GA's Most Haunted Places Revealed In New Rankings

Georgia has no shortage of places with ghostly reputations, but only a handful can back up their spooky stories with reports of paranormal activity.

The 2026 HauntBound Index, a new national ranking of more than 6,000 supposedly haunted places, examines decades of published accounts rather than simply recycling the same old ghost stories.

The list by HauntBound, a Michigan-based website specializing in haunted travel and historical ghost lore, includes historic homes, hotels, cemeteries and other places where visitors have reported seeing things that have no earthly explanation.

Some are open for tours, some offer overnight accommodations, and others are best admired from a safe distance. Whether any of them actually have ghosts is another matter entirely.

According to HauntBound's state-by-state index, Georgia has 181 documented locations associated with paranormal activity.

Here's a look at the top 10, as ranked by HauntBound

1. Rhodes Hall — Atlanta

"Built between 1902 and 1904 by furniture magnate Amos Rhodes, this granite mansion is known for its grand staircase and stained-glass windows depicting the rise and fall of the Confederacy. Rhodes' wife, Amanda, died inside the home in 1927, followed by Rhodes in 1928. Today, the property serves as headquarters for the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Staff members and visitors have reported heavy footsteps on the second floor, mysterious figures appearing in mirrors and artwork that seemingly moves on its own."

2. Mercer-Williams House Museum — Savannah

"Construction began on this Italianate mansion in 1860, although the Civil War delayed its completion. Antiques dealer Jim Williams restored the property in 1969, and the home later became infamous after Williams fatally shot his assistant, Danny Hansford, inside the study in 1981. Williams was eventually acquitted following four trials and died in the home in 1990. Visitors and staff have reported seeing a man resembling Williams walking through the hallways, along with unexplained cold spots inside the study."

3. Fox Theatre — Atlanta

"One of Atlanta's most recognizable entertainment landmarks, the Fox Theatre has developed a reputation for paranormal activity alongside its history as a performance venue. Published accounts describe mysterious apparitions and the sounds of footsteps when no one appears to be nearby. HauntBound identified three distinct published accounts of alleged paranormal activity at the theater, documented between 2007 and 2016."

4. The Windsor Hotel — Americus

"The historic Windsor Hotel has long been associated with stories of unexplained activity. Guests and others have reported mysterious apparitions and sudden cold spots throughout the property. HauntBound identified four distinct published accounts associated with the hotel, contributing to its reputation as one of Georgia's most haunted lodging destinations."

5. Waverly Hall Cemetery — Waverly Hall

"Established in 1829, Waverly Hall Cemetery is the oldest burial ground in Harris County and contains the graves of several prominent historical figures, including Major Osborne Crook and Gen. Henry Lowe. Paranormal investigators have conducted investigations at the cemetery for years. During one 2011 investigation, a researcher claimed to capture a mysterious voice responding to a question about death. Other visitors have reported unexplained lights and shadowy figures moving among the headstones."

6. Kennesaw House / Marietta History Center — Marietta

"Originally constructed as a cotton warehouse in 1845, the building became the Fletcher House hotel in 1855 and played a role in the Civil War, including events surrounding the Great Locomotive Chase of 1862. During the Atlanta Campaign of 1864, it reportedly served as a hospital and morgue for Confederate and Union forces. Visitors have described encountering a Civil War-era surgeon inside the elevator, seeing a woman in period clothing believed to be Mrs. Fletcher and experiencing an elevator ride that seemingly transports passengers into a wartime hospital."

7. Margaret Mitchell House — Atlanta

"Built in 1899 and converted into apartments in 1919, this historic property was home to author Margaret Mitchell from 1925 to 1932, when she wrote much of 'Gone with the Wind.' The building suffered devastating arson fires during the 1990s before being reconstructed. Employees have reported balcony doors mysteriously reopening after being locked and objects changing positions overnight. A 1977 séance and a subsequent psychic reading reportedly suggested Mitchell's spirit remained inside the building."

8. The Pirates' House — Savannah

"This historic Savannah restaurant and bar has become a popular destination for visitors interested in the city's haunted past. Published accounts describe unexplained footsteps and mysterious sounds throughout the property, even when no apparent source can be identified. HauntBound identified four distinct published accounts of reported paranormal activity at the restaurant, with additional publications repeating the stories over the years."

9. Lustrat House — Athens

"Located in Athens, Lustrat House has been associated with reports of unexplained activity and mysterious apparitions. Accounts describe visitors sensing an unseen presence or encountering figures that seemingly disappear. HauntBound identified three distinct published accounts of alleged paranormal activity at the property, which is documented as dating to 1847. The site is currently listed for exterior viewing only."

10. Hamilton-Turner Inn — Savannah

"The historic Hamilton-Turner Inn has developed a reputation for unexplained activity among guests and visitors. Reported experiences include mysterious apparitions and disembodied voices heard throughout the property. HauntBound identified four distinct published accounts associated with the operating hotel, along with several subsequent publications documenting its haunted reputation."

Why Is This List Different?

There are plenty of websites and apps to help people find a good Halloween scare. HauntBound digs into something different, exploring places with reputations for being haunted long before Halloween decorations became a multimillion-dollar industry.

Instead of ranking locations by popularity or how often a ghost story gets repeated, HauntBound examines the number of independently published accounts, how thoroughly the claims have been documented, and how far back the reports go.

The index doesn't attempt to prove ghosts exist. It measures the documentation behind claims that they do.

“We do not attempt to determine whether paranormal phenomena are real, and we never count a source that only establishes a building’s history as evidence of haunting claims,” the site says.

Haunted, But Can You Visit?

The index covers 6,041 locations across all 50 states and Washington, D.C., including 5,718 classified as family-friendly and 1,983 listed as bookable.

Each location includes a family-suitability rating and information about whether visitors can tour the property, book an experience or spend the night. A place may have a terrific ghost story but be privately owned, closed to the public or otherwise off-limits to curious visitors.

HauntBound also identifies each state's oldest documented haunted site, the location with the most published accounts, a recommended haunted overnight stay, and a particularly family-friendly destination.

The rankings are based on research through Sept. 15, and the national index was updated Sept. 29 to remove private homes, operating hospitals and locations with nothing left to visit.