Allegany County, the Mountain Side of Maryland, is steeped in history—and with that history comes plenty of eerie stories. Whether you’re visiting for the Halloween season or just in the mood for a ghostly adventure, these locations offer a mix of historical intrigue and spooky legends that are perfect for a hauntingly memorable experience.
Paw Paw Tunnel
Photo Credit: Steve Dean
The Haunting Qualities: This 3,118-foot-long tunnel is an engineering marvel, but its dark, narrow passageways create an unsettling atmosphere. The eerie silence is often broken only by the sound of dripping water, and the pitch-black interior makes it easy to imagine someone—or something—lurking just out of sight. Local legends suggest that workers who died during its construction still haunt the tunnel, and visitors report feeling strange presences while walking through it.
Hotel Gunter Basement
The Haunting Qualities: The historic Hotel Gunter in Frostburg once served as a holding cell in the 1900s for prisoners being transported along the National Road. Today, it’s rumored to retain the energy of those long-gone occupants. Guests and staff have reported cold spots, disembodied voices, and shadowy figures moving about making it a must-see for paranormal enthusiasts.
Puccini’s Restaurant
Photo Source: Puccini Restaurant
The Haunting Qualities: Housed in an 1819 colonial home, Puccini’s was once a temporary hospital for Union and Confederate soldiers during the Battle of Folck’s Mill. Many diners and staff have experienced footsteps when no one is around, objects mysteriously moving, and sightings of shadowy figures. With its rich history and lingering energy, Puccini’s offers a uniquely chilling (and also widely popular) dining experience.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church
The Haunting Qualities: Emmanuel Episcopal Church in Cumberland, MD, while incredibly beautiful, has been described as an uncanny place to visit due to its strong historical ties, connection to tragic events, and the haunting legends tied to it. Built atop the ruins of Fort Cumberland, which played a pivotal role during the French and Indian War, the church grounds hold deep historical significance. Below the church lies a network of tunnels that were once the walls used for military purposes but later served as part of the Underground Railroad during the Civil War. These dark, hidden tunnels have long been a source of tales, where visitors claim to hear footsteps, whispers, and strange noises emanating from beneath the church, especially near the entrances to the tunnels.
Rose Hill Cemetery
The Haunting Qualities: Dating back to the early 1800s, Rose Hill Cemetery is the resting place of many notable Allegany County figures. Visitors have reported unexplained lights, misty apparitions, and even full-body sightings of people in 19th-century attire. Walking among these historic graves can evoke a strong sense of mystery, as though you’re never truly alone.
C&O Canal Towpath
The Haunting Qualities: With more than 150 years of history, including accidents and drownings, the C&O Canal Towpath has its share of ghost stories. Near the old lockhouses, visitors sometimes feel sudden cold spots, hear phantom footsteps, or see figures in period clothing vanish before their eyes. The towpath’s quiet, remote sections can only add to the eerie ambiance.
Gordon-Roberts House
The Haunting Qualities: This Victorian mansion, now a museum, was built in 1867, and is well reputed to be haunted. Staff and visitors have experienced cold spots, strange noises, and sightings of ghostly figures, particularly in the upstairs rooms. Whether these spirits belong to former residents or guests, the house’s combination of history and unexplained occurrences makes it a fascinating stop for history buffs and paranormal fans alike.
The Parish Ghost of Cumberland at St. Patrick Church
Photo Credit: Cody Steckman
The Haunting Qualities: Among the oldest Catholic parishes in Western Maryland, St. Patrick Church holds more than two centuries of local history—and one enduring legend. During the Civil War, Father Brennan, the parish priest, ministered to soldiers stationed in Cumberland. One of his most tragic duties was offering last rites to a young Union soldier, Francis Gillespie, executed near Rose Hill Cemetery in 1864 after a military court-martial. The story goes that Father Brennan promised to deliver tokens of farewell to Gillespie’s family but delayed fulfilling the task. That night, Brennan was said to have heard the echo of bootsteps in the rectory hallway. When he opened the door, the ghostly figure of the soldier stood before him, silently reminding the priest of his vow. For more than a century, parishioners have whispered about the restless spirit said to linger near the old rectory—an apparition bound by duty, devotion, and an unkept promise.
These locations in Allegany County offer a mix of historical intrigue and ghostly legends, and while we can’t confirm the accuracy of any of these reports, we encourage you to explore some haunts to get a feel for the mysterious side of Maryland.
Tips & Considerations for Visiting Haunted Places
- Take a guided tour if possible — local historians often know the best spots, permission routes, and stories.
- Respect private property.
- Time of day matters — many reputed ghostly sightings occur at dusk, night, or in low light.
- Bring gear (if you’re into “ghost hunting”) — flashlight, camera, audio recorder, etc. But also use common sense (don’t explore unsafe structures).
- Talk to locals/a long-time residents — sometimes oral legends persist that aren’t in printed guides.