South Carolina has its fair share of ghost stories and haunted places, but few can compare to Oakwood Cemetery in Spartanburg, South Carolina. Now, cemeteries can often be a place to go to find some peace and quiet, remember those that have passed, and enjoy the tranquil scenery, but they’re also often filled with so much history that over the years, it’s inevitable that a ghost story or two come into play. In fact, there’s a reason why this final resting place has also come to be known as “Hell’s Gate Cemetery.” As one of the most haunted cemeteries in South Carolina, let’s take a closer look at what makes Oakwood so hauntingly beautiful:

As Spartanburg’s oldest cemetery, Oakwood is the final resting place of hundreds of local residents.
Strange Stones/YouTube
The cemetery was founded in the 1800s, and it’s broken up into two distinct sections. You’ll be able to feel the difference when you step into the older section of the cemetery, and if you look towards the tree line in that area, you'll see several unmarked graves of those that couldn't afford a proper burial.
While being the oldest cemetery in town may be a worthy accomplishment in itself, there’s another reason Oakwood has become famous, and that’s because of the amount of paranormal experiences people have had here.
Strange Stones/YouTube
The cemetery has earned the nickname, "Hell’s Gate," and we’ll explain that part in a minute, but even before the nickname, reports range from hearing disembodied voices of children laughing to seeing flashing orbs bounce between tombstones.
One of the most frequent sightings is the Woman in White.
Strange Stones/YouTube
Often seen in a cloud of midsts, she wanders the grounds aimlessly. Many who have claimed to have seen her are also accompanied by a blast of cold air and a feeling of sadness and dread. Perhaps they’re feeling what she’s feeling?

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In 1914, around 100 graves were dug up from another part of town and relocated here.
William Worley/Google
Many people believe this disturbance is the cause of all of the paranormal activity.
While others believe it's the satanic activity that earned Oakwood the nickname Hell's Gate.
Strange Stones/YouTube
Years ago, it was discovered that a group was holding some pretty dark satanic rituals here under the cloak of darkness. One grave was even dug up and the head was removed from the body, only to be returned about a month later. Many folks believe that these satanic rituals opened a portal, Hell's Gate, to the "other side" and that's why it's become such a paranormal hotspot.
It's not just brief sightings and noises, though.
Strange Stones/YouTube
Electronics frequently die with no warning, even after they're fully charged. Cameras will malfunction. If you bring any technology with you, you might want to leave it in the car...or at least bring an extra battery with you, just in case.
Check out the video below to take a peek at this haunted cemetery in SC.
Strange Stones/YouTube


 

Have you ever visited Hell’s Gate in Spartanburg? What about any of the other haunted cemeteries in South Carolina? Share your paranormal experiences with us in the comments below.

Of course, paranormal thrills aren’t the only things Spartanburg has to offer! This fun railroad museum is the perfect rainy-day destination for the whole family. Or, for a memorable staycation that is as far from haunted as you can get, this cozy cottage is bursting with charm.

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Oakwood Cemetery & Related Info

Jennifer | September 07, 2023

What are the most haunted places in South Carolina?

To those who have grown up in the Palmetto State, its paranormal history and legends are no surprise. But to those who are unfamiliar, or are perhaps on the hunt for new southern tales of terror, South Carolina is positively inundated with ghost stories, spectral sightings, and terrifying haunted tales. And with so much history under its belt, it makes sense that some figures of the past would remain in the present day!

Keeping in mind that some of the state's reported paranormal hotspots are on private property, here are just a few of the most haunted places in South Carolina:

  • Admiral's House, Charleston Naval Base
  • Baynard Plantation, Hilton Head
  • Crybaby Bridge, Anderson
  • Cypress Garden Ruins, Monck's Corner
  • Hell's Gate in Oakwood Cemetery, Spartanburg
  • Montrose Cemetery, Darlington
  • Rose Hill Plantation, Union
  • Salem Black River Church, Sumter
  • South Carolina State Hospital, Columbia
  • Tuberculosis Hospital, Greenville
  • White Point Garden, Charleston

 

What are some of the most beautiful places in South Carolina?

Besides all of it? If haunted locations aren't your thing, SC has endless beauty to offer. Although we might be a little bit biased! Some of our favorite beautiful places in South Carolina include:

  • Angel Oak of St. John's Island
  • The Battery in Charleston
  • Caesar's Head State Park
  • Forty Acre Rock, Kershaw
  • Kiawah Island
  • Hunting Island
  • Magnolia Plantation, Charleston

 

...and so many more!

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Oakwood Cemetery, Spartanburg, SC 29302, USA