The Moonlit Road Podcast - Southern Ghost Stories & Folklore

Deep in the back roads of East Tennessee stands the abandoned Old Lockhart House, a place locals say is haunted. One Halloween night, two teenagers decide to test the legend—and discover that some places are better left alone. Visit TheMoonlitRoad.com for more Southern ghost stories, legends, folklore, and original audio storytelling. Follow The Moonlit Road Follow us for new stories, Southern folklore, behind-the-scenes updates, and more on Facebook , Instagram , YouTube , X , Bluesky , and Mastodon . "The Old Lockhart House" was written, recorded and told by Rick Baldwin Additional audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. Episode photo by Øyvind Holmstad. Licensed under CC BY SA 4.0 Widescreen episode photo from Library of Congress, no restrictions known. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a large online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. #TheMoonlitRoad #SouthernGhostStories #TennesseeGhostStories #HauntedHouse #EastTennessee #AppalachianFolklore #SouthernFolklore #HalloweenStories

Deep in the mountains of Tennessee, a young bride will do anything to save her husband's sanity from the legendary Wampus Cat. When a mysterious old woman offers her a strange mask with the power to confront the fearsome creature, the gift comes with a terrible price. In this classic Appalachian mountain legend, courage, sacrifice, and the supernatural collide in one of the South's most enduring tales. Join The Moonlit Road for a haunting journey into Southern folklore and discover why the legend of the Wampus Cat continues to captivate storytellers and listeners alike. For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Wampus Mask" was adapted from folklore by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Janice Butt Audio production: Henry Howard Wampas Mask photo by Jon Kownacki The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD: The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. #WampusCat #Wampus #AppalachianFolklore #AppalachianLegends #TennesseeFolklore #SouthernFolklore #Folklore #MountainLegends #CreatureLegends #AmericanFolklore #Legends #Storytelling #Podcast #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #SouthernStories #Mythology #CampfireStories #FolklorePodcast #Witchcraft

Don't Fish on Sunday! Everyone in one small Virginia town knows the rule: don't fish on Sunday. The old-timers insist the river's fish honor the Sabbath, refusing to bite on the Lord's Day. But one young fisherman named Moses laughs at the superstition and returns home every Sunday with a full catch—until the day he hooks something no one has ever seen before. Part Southern folktale, part cautionary legend, this eerie tale explores the consequences of ignoring old traditions and reminds us that some stories survive for a reason. Adapted from traditional folklore and performed by Veronica Byrd, this episode of The Moonlit Road Podcast brings another haunting tale from the backroads of the American South. Visit TheMoonlitRoad.com for more Southern ghost stories, legends, folklore, and original audio storytelling. Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Don't Fish on Sunday!" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Veronica Byrd Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a large online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.

A weathered mirror hangs inside an old shotgun shack, but some reflections refuse to stay where they belong. In this haunting Southern tale from The Moonlit Road Podcast , a forgotten house, a strange mirror, and a lingering presence blur the line between memory and something far more unsettling. What begins as curiosity slowly turns into dread as the past presses against the glass. Rooted in the eerie storytelling traditions of the American South, The Mirror is a quiet, atmospheric ghost story about reflection, loss, and the things that wait in empty rooms long after everyone else has gone. FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com . Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Mirror" is an original story written by Elise Burke Brown . Storyteller: Rick Baldwin Audio Production: Henry Howard Music performed by Barbara Bowman, with vocals by Mary Ann Howard. The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a large online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. #southernghoststories #neworleansghosts #americanfolklore #darkfolklore #storytellingpodcast #campfirestories

