Haunted Sites and Spooky Stories of the Sugar River Region

Person in a Gown Walking in a Foggy Forest. Image Credit: shahin khalaji on Pexels.

Haunted Sites and Spooky Stories of the Sugar River Region

As Halloween approaches and the air grows colder, tales of haunted sites and spooky stories are resurfacing. Sullivan County is rich in history, but some places seem to carry more than just memories… They echo with stories of ghostly apparitions, strange sounds, and unexplained events that have both intrigued and frightened locals and visitors. From abandoned mills and eerie opera houses to haunted bridges and sinister figures, join us as we dive into the haunted lore of the region. We’ll explore both well-known haunts and legendary creatures that may still linger in the forests.

Person in a Gown Walking in a Foggy Forest. Image Credit: Shahin Khalaji on Pexels.

Haunted Sites and Spooky Stories

Topstone Mill: Claremont 

Built in the late 19th century, the historic Topstone Mill in Claremont, NH was once a bustling hub of industrial activity, weaving the threads of the city’s economic growth. Originally established as a textile mill to produce shoes and furniture, the mill played a pivotal role in shaping the region’s industrial landscape during its heyday of textile production.

However, behind the mill’s weathered brick walls lies mysterious secrets untold by the pages of history. Over the decades, numerous reports of paranormal activity have surfaced. Visitors and locals have described eerie phenomena within its confines, including unexplained noises, flickering lights, unexplained bite marks left on people, objects being thrown by no apparent source, and ghostly apparitions that seem to roam the abandoned rooms. Some claim to have witnessed shadowy figures moving about in the windows.

The mill’s haunted reputation reached a broader audience when it was infamously featured on an episode of Ghost Hunters, called “Fear Factory”, where paranormal investigators TAPS delved into its enigmatic past, attempting to unravel the mysteries that linger within its walls. Despite its eerie history and long time standing empty, Topstone Mill has found new life in the present day. The bottom floor, once echoing with the sounds of machinery, now houses Time Out Americana Grill, a popular restaurant and bar serving great dishes and drinks as well as the Escape Factory and Blackbeard’s Cove Adventure Golf with 18 holes of blacklight indoor mini-golf.

Female spirit with outstretched arms against a window in old building. Image Credit: jan canty on Unsplash.

Indian Shutters Restaurant: Charlestown 

The now-closed Indian Shutters Restaurant in Charlestown, NH, was long rumored to be one of the town’s most haunted sites. Patrons and staff alike reported eerie encounters with several apparitions, the most prominent being the ghost of a general, believed to be a former resident, who was often seen wandering the upstairs living quarters. 

In the main dining area, guests frequently spotted a woman in a flowing white dress. Her reflection appears mysteriously in the large mirror of a bureau. Downstairs, where a bar was later added, the ambiance took on an even more chilling tone. Those venturing into the hallway with its rock wall leading to the storage room felt an overwhelming coldness, and many described seeing a strange shadow in the corridor or storage area itself. These ghostly sightings have only fueled the haunted reputation of the building, even after its closure.

Newport Opera House: Newport 

Rumor has it that the Newport Opera House in Newport, NH, is haunted by more than one restless spirit. Spectators have reported eerie experiences, such as a shadowy figure lurking on the balcony and the soft sound of a woman’s voice echoing through the empty theater after shows. The opera house is said to host four spirits. Two notably “not so nice” presences believed to reside in the basement. Even paranormal investigators, using tools like the K-2 meter, have witnessed strange energy fluctuations near the entrance to the bell tower. 

Meg Cowan, the opera house director, discussed her own chilling experiences, including the unsettling sound of a fold-up chair slamming repeatedly in the deserted balcony and the muffled conversation between two adults, followed by a child’s eerie giggle. Paranormal expert Adam Berry, host of Kindred Spirits, suggests that theaters often retain residual energy from past performances, possibly drawing spirits connected to the space in life.

