Here in Kentucky, we have a world of hiking all within reach. We can explore underground caves and grand canyons, and hike to scenic overlooks and hidden gems. And when we’re in the mood for a spine-tingling trek? Well, we have loads of options sure to scratch that itch, too! There’s this hike to a real-life ghost ship. And this trek in a fascinating Kentucky ghost town. But the creepiest hike in Kentucky ventures through an abandoned battlefield, and it’s an outing that’s sure to make your hairs stand on end. If you’ve ever wanted to hike to ruins in Kentucky, this outing might just be the next best thing.

Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site is one of the most beautiful -- and often overlooked -- state parks in Kentucky.
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook
Its 19 miles of trails wind through some of the most scenic and historic sites in the state. In fact, Perryville Battlefield might be one of the most historically significant places in American history!
Kentucky State Parks
On October 8, 1862, cannon explosions shattered the rural peace of this bucolic Bluegrass countryside.
Sarah Altendorf/Flickr
You see, in 1862, Kentucky suffered its greatest battle of the Civil War in rural Perrysville.
Christa Minton/AllTrails
One of the most brutal and bloody battles of the Civil War, when it was all said and done, more than 7,600 soldiers were killed, wounded, or missing.
Kentucky State Parks

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Today, this Kentucky state park tells of the battle that was the South’s last serious attempt to gain possession of Kentucky. This Kentucky battlefield is one of the most unaltered Civil War sites in the nation; what you see today is virtually the same as what those brave soldiers saw on that fateful day in 1862.
Kentucky State Parks
This is one of the stops along Kentucky's Lincoln Heritage Trail, in fact.
The total acreage of the battlefield is 1,200 acres, and there is a self-guided walking tour on the battlefield with plaques outlining important events.
Kentucky State Parks
While there are numerous hiking options within the park, this eponymous 1.3-mile loop trail is an accessible favorite, though while rated as "easy," it's not for the faint of heart. Because it's quite possibly the most haunted hike in Kentucky.
Sharon Mollerus/Flickr
Along with offering paranormal tours, the battlefield has been featured on the Travel Channel’s "Ghost Adventures."
Two of the houses on the battlefield are also said to have large amounts of paranormal activity, and the site as a whole is considered one of the state's most haunted grounds.
Christian Pilgrim/AllTrails
If these fields could talk, what would they say?
Kentucky State Parks/Facebook
Visit Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site and hike along its trails, and you might just get an answer...
Sarah Altendorf/Flickr
For a fascinating glimpse into the history of the battlefield as well as an up-close look at some artifacts, be sure to watch the YouTube video below, courtesy of the American Battlefield Trust:

Have you hiked at Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site before? Do you agree that it’s the creepiest place to hike in Kentucky? Share your experiences at this historic and haunted site in the comments below — we’d love to hear from you!

And, if you’re planning to stay for a night or two in the area, be sure to check out these unique vacation rentals in Perryville, Kentucky.

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More to Explore

haunted places in Kentucky

Beth C. | September 13, 2023

What are some of the most haunted places in Kentucky:

You may not be surprised to learn that Kentucky has its fair share of haunted locales. Below you'll find a list of some of the most haunted places in Kentucky:

  • Waverly Hills Sanatorium -- Louisville, Kentucky
  • Old Louisville -- Louisville, Kentucky
  • Camp Zachary Taylor -- Louisville, Kentucky
  • Mammoth Cave -- Mammoth Cave, Kentucky
  • Louisville Palace Theater -- Louisville, Kentucky
  • The Seelbach Hilton -- Louisville, Kentucky
  • Pope Lick Trestle Bridge -- Louisville, Kentucky
  • The Old Greensburg Courthouse -- Greensburg, Kentucky
  • Historic Sherman Tavern -- Dry Ridge, Kentucky
  • Loudon House -- Lexington, Kentucky
  • Maple House Manor -- Springfield, Kentucky
  • Lick Creek Cemetery -- Lick Creek, Kentucky
  • The Cave Hill Cemetery -- Louisville, Kentucky
  • Bobby Mackey's Music World -- Wilder, Kentucky

 

Have you visited any of the above haunted places before? If you're curious to learn more about what makes each of them so terrifying, be sure to check out our list of some of the most haunted places in Kentucky.

Are there any haunted hotels in Kentucky?

You bet! Kentucky is home to an impressive number of spooky spots, and many of them happen to be historic hotels or inns. Without further ado, here's a list of some of the most haunted hotels in Kentucky:

  • Brown Hotel
  • Benham Schoolhouse Inn
  • Boone Tavern Inn
  • Brennan House
  • Camp Springs House Bed & Breakfast
  • Campbell House Bed & Breakfast
  • Maple Hill Manor
  • Old Talbott Tavern Inn
  • Seelbach Hilton
  • Jailer's Inn

 

Do you think you've got what it takes to spend the night in a notoriously haunted hotel? If so, learn more about these haunted hotels in Kentucky -- if you dare!

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Featured Addresses
Perryville Battlefield State Historic Site, 1825 Battlefield Rd, Perryville, KY 40468, USA