In this eerie Tennessee folktale from Weakley County, a legendary fiddler emerges for one last contest, chasing the coveted "fiddler's dram." Fiddling contests were once the heartbeat of rural communities—where pride, reputation, and a jar of fine whiskey were all on the line. But on this particular night, as the music begins and the crowd leans in, something about the man on stage feels… not quite right. 🎻 A backroads tale of music, mystery, and a performance no one could explain. If you enjoy this story, take a listen to another "fiddling ghost story" - The Ghost of Fiddler's Rock: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-ghost-of-fiddlers-rock-tennessee For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Fiddler's Dram" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey Storyteller: David Hirt Music: Randall Franks - https://randallfranks.com Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. Keywords: Tennessee folktale, Southern folklore, fiddle contest, American folklore, backroads stories, The Moonlit Road

Did the Devil himself really build a mansion in the heart of the Garden District? Discover the eerie legend of the haunted estate that once cast a shadow over St. Charles Avenue. New Orleans is a city of secrets, but few are as unsettling as the story of the dark, imposing mansion that appeared almost overnight on one of its most prestigious streets. From the strange, hapazard construction to the terrifying sounds that echoed from within its walls, the "Devil's Mansion" became a landmark of dread for generations of locals. Content Warning: This story ventures into darker territory, including moments of violence that some listeners may find unsettling. For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Devil's Mansion of New Orleans" was adapted from folklore by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Tom Coleman Recorded at KRVS Radio Acadie, Lafayette, Louisiana Additional audio production: Henry Howard Music: Jez Graham The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD: The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. #TheMoonlitRoad #NewOrleans #GhostStories #SouthernGothic #GardenDistrict #DevilsMansion #LouisianaFolklore #StCharlesAve #HauntedHistory #UrbanLegends #StorytellingPodcast

Bitterness between two sisters over a glittering diamond ring leads to terrifying consequences from beyond the grave in this chilling Georgia ghost story. In the quiet town of Washington, Georgia, jealousy festers for years between Martha and her sister Jenny. When Jenny dies, temptation proves too strong—and Martha takes the ring she has always coveted. But some things are never meant to be stolen. Soon a voice begins calling in the night: "Where's my ring?" FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the Southern back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com . Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Where's My Ring?" was told by Nancy Riggs Story adapted from folklore by Nancy Riggs with Craig Dominey Director: Craig Dominey Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1997. We are a large online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.

Two college friends spend a quiet weekend at an isolated Appalachian mountain house — until strange nighttime noises lead to a shocking discovery. Listener discretion is advised. This story contains frightening imagery and disturbing elements that may not be suitable for all audiences. For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Grandma's Furry Robe" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Lanny Gilbert Guitar: Lanny Gilbert Audio Production: Henry Howard Farmhouse Photo by Cindy Cornett Seigle . Licensed under CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 Red Velvet Photo by Janet McKnight . Licensed under CC BY 2.0 ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. #SouthernHorror #AppalachianHorror #ScaryStories #HorrorPodcast #ShortHorror #CreepyStories

Memphis is a city of music and history, but it is also a city of ghosts. Today, we explore one of its most enduring and debated legends: the haunting of Brinkley Female College by the mysterious Lizzie - and the hunt for an elusive buried jar that captivated an entire city. READ THE FULL STORY & SEE PHOTOS: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/lizzie-ghost-brinkley-female-college-memphis-tennessee/ In this episode, we cover: The origins of the Brinkley Female College and its place in Memphis history. First-hand accounts of the terrifying encounters with "Lizzie." Why this specific ghost story remains one of the most controversial legends in Tennessee folklore. Listen now to decide for yourself: is Lizzie a product of imagination, or a spirit that refused to leave school? FOR MORE STORIES: Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com . FOLLOW US: Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad X/Twitter: https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad CREDITS: "Lizzie, Ghost of Brinkley Female College" was adapted and directed by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Cathy Kaemmerlen ( https://tattlingtales.com/) . Audio Production: Henry Howard. Piano improvisations by Carole Mitchell ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD: The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. #MemphisGhosts #PinkLizzie #SouthernFolklore #HauntedMemphis #TennesseeLegends #TheMoonlitRoad