The Newport Opera House. Image Credit: Rcb13@hotmail.com.

Graffiti Bridge: Claremont 

In Claremont, the infamous Graffiti Bridge—also known as “Emily’s Bridge”—on Half Mile Road is shrouded in eerie legends. One of the most widely shared tales involves a young girl named Emily, who is said to have taken her life* on the bridge on prom night after discovering her boyfriend’s betrayal. According to local lore, Emily, pregnant and devastated by the betrayal of her boyfriend and best friend, Cindy, hanged herself on the bridge. Some say that guilt drove her boyfriend and Cindy to take their own lives shortly after.

While the story of Emily persists, the bridge is also tied to another dark legend: the “Kellyville Killer.” This real-life figure was active in the 1970s, targeting nurses. Although, none of his victims were found at the bridge itself. The “Kellyville Killer,” who lived nearby in the Kellyville area, has become a chilling part of the local history. For further content on the bridge’s lore, check out Cemetery Creations’ New Hampshire Ghost Tour Episode 4 on YoutTube here. Keene Paranormal Research Society on YouTube also has a more recent pre-investigation video on Graffiti Bridge. 

*If you or someone you know is struggling, you are not alone. Call 2-1-1 to get connected to NH local resources. 

Graffiti Bridge on Half Mile Road in Claremont. Image Credit: Bruce Denis on Flickr.

Abenaki Mythological and Spooky Figures

Our region’s spooky stories go even further back in history. Delving into Abenaki myth and Algonquian folklore reveals eerie and powerful entities that both haunt and protect the forests, rivers, and swamps of the Northeast. These mythological figures—like the ice-hearted Chenoo, the colossal Gici Awas, the swamp-dwelling Mskagwdemos, and the vengeful Skadegamutc—each carry stories that reflect the complex relationship between humans and the wild, untamed forces around them. With their supernatural strength, haunting cries, and terrifying transformations, these creatures embody primal fears. Yet they also serve as powerful symbols of nature’s might and mystery. They remind us of the ancient spirits that, according to legend, still roam the land today.

Chenoo/Giwakwa/Kiwakwa

  • Origin & Traits: The Chenoo, also known as Giwakwa or Kiwakwa, originates in Wabanaki mythology, particularly among the Mi’kmaq, Maliseet, and Passamaquoddy people. It’s described as a giant, fearsome ice-hearted creature, akin to a wendigo, with a body hardened by the northern cold.
  • Story & Behavior: The Chenoo was once human but transformed into a monstrous cannibal by dark magic or consuming human flesh, causing their heart to freeze. They’re known for stalking forests, feeding on humans, and possessing supernatural strength. However, legends also tell that the Chenoo can sometimes be restored to human form through kindness and warmth. Even so, only a heart-warming act has the potential to “thaw” their icy heart.

Gici Awas

  • Origin & Traits: The Gici Awas is a fearsome creature in Algonquian and Iroquoian folklore. This massive, hairless, bear-like figure has a disproportionately large head, sharp teeth, and rigid, stiff-jointed legs. These traits that have earned it the name “Stiff-Legged Bear”. It is for its monstrous appetite. The creature’s unsettling habit of consuming human flesh is often blamed for its hairlessness, and it possesses a fierce thirst. Gici Awas cannot easily rise once it lies down, due to its towering size. Some stories suggest its origins may stem from ancient memories or fossil discoveries of mammoth skulls, later reimagined into this legendary creature.
  • Story & Role: The Gici Awas holds a prominent place in legend, embodying both raw power and a cycle of rebirth. In one Iroquois story, the Gici Awas is tied to the Big Dipper constellation, hunted across the sky by celestial beings each year. When finally slain, its blood stains the autumn leaves red. Yet only for the creature to rise from death and begin the cycle anew. Such tales emphasize its role as a harbinger of seasonal change, illustrating both its destructive and regenerative powers. Often portrayed as a relentless man-eater, Gici Awas stands as a symbol of nature’s fury. The untamable and consuming forces of the wilderness shape the rhythm of life and death within these cultural narratives. 

