By: Anna Martin

Halloween is right around the corner, but most of us have been ready since Starbucks put their Pumpkin Spice Lattes out. Whether you're more of a pumpkin-carving, apple-picking gal or a haunted house and corn maze fan, there’s something for everyone in the fall. If you didn’t know, Massachusetts is home to some of the creepiest areas in the country. With our rich history, we’ve conjured up a lot of stories here in the Bay State. And what better time to talk about these areas than the spookiest month of the year? Here are some of the creepiest locations in Mass (enter at your own risk):

Salem, MA

This is probably the top haunted area since Salem has made its mark due to the infamous witch trials. Of course, you can visit the Witch Museum to get all the witchy vibes, but Salem has a whole bunch of haunted hot spots around the city where spirits love to roam. Some of the most popular places are the Old Salem Jail, the Joshua Ward House, and Gallows Hill. All of these places possess the spirits of people from the witch trials who are still trying to claim their innocence, so it’s very common if you hear voices or see strange figures.

Lizzie Borden House in Fall River, MA

Down on the Southcoast is where the wicked Lizzie Borden used to reside. If you don’t know the tale, Lizzie Borden brutally killed her father and her stepmother with an ax in her Fall River home and later went to trial but was acquitted. What was interesting about her was that she was known as a proper woman who went to church on Sundays, so hearing about her killing her family was odd. The Borden House is now a bed and breakfast, and rumor has it that guests have felt fingers tapping on their shoulders or heard footsteps in empty rooms. A woman in Victorian Era clothes may also pay a visit. So, if you’re up for it, stay a night and experience it yourself.

Hoosac Tunnel in North Adams, MA

This mysterious tunnel aka “Hoosick Tunnel” or “The Bloody Pit”, runs from North Adams to Florida, MA. Although it seems like a normal railroad tunnel, about 200 of the construction workers that were building it died during its 25 years of production, and about 30 more people died after it was finished. If you’re there long enough, you might hear cries of agony coming from inside the tunnel as well as floating lanterns and the ghosts of miners. Even the locals don’t go near the tunnel because of superstitions.

Houghton Mansion in North Adams, MA

*TW: suicide

What once was home to the former mayor of North Adams during the late 1800s is now a tourist site for paranormal enthusiasts. Albert Charles Houghton, the original owner of the home, lived with this family in this Neoclassical-style mansion. One day, Albert, his daughter, their chauffeur, and a couple of their friends went for a drive up to Vermont and on the way, they got into a car accident. Everyone but the chauffeur died shortly after the incident. Because he felt guilty of everyone’s death, he shot himself a couple of weeks later. Rumor has it that Albert Houghton himself haunts the mansion, and people have seen flickering lights and ghostly shadows move around with no one there. Footsteps, knocking on doors, and voices may also be heard if you’re walking the halls.

Sources:

https://www.thrillist.com/lifestyle/boston/most-haunted-places-in-massachusetts

https://www.ghostsandgravestones.com/boston/haunted-places-in-massachusetts

https://ghostcitytours.com/salem/haunted-places/