Top Haunted Locations

 Ohio’s Hidden Haunts and Haunted History

By Rocky Chevalier | Crooksville News

When the autumn fog rolls across the hills of Perry County, whispers of the past seem to come alive. Beneath the quiet charm of old towns like Somerset, Roseville, and New Straitsville, eerie tales and unexplained happenings have lingered for generations. Whether you’re a believer in the paranormal or simply drawn to local folklore, these are the most talked-about haunted locations across Perry County, Ohio.

Otterbein Cemetery – Somerset

Known for its infamous “Horseshoe Grave,” Otterbein Cemetery has earned its reputation as one of Perry County’s most mysterious resting places. Locals tell of ghostly hoofbeats echoing through the night and a strange horseshoe-shaped mark that repeatedly appears on a particular gravestone, no matter how many times it’s scrubbed clean. Visitors often describe flickering lights, cold spots, and whispers carried on the wind.

Access: Public cemetery; open during daylight hours.

The Clay Haus Restaurant – Somerset

Established inside one of the oldest buildings in Somerset, the Clay Haus is famous for more than just its home-style cooking. Patrons and staff alike have reported hearing footsteps in empty hallways, the clinking of unseen dishes, and shadowy figures drifting through the dining area after closing time. The restaurant, which dates back to the Civil War era, is a cornerstone of the town’s historic district—and possibly one of its most spirited spots.

Access: Public; dine-in restaurant.

Tinker’s Cave – New Straitsville

Carved into the rugged hills outside New Straitsville, Tinker’s Cave is steeped in legend. Locals say it once sheltered a mysterious man known as “Tinker,” believed to be a horse thief or outlaw during the 1800s. Some claim that on quiet nights, you can hear the distant clatter of hooves echoing from within the cave—or catch a glimpse of Tinker’s ghostly silhouette wandering through the forest.

Access: Public hiking area; best visited during daylight hours.

New Straitsville Cemetery

The old cemetery in New Straitsville carries an especially heavy atmosphere. Visitors report seeing shadow figures move between headstones and hearing faint voices or the sound of weeping in the distance. Some locals believe the hauntings may be tied to the tragic mining history that once defined the region.

Access: Public cemetery; daytime access recommended.

San Toy – The Forgotten Ghost Town

San Toy is a ghost town in the truest sense—once a thriving coal community, now reduced to a handful of foundations, a cemetery, and an eerie silence. The few remaining structures are said to echo with phantom laughter and the faint strains of music from the town’s long-lost saloon. Travelers have also described seeing a “ghostly lady” walking along the deserted road, her figure gliding just above the ground before vanishing into the mist.

Access: Remote public area; use caution on unpaved roads.

Butcher Knife Road Residence – Roseville

This old farmhouse along Butcher Knife Road has generated stories for decades. Residents have described hearing children’s laughter in empty rooms, the lingering smell of cigar smoke when no one smokes, and the unsettling sound of footsteps crossing the attic. While the property is private, the tales from those who’ve lived there have made it one of the area’s most discussed hauntings.

Access: Private property; no public entry without permission.

Tunnel Hill Bridge – Near New Lexington

A tragic love story turned local legend, Tunnel Hill Bridge is said to be haunted by the ghost of a woman who leapt to her death after murdering her unfaithful husband. Drivers have reported seeing her apparition standing on the bridge’s edge, sometimes appearing in the rearview mirror before vanishing completely. Others say her anguished screams can still be heard when the wind blows through the valley.

Access: Public road; visit with caution, especially at night.

A County Where History Still Whispers

From ghost towns to eerie bridges, Perry County’s haunted history reflects its rugged past and enduring folklore. Whether these tales are fueled by restless spirits or the imagination of generations gone by, one thing is certain—the stories have become as much a part of local culture as the clay and coal that built these towns.

So the next time you find yourself driving through the rolling backroads near Somerset, New Lexington, or Roseville, keep your eyes open. In Perry County, history may not just live on—it might still walk among us.