These 8 Haunted Cemeteries In Pennsylvania Are Not For the Faint of Heart

Pennsylvania’s rich history has, unsurprisingly, given way to legends of spirits that haunt its buildings, streets, and, of course, cemeteries. These eight haunted cemeteries in Pennsylvania all have one thing in common. Those who have visited often leave with a ghostly tale of a close encounter with a spirit, an orb, or a strange feeling that just can’t be explained. If you’ve been Googling “creepy cemetery near me,” you’ve just hit the jackpot.

National Cemetery Parking, Gettysburg, PA 17325, USA

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The final resting place for many Civil War soldiers, Gettysburg National Cemetery draws countless visitors each year. Some are greeted by a man sporting a confederate hat who will strike up a conversation and, in some cases, take photos with the tourists. Those who have had their photos taken with the mysterious man attest that when looking back at the pictures ... the man isn't there. This is perhaps the most haunted cemetery in Pennsylvania.

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2. Lancaster Cemetery, Lancaster

Augusta Bitner’s death came way too soon. Just how she died remains somewhat murky. Some say she passed away the night before her wedding, while others claim she died during childbirth. Whatever the story, Augusta’s final resting place is in Lancaster Cemetery. Visitors, who have dared explore the cemetery after the sun goes down, claim to have seen a woman, donning a long and flowing dress, strolling through the cemetery during the night hours. That woman is said to be Augusta Bitner.

3. Erie Cemetery, Erie

Wander through Erie Cemetery, if you dare of course, but be aware of what others before you have experienced. Visitors tell tales of having strolled through the cemetery with the feeling that someone was following them or standing just behind them. They turned around and – no one was there. Satanic rituals were also said to have taken place at the cemetery. Watch the video above for the creepy tales that have become urban legends.

19134, Philadelphia, PA 19134, USA

Flickr/Wally Gobetz

Visit St. Peter's Episcopal Church Cemetery after dark for your best chance of running into a wayward spirit. Local lure says that every evening at 9 p.m., an apparition appears above five unmarked graves. Visitors to the graveyard also tell of white spots or other strange apparitions appearing in their photographs from the cemetery.

5. Haag Cemetery, Bernville

Buried within Haag Cemetery lies a former Civil War soldier, George D. Fahrenbach, who apparently has a spirit admirer. Some surmise it is the spirit of his wife seen next to his grave while others simply don’t know the identity of the woman. Keep an eye out for the apparition of this mysterious woman near the soldier’s grave.

6. Coulterville Cemetery, McKeesport

Listen for the harrowing cries of children when you enter and leave Coulterville Cemetery. Many years ago – some say a century – an orphanage stood where the cemetery now lies. One day that orphanage went up in flames, killing all of the orphans inside. Today, visitors to the cemetery hear the frightened cries of children and, when driving away, look in the rearview mirror to see flames behind them. Legend has it that visitors who stop their car just outside of the cemetery will see the handprints of small children on their windows.

7. Strasburg Cemetery, Strasburg

If local lure proves true, the ghost of Annie Gonder sure gets around. She’s known to haunt the Gonder Mansion, from which she was banished by her brother, bellowing a burst of laughter that only men can hear. She’s also been seen around her family’s graves – of which she is buried nearby. Some have talked of seeing the apparition of an old woman near the grave while others claim to see a strange mist or white light near the tombstone, all apparently Annie Gonder.

8. Hans Graf Cemetery, Marietta

Since his death in the late 1700s, Hans Graf has rested at the cemetery with his family’s name. Hans Graf Cemetery is said to be haunted by a white wolf who howls each time a visitor enters the cemetery and continues howling until that person leaves. The local dogs join the white wolf in barking and howling. But, beware when you visit the cemetery, because you may not leave. Legend states that if you visit when there’s a full moon and circle the cemetery seven times, you will meet your death.

Do you dare visit any of these haunted cemeteries in Pennsylvania? Have you ever been to a haunted graveyard? Have you heard any of these ghost stories before? Let us know in the comments! We’d love to hear your paranormal tales! If you love to be spooked, you might want to try one of these nine haunted restaurants in Pennsylvania.

Before you head out on your ghost-hunting adventure, make sure you have your camera. You never know what images you might capture.