9 Tennessee Ghost Tours That Bring Chilling Local Legends To Life
One Nashville ghost tour skips the sidewalk and puts you in an open-roof hearse instead. I have to admit, that detail stopped me cold.
Then I kept digging. Memphis has a stop where a ghost named Mary has reportedly lingered at a theater since 1921.
Chattanooga Ghost Tours says it became the first tour in the world to offer guests the talking Ovilus X ghost-hunting device.
Tennessee seems to take its spooky stories seriously, and its guides treat history like the main event. The ghosts are just the extra shiver on top.
So I rounded up nine tours across the state that turn old streets into storytelling stages. Some hand you real investigation tools.
Others lean on lanterns and legends. Which one would you be brave enough to try first?
1. Ghosts of Nashville Haunted History Tours
Most people ride in a hearse only once, and they don’t get to enjoy the view. Here, you climb into an open-roof hearse and actually live to talk about it.
That ride is the headline act for this Nashville operator. The company also runs historical ghost walks, so you can choose between rolling through town or exploring on foot.
Either way, the focus stays on the city’s haunted history. Guides aim for a balance of real facts and spooky tales, so you leave smarter and slightly jumpier.
Nashville has plenty of past to work with. The city grew from a river settlement into a state capital and music powerhouse.
An open-roof ride makes sense for sightseeing. You get a wide view of downtown landmarks while the stories unfold around you.
Want a tip? Dress for the weather, since an open roof means you feel the evening air firsthand.
Groups looking for something different should take note. A hearse tour makes a memorable pick for birthdays, reunions, or friends who think regular tours are boring.
The business keeps long hours, opening early and running into the night. That gives you room to plan around dinner, concerts, or a long day of exploring Music City.
Honestly, few Tennessee souvenirs beat a photo of yourself waving from a hearse. Just maybe skip sending it to your grandma without context.
Address: NCC, 511 Union St, Nashville, TN 37219
2. Historical Haunts of Memphis
South Main Street looks charming by day, with old storefronts and trolley tracks. After dark, this Memphis outfit turns that same stretch into a storytelling route.
Historical Haunts of Memphis offers both walking and bus tours. Each one blends local history with paranormal stories and legends from around the city.
Curious about the darker side of the Bluff City? The Dark History foot tour leans into that theme, mixing fun and spooky moments along the way.
A strong guide makes or breaks a ghost tour. This team focuses on engaging storytellers who pull you into the history and mood of each stop.
Picking between walking and riding depends on your group. The bus suits anyone who’d rather save their legs, while the foot tour gets you closer to the buildings.
The home base sits right on South Main, so finding it shouldn’t be tricky. Arrive a little early and stroll the neighborhood before your tour starts.
The company welcomes everyone and is known as an LGBTQ+ friendly spot. That inclusive feel makes it an easy choice for mixed groups of friends.
Office hours run Wednesday through Saturday, from 10 AM to 6 PM. Plan ahead and book on a day that fits your Memphis trip.
Memphis has a reputation for music and barbecue. Turns out it has a pretty good ghost story collection too.
Address: 552 S Main St, Memphis, TN 38103
3. Chattanooga Ghost Tours Inc
Ghost-hunting gadgets on a city tour sound like a modern idea. Chattanooga Ghost Tours says it became the first tour in the world to let guests use the talking Ovilus X during investigations.
Founded in 2007, the company calls itself Chattanooga’s original ghost tour. Its gear lineup includes the talking Ovilus X, a device that supposedly turns readings into words.
The walking tour shares documented tales of downtown ghosts. Guides mix in entertaining history and point out prime spots for snapping ghost photos.
Want to go further? The separate UTC/Cemetery Ghost Hunt takes adults through Citizens Cemetery, while the Walking Ghost Tour and Hunt Combo combines downtown storytelling with investigation equipment.
Kids get a perk on that combo, too. Guests ages 8 and older can use the provided ghost-hunting equipment, with adult supervision required for anyone under 16.
The Murder & Mayhem walking tour starts at the company’s shop at 57 East Fifth Street in downtown Chattanooga. It’s also handicap accessible, so more of your crew can join.
Start times shift with the seasons, running a bit later in spring and summer. Tickets are booked by appointment, so reserve early instead of showing up hopeful.
The shop itself sits on East 5th Street with a spooky theme. Treat it as your first stop for questions before you head out.
Bring a charged phone. If something odd shows up in your photos, you’ll want proof.
Address: 57 E 5th St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
4. Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg
Gatlinburg is famous for fudge shops and mountain views. Once the sun goes down, a 19th-century cemetery becomes a starring stop on this night walk.
Ghost Walk of Gatlinburg leads guests to local attractions thought to be haunted. The tour treats town history and ghost lore as equal partners.
That balance matters. You learn about how the mountain town grew while hearing about the spirits said to wander certain spots.
Guides here know their material. Expect stories about the town itself, fun facts, and enough spooky moments to make you glance over your shoulder.
The walking pace suits families and casual visitors. You don’t need hiking boots, though comfortable shoes are always smart on a Parkway evening.
Tickets require an appointment, and buying ahead is a good move. Gatlinburg stays busy, especially during peak vacation seasons.
Parking near the Parkway usually means a paid lot. Factor that in, and give yourself time to find a space before your start time.
Here’s a fun pairing idea for your trip. Spend the day in the Great Smoky Mountains, then spend the night hearing who might still be hanging around town.
It’s an easy way to see a familiar tourist strip in a brand-new light. Or a much dimmer one.
