14 landmarks across the state that are either said to be haunted or represent a local cryptid. Those who wish to participate can download a paranormal passport and then earn points at each location.

There are also rewards as participants gain points. At four points, participants get a sticker, at 10 points they get a beanie, and after all 14 locations participants receive a poster.

All designs are related to the paranormal trail or designed by West Virginia native Liz Pavlovic.

Andrew Smith, curator of the Flatwoods Monster Museum, says this trail can help increase small-town tourism.

“What I’m hoping is this initiative brings all these subjects or more to the forefront of like everybody that lives in West Virginia,” said Smith. “and then hopefully next year, all those people, you know, make sure, hey, make sure to plug in this, this little known thing. But that’s really cool because I’m sure there are hundreds of them.”

Listed below are the locations that are a part of the paranormal trail.

• Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant
• Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston
• Lake Shawnee Amusement Park in Rock
• West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville
• Blennerhassett Hotel and Spa in Parkersburg
• Ghost Tour of Harpers Ferry
• Hotel Morgan in Morgantown
• Flatwoods Monster Museum in Sutton
• The Old Hospital on College Hill in Williamson
• Shepherdstown Mystery Walks
• The Historic Glen Ferris Inn in Glen Ferris
• The Haunted Haymond in Sutton
• Flinderation Tunnel in Harrison County
• Bigfoot Statue at the Elk River Trail in Clay County

People can also nominate different spooky locations to be added to the trail next year here .

The challenge runs until the end of the year.

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