Stepp Cemetery in Indiana is one of the places that seem to come up again and again if you search for “haunted places in Indiana” on the internet. Among additional famous — or should we say infamous — cases in the Hoosier State are Whispers Estate, the Hannah House, Central State Mansion, and the old Slippery Noodle Inn. The commonly-mentioned and legendary Hoosier haunt Stepp Cemetery near Martinsville conveniently has a creepy hike to get to that very place that’s equal parts beautiful and eerie. Nestled within the notoriously creepy Morgan-Monroe State Forest is the Three Lakes Hike, which takes hikers past two photogenic, crystal-clear lakes (yes, just two — there once was three), but also leads them to one of the creepiest hikes in Indiana. Take this haunted hike in Indiana if you’re hoping to get out and enjoy the outdoors with a side of spookiness.

Three Lakes Trail is beautiful and somewhat mysterious.
Elise Abbott/AllTrails
It's a long one - at just over ten miles in length - but it is worth the effort. The landscapes one encounters hiking this trail are worthwhile on their own, but there's much more to this hike than just scenic views.
Sure, the surrounding woodlands of the Morgan-Monroe State Forest are quite beautiful. Peaceful, even.
Jenna Elmore/AllTrails
It's a great place to come hike if you're seeking peace and quiet. Well... peace and quiet, and the occasional "what was that?" when you hear a strange noise along the way.
See, as beautiful as this trek is, it's also said to be one of the creepiest hikes in Indiana.
Michael Eisenhut/AllTrails
There are many reasons for this; local legend has it that the entire forest is haunted. Others say it's only certain spots. We're not sure who's right, but we'd rather neither was.

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The well-marked, occasionally muddy trail leads to somewhere that may just be one of Indiana's most haunted hotspots.
Aiden McDonough/Google Local
It's the infamous old Stepp Cemetery, established two centuries ago and said to be crawling with paranormal activity. The stories that come out of this place are positively chilling.
There are about 114 graves in Stepp Cemetery, and unfortunately, many of the occupants haven't seemed to receive the memo that they are, in fact, deceased.
Aiden McDonough/Google
Take, for instance, the tragic (and bone-chilling) story of the Lady in Black. The legend changes a bit depending on the source, but the consistency between them all is this: A local woman lost her husband and then a child, and both were buried at the Stepp Cemetery. Until she died herself, the grieving woman would come here and mourn, using a stump beside the gravesites to sit on. Nowadays, you might want to avoid a specific stump - said to be that very one - as the woman's disgruntled spirit is sure to kill anyone who does within a year. People have reported the unceasing sensation that they were being watched, and strange noises, orbs, and electronics malfunctioning have also all been spoken of.
Some folks have claimed that it's not just Stepp Cemetery along this hike that's unsettling.
Brandon Carlisle/AllTrails
Some people claim to have seen shadowy figures darting around among the trees, feeling watched, hearing bizarre cries and strange sounds, and more.
Maybe it's not that Stepp Cemetery in Indiana is haunted; maybe it's the entire forest.
Ashley Ramey/AllTrails
Either way, this hike is beautiful... if you can brave the immersive experience.

Are you as brave as this team of paranormal investigators?

Have you ever experienced anything strange on this allegedly haunted hike in Indiana? For more information on this one – including lots more photos – check out the official AllTrails page. and while you’re there, sign up for AllTrails + so you can record your trails, download offline maps, and unlock more map details.

For more creepy Indiana, you might want to stay the night at this notoriously haunted Inn and enjoy some yummy snacks along the way.

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More to Explore

Creepiest Places In Indiana

Carolyn Harmon | July 14, 2023

What are some of the creepiest places in Indiana?

Would you like some adventure in your life? Take the Ultimate Terrifying Indiana Road Trip. Starting in Evansville and ending in Elizabeth, this fascinating journey takes you to 10 scary places in the Hoosier State. Here are a few on the spooky list if you are made of the courage to try some out.

  • Capt. McHarry's Tomb (3685 Indiana State Route 111, Elizabeth, Indiana): Captain Frank McHarry’s Tomb is located on a bank overlooking the Ohio River. Here folks have told about a mysterious mist lingering about his grave, where the late captain watches over boats passing by. Even though his body was moved to Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky, visitors by land and sea swear his spirit remains. Are you brave enough to visit? Catch a glimpse of Captain Frank McHarry’s Tomb in this short video.
  • Primrose Road (Primrose Road, Warren Township, Indiana): Legends about this captivating road vary. One says you must not exceed or go under the speed limit of 20 to 30 mph or bad things happen. Your car and cell phone will die, the tires will run out of air, and according to reports, you will hear people running through the woods. In addition, a woman might suddenly appear and cause your car to disappear altogether, or grant you luck.
  • The Monroe House (218 N Monroe, Hartford City, Indiana): Nicknamed "The Demon House," rumors of hauntings and possessions exist. The house has suffered numerous fires and fire-related deaths. Rumors exist of ghostly figures, bones found in the basement, and other activities so frightening they even chased out the most professional of paranormal explorers. Find out how to spend the night at this seriously haunted place on The Monroe House's Facebook page.

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Morgan Monroe State Forest, Washington Township, IN 46151, USA