Address: 520 Parkway, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
5. Ghost Hunts by Haunted Knoxville Ghost Tours
Ever wanted a crash course in ghost hunting? Knoxville offers one, complete with real investigation tools and a little homework on local history.
Haunted Knoxville Ghost Tours started in 2010. It bills itself as one of America’s first hands-on paranormal adventures.
The Paranormal Adventure Tour includes Ghost Hunting 101 training. You learn professional investigation techniques, then try them out with a variety of tools.
Guides are experienced paranormal investigators and investigative historians. That pairing keeps the stories grounded in research instead of random campfire talk.
The tours grew from the founder’s own deep research into Knoxville’s past. The goal is a true, educational experience with a dash of chills.
Home base sits on Market Square, right in the heart of downtown. You’ll find shops and restaurants nearby for a meal before your hunt.
Parking options are plentiful, from garages to street spots. Some garages are even free, which feels like a small miracle downtown.
Public tours mainly run on weekends. Buying tickets ahead is wise, since hands-on groups fill up fast.
If you like science class more than scary movies, this one fits. It’s part history lesson, part detective work, and part wondering what just beeped.
Address: 36 Market Square #1404, Knoxville, TN 37902
6. Franklin Walking Tours
A bookstore makes a fitting launch pad for a night full of stories. Franklin Walking Tours starts from Landmark Booksellers on East Main Street.
The Grim and Ghostly Tour is the spooky star here. It lasts about 90 minutes and blends ghost stories with true crime accounts.
Much of Franklin’s lore ties back to the Battle of Franklin in 1864. It was one of the fiercest fights of the Civil War.
After the battle, many homes, churches, and businesses became makeshift hospitals. Plenty of those buildings still stand downtown, and the tour passes some of them.
Guides weave verified history with local legends. You walk the same streets where those 1864 events unfolded, which adds real weight to each tale.
Children are welcome on the tour. Parents should use their judgment, though, since a few stories lean pretty dark.
The tour runs nightly year-round. October brings expanded offerings, perfect if you want your Halloween season fully loaded.
The company also runs historical and themed town tours. So if you love the ghost walk, you can come back in daylight for more Franklin history.
History buffs, true crime fans, and paranormal lovers all find something here. Grab a book on your way out to keep the chills going at home.
Address: 114 E Main St, Franklin, TN 37064
7. ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk
Any tour with BOO built into its name clearly has a sense of humor. Luckily, ChattaBOOga Ghost Walk backs up the pun with real storytelling.
This 90-minute walking tour mixes history and hauntings across downtown Chattanooga. Guides share stories rooted in documented history, reported experiences, and local legends.
Some tales get wild. Expect stories about vengeful spirits allegedly summoned by seances and the legacy of prehistoric man-eaters.
Guides keep things lively with trivia and fun interactions. Think of it as a pop quiz you actually want to take.
Bring your dog if you like. The tour is both family-friendly and pet-friendly, which isn’t common on ghost walks.
Keep your camera ready the whole time. Guests are encouraged to snap photos in case something unexplained shows up.
Tours meet at the corner of Cherry Street. They run Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evenings, rain or shine.
That rain-or-shine rule means you should check the forecast. An umbrella might be the best ghost-hunting tool you pack.
Planning a weekend in Chattanooga? This walk makes an easy evening plan after a day at the riverfront.
Address: 700 Cherry St, Chattanooga, TN 37402
8. Ghost and Haunt Tour of Gatlinburg
Listening to ghost stories is fun. Holding an EMF detector while someone tells them is a whole different level of goosebumps.
Ghost and Haunt Tour of Gatlinburg combines town history with interactive paranormal equipment. You don’t just hear about each stop, you get to investigate it.
EMF detectors are part of the toolkit. They measure changes in electromagnetic fields, which ghost hunters often watch for during investigations.
That hands-on angle makes you feel like part of the action. Instead of trailing behind a guide, you’re helping search for answers.
Guides pair the gadgets with real local history and interesting location details. You’ll learn plenty about Gatlinburg even if your meter stays silent.
Families take note, since this tour is considered good for kids. Younger guests usually love having a device to hold and watch.
Guides also keep guest safety in mind and work to accommodate people with mobility needs. That attention helps more groups join comfortably.
Tours operate nightly from March through October, with the company closed from November through February. Buying tickets ahead is the smart play during busy Smoky Mountain seasons.
Both free and paid parking lots are options. Either way, save your energy for the walk and the jump scares your imagination supplies.
Address: 404 Airport Rd, Gatlinburg, TN 37738
9. Backbeat Tours
Beale Street is known for blues. Backbeat Tours adds a spookier soundtrack with its Memphis Ghost Tour, which even features a reportedly haunted jukebox.
The company is famous for musical history bus tours. Its guided ghost walks explore a darker side of the city.
The 90-minute route covers the South Main Historic District, often called Memphis’s most haunted neighborhood. Stories touch on vice, voodoo, phantoms, and lost souls.
Big stops make this tour memorable. The Orpheum Theatre is said to be haunted by a ghost named Mary since 1921.
You’ll also hear about the John Alexander Austin House. This Victorian-era mansion is tied to a tale of star-crossed lovers.
Then there’s Ernestine and Hazel’s. Once a brothel, it’s widely called one of the most haunted buildings in Memphis, home to several ghosts and that jukebox.
Guides know their crime stories and spooky spots well. They keep the pace engaging from the first stop to the last.
Tours meet near Beale and 2nd Streets. Kids get discounts, so bringing the family won’t feel quite so scary on your wallet.
Memphis gave the world rock and roll. Apparently, a few of its residents never stopped hanging around for the encore.
Address: 197 Beale St, Memphis, TN 38103