E ver wonder why mosquitoes are so thirsty for blood? According to this legendary Tlingit tale—retold with a Southern twist—the answer lies in the defeat of a blood-thirsty giant. Discover the chilling and clever story of how a single monster became a swarm of thousands. Read the full story and see the illustrations here : https://www.themoonlitroad.com/where-mosquitos-come-from-tlingit-legend-southern-version/ Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Where Mosquitoes Came From" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: Veronica Byrd Audio Production: Henry Howard ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. #NativeAmericanFolklore #OriginStories #SouthernFolklore #TlingitLegend #Mythology #TheMoonlitRoad #Folktales #NatureMyths

How far would you go for the love of your life? In this Louisiana tale, a young deputy is given a terrifying task to prove his worth: he must capture and kill the Loup Garou (or Rougarou), the shapeshifting werewolf of the Cajun swamplands. Read the full story and see the history of the Loup Garou here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-sheriff-and-the-loup-garou/ FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com . Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Sheriff and the Loup Garou" was written and told by Tom Coleman. Listen to more of his stories at https://cajunstoryteller.com Director: Craig Dominey Audio Production: Henry Howard Loup Garou sketch by Robert and Talbot Trudeau. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. #LoupGarou #CajunFolklore #WerewolfStories #LouisianaLegends #BayouStories #SouthernFolklore #TheMoonlitRoad #SpookyStories

Every October, millions of pumpkins are carved into glowing faces. But do you know the dark legend of the man who gave them their name? Meet Stingy Jack—a man so cunning he managed to trap the Devil himself. This classic folktale explains why Jack is forced to wander the night with nothing but a hollowed-out turnip and a coal from the fires of Hell. Read the full story and see the history here : https://www.themoonlitroad.com/why-is-a-jack-o-lantern-named-jack/ Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Why is a Jack-o-Lantern Named Jack?" was adapted from folklore and produced by Craig Dominey. Storyteller: LaDoris Bias Davis http://kuumbastorytellers.org/ladoris-bias-davis/ Audio Production: Henry Howard ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. #JackOLantern #StingyJack #HalloweenFolklore #SouthernFolklore #OriginStories #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad

What happens when a traveling preacher seeks revenge on an inhospitable farm couple? This darkly funny ghost story—passed down from Ireland to the Arkansas hills—follows a man of the cloth who decides to teach his unkind hosts a lesson they'll never forget. But in the world of folklore, revenge often takes a very strange and unexpected shape. Advisory: This is an un-sanitized traditional folktale featuring dark themes and descriptions of physical injury/remains , typical of classic Brothers Grimm-era stories. Another version of this story by storyteller Bill Harley can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ltKUDHBCEGA FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com . Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Cow That Ate The Preacher" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey Storyteller: David Hirt Music: Randall Franks - hear more of his work at https://randallfranks.com/ Audio Production: Henry Howard Widescreen photo: Richland Creek Wilderness, Arkansas. Photo by Brad Sims . Licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

Episode Summary: Would you spend the night in a house the rest of the world has abandoned to the dead? This episode takes us to historic Charleston for an adaptation of B.M. Croker's Victorian ghost story, "Number Ninety." In this episode: The Challenge: A group of gentlemen at a social club issue a terrifying dare that cannot be ignored. The Setting: Number Ninety, a house with a reputation so dark that even the bravest locals avoid its shadow. The Encounter: A psychological and supernatural descent into a night that changes a man forever. Listen in as we explore a masterclass in Victorian suspense, reimagined for the shadows of the American South. Further reading : Wikipedia article on B.M. Croker FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com . Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Number Ninety" was told by John Gentile Director: Craig Dominey Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. #NumberNinety #CharlestonGhostStories #SouthCarolinaFolklore #VictorianHorror #HauntedHouse #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #SouthernGothic