Mskagwdemos (Swamp Woman)

  • Origin & Traits: Mskagwdemos, or Swamp Woman, is a creature from Passamaquoddy and Maliseet folklore. Known to lurk in swamps and bogs, she is typically depicted as an old, decaying woman with a haunting aura.
  • Story & Behavior: Often acting as a vengeful spirit, Mskagwdemos is said to target those who enter her swamp uninvited or with disrespect. Her wails and cries are thought to lure unsuspecting people deeper into the bog, where they may become lost or fall prey to her. Some versions of her story suggest she was once a betrayed woman, cursed to roam the swamps forever.

The Swamp Woman SCP 811. Image Credit: Anti-puff on Deviantart. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-No Derivatives Works 3.0 License.

Skadegamutc (Ghost-witch)

  • Origin & Traits: Known in Wabanaki culture, the Skadegamutc is the ghost of a wicked sorcerer. After death, these malevolent spirits transform into zombie-like entities that roam the earth at night to terrorize the living.
  • Story & Behavior: These ghost-witches feed on human flesh, much like a vampire, and can only be destroyed by fire. They are highly feared as their very touch can paralyze their victims. Legends warn that even speaking about them aloud could summon one, especially if done at night. Their malevolence often contrasts with other spirits who guide or protect, marking them as outcasts within Algonquian lore.

Gitaskog (Tatoskok)

  • Origin & Traits: Gitaskog, also known as Tatoskok, is a great serpent-like creature from the Abenaki tradition, dwelling in lakes and rivers across the region. It is described as a massive, scaled snake capable of causing storms and flooding.
  • Story & Role: The Gitaskog is both feared and respected, viewed as a force of nature capable of destroying entire villages if angered. Some versions of the story suggest that Gitaskog was a protector of certain lands. They say he punished those who polluted or misused natural resources. Compared to others that describe it as a monster guarding treasures or sacred sites within deep waters.

Haunted Attractions & Family-Friendly Experiences 

If you want to experience some Sugar River Region ghost stories for yourself, check out some of these local haunts:

Devil’s Playground: For a spine-chilling Halloween experience in Unity, NH, head to Devil’s Playground, an outdoor haunted attraction set within a dense forest at 897 2nd NH Turnpike, directly across from Unity Town Hall. Known as the “haunted forest of doom,” this eerie 45-minute guided walk features two separate haunted areas. Organizers boldly promise, “somewhere out there is where your nightmares come to life!”. Devil’s Playground is filled with immersive thrills, complete with concessions, merchandise, restrooms, and free parking for visitors. The walk is recommended for ages 8 and up. It also has a strict no-touching policies and only accepts cash for ticket purchases at the door. The attraction operates seasonally on select Thursdays, weekends, and Halloween night, weather permitting. Devil’s Playground offers a frightfully good time for those brave enough to step into the haunted woods!

Devil’s Playground Haunted Walk in Unity. Image Credit: Devil’s Playground on Facebook.

Riverview Farm Corn Maze: In Plainfield, the annual corn maze brings local monster lore and New England folklore to life, making it a fun and family-friendly adventure. Each year, this incredible maze is more than just a challenge. It’s a work of art with a story that entertains visitors of all ages. This year, Emily has crafted a whole new masterpiece with fresh pathways for 2024. She has truly embraced the “Monsters and Folklore of New England” theme. Admission is $8 per person, with free entry for kids 4 and under. The maze is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m.- 5:30 p.m., from August through October. Payment options include Mastercard, Visa, Amex, Discover, cash, check, and Apple Pay.

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Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or simply curious about the strange tales that dot our area, exploring the haunted history of the Sugar River Region offers a unique and unforgettable experience. Share your own ghostly encounters or local legends with us. To that end, don’t forget to subscribe to our monthly newsletter for more fascinating explorations into the region’s history and lore!