The haunting conclusion to Ambrose Bierce's masterpiece. In 'The Spirit's Testimony,' a voice reaches out from beyond the grave to reveal the final, heartbreaking truth of that moonlit night. This third and final chapter completes the chilling mystery of a family destroyed by silence and the supernatural. Read the full story: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-moonlit-road-ambrose-bierce-audio-version/ FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com . Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Moonlit Road, Part Three" was told by Trudy Leonard Audio Production: Henry Howard Music: Michael Thomas Roe The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD: The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers.\ #TheMoonlitRoad #AmbroseBierce #SouthernGothic #ClassicHorror #GhostStories #VictorianHorror #LiteraryGhostStories #TheMoonlitRoadPodcast

In Part Two of our Ambrose Bierce adaptation, the mystery deepens with 'The Confession of the Father.' Haunted by a spectral encounter on a dark road, a man is forced to confront the truth behind his wife's death. The second chapter in this chilling 3-part Southern Gothic masterpiece. Read the full story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-moonlit-road-ambrose-bierce-audio-version/ FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com . Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Moonlit Road, Part Two" was told by Thomas E. Fuller Audio Production: Henry Howard Music: Michael Thomas Roe The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD: The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are an online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. #TheMoonlitRoad #AmbroseBierce #SouthernGothic #ClassicHorror #GhostStories #VictorianHorror #LiteraryGhostStories #TheMoonlitRoadPodcast

Part One of our adaptation of Ambrose Bierce's masterpiece. A chilling mystery begins with the 'Statement of the Son,' as a family is shattered by a brutal murder. Experience one of American literature's most famous ghost stories told from three haunting perspectives. Read the entire story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-moonlit-road-ambrose-bierce-audio-version/ FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com . Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Moonlit Road, Part One" was told by John Gentile Audio Production: Henry Howard Music: Michael Thomas Roe The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD: The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a massive online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. #TheMoonlitRoad #AmbroseBierce #SouthernGothic #ClassicHorror #GhostStories #VictorianHorror #LiteraryGhostStories #TheMoonlitRoadPodcast

Uncover the chilling legend of the "Nut Eating Devil," a classic Tennessee mountain ghost story. Follow young Tom McBride as he investigates eerie sounds haunting a remote cemetery in the middle of the night. Why do the noises sound exactly like his dead Grandpa cracking open hickory nuts? Is it a restless ghost, or a meeting with the Devil himself? Read the full story and learn about the storyteller here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-nut-eating-devil/ FOR MORE STORIES: This is just one of the many legends found on the back roads. Visit our archive of Southern ghost stories and folklore at https://themoonlitroad.com . Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Nut Eating Devil" was written by Jim McAmis and Craig Dominey Storyteller: Jim McAmis Audio Production: Henry Howard Music: Les Scott The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. ABOUT THE MOONLIT ROAD: The Moonlit Road has been exploring the dark back roads of the American South since 1999. We are a large online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. #TheNutEatingDevil #AppalachianFolklore #TennesseeGhostStories #SouthernHumor #TallTales #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #MountainLegends

A Southern supernatural folktale with Irish roots: An early Louisiana settler rescues a turtle and is transported into the strange world of The Fair Folk. Read the full story and learn about the Irish in Louisiana here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/irwin-tarheel-fair-folk-louisiana-folktale/ BEYOND THE PODCAST: This is just one of the many legends of the bayou. Discover many more Southern folktales not found on this podcast by visiting our archive at https://themoonlitroad.com . Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Irwin Tarheel and the Fair Folk" was written by Sam McDonald. Storyteller: Otis Jiry The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC. #IrwinTarheel #FairFolk #LouisianaFolklore #IrishMythology #SouthernFolktales #ShreveportHistory #TimeTravelStories #TheMoonlitRoad #OtisJiry

An Alabama widow lives in fear of the terrifying murderer Railroad Bill. But is he really what the townsfolk say he is? For more strange Southern folktales, including stories not on the podcast, visit https://themoonlitroad.com Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Railroad Bill" was written by told by Christine Horn. As told at the Tour of Southern Ghosts, ART Station, Stone Mountain, Georgia. Audio Production: Henry Howard The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.