Hales Bar Dam - A neon sign that is on the side of a building
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Hales Bar Dam

4.6
·37 reviews·Guild, United States

Explore the haunted history and eerie legends of Hales Bar Dam, a historic hydroelectric power station on the Tennessee River.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

For the ultimate spooky thrill

CrowdMedium
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Hales Bar Dam - A neon sign that is on the side of a building

Hales Bar Dam

Best Time

Evenings

For the ultimate spooky thrill

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Explore the haunted history and eerie legends of Hales Bar Dam, a historic hydroelectric power station on the Tennessee River.

4.6
(37 reviews)

"Can easily say one of the best things going in Chattanooga for Halloween."

Vertical photo
TIP

Book Haunted Tours Early

These popular tours fill up fast, especially around Halloween. Book in advance! :ticket:

Be Open to the Unexplained

Many visitors report paranormal experiences; embrace the atmosphere! :ghost:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Haunted History Tours

Haunted History Tours

Throughout the Dam

Experience the chilling legends and reported paranormal activity of this historic site.

Instagram+1
Tennessee River Scenery

Tennessee River Scenery

Dam surroundings

Enjoy the scenic beauty of the Tennessee River, offering a stark contrast to the dam's eerie reputation.

Reddit
Historical Powerhouse

Historical Powerhouse

Dam structure

Explore the remnants of a significant early 20th-century hydroelectric power station.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Embrace the Eerie

Hales Bar Dam is renowned for its haunted history and paranormal activity. Visitors often report strange sounds and visual phenomena, making it a prime spot for ghost hunters and thrill-seekers. Consider booking a specialized haunted tour for the full experience. TikTokInstagram

Plan Your Visit Wisely

While the dam offers a unique historical and spooky experience, some visitors have noted inconsistent customer service. Arriving with a positive attitude and focusing on the historical and paranormal aspects can enhance your visit. Reddit

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
For the ultimate spooky thrill
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
More tour options available
Crowd
High
When
Daytime
Why
Enjoy the river views
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Hales Bar Dam might not be in operation anymore or sadly offering paranormal tours, but that doesn’t mean the ghost stories and legends have stopped coming out of this eerie location found along the Tennessee River. While it’s hard to say if the land is truly cursed after all these years, many believe the spirits of the past still make themselves known within the powerhouse of the Dam— the o...
theghoulguide
232 likes • 6.2K views

Book Haunted Tours Early

These popular tours fill up fast, especially around Halloween. Book in advance! :ticket: Instagram

Be Open to the Unexplained

Many visitors report paranormal experiences; embrace the atmosphere! :ghost: InstagramReddit

Hales Bar Dam Lantarn Tour! This was a GOOD one guys!!! We weren't allowed to video tape THIS TIME, but luckily, my phone captures motion pics when I take photos!!! After some work, I was able to put them together to create a SMALL taste of our experience! Be sure to LIKE, COMMENT, and SHARE this video if you want more content like this and if you want us to go back and VIDEO @HellsBarDam! #hales...
donnabrownwalter
14 likes • 148 views
Flashback Friday to our two investigations of Hales Bar Dam in Guild, TN 2017/2018 This is personally one of my favorite places I’ve ever investigated. Activity: 8/10 Creep Factor: 10/10 Evidence captured: 7/10 #flashbackfriday #foryoupage #fyp #paranormal #hauntedplaces
castle_rock_paranormal
7 likes • 53 views

Check ID Requirements

Some reviews mention issues with ID types; confirm what's accepted. :id: Reddit

Try Local Drinks

The blackberry shine with lemonade is a recommended treat! :cocktail: Reddit

How CREEPY Is This?! 👻😱 #haunted #ghost #paranormal #spooky #hauntedplaces #halesbardam #hauntedtennessee
scarefactorx
5 likes • 178 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Book Haunted Tours Early

These popular tours fill up fast, especially around Halloween. Book in advance! :ticket: Instagram

Be Open to the Unexplained

Many visitors report paranormal experiences; embrace the atmosphere! :ghost: InstagramReddit

Check ID Requirements

Some reviews mention issues with ID types; confirm what's accepted. :id: Reddit

Try Local Drinks

The blackberry shine with lemonade is a recommended treat! :cocktail: Reddit

Wear Comfortable Shoes

You'll be doing some walking around the historic site. :athletic_shoe:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(37 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Hales Bar Dam offers a unique blend of historical intrigue and intense paranormal experiences, making it a popular destination for thrill-seekers. While some visitors have encountered service issues, many highlight the exceptional efforts of staff like tour guide Emily, who can transform the experience. The haunted tours are consistently praised for their intensity and value, making it a memorable outing for those brave enough to explore its eerie reputation. Reddit

"Our pictures of reviews are worst to best. Upon arrival we were greeted by the sweetest dog & had the best customer service at the ticket counter. Above and beyond.
As we start walking in we start getting harassed by this woman who has short blonde hair. Gave us dirty looks our entire wait and talked about us to other employees. She refused to give us her name,
Then she and the other bartender refused to serve me even though I had a valid ID because it was a paper copy. They both said it was Tennessee state law when in fact, I know it is NOT because I’m a bar manager. If you’re going to be behind a bar, know your laws, what kind of IDs are acceptable in TN and how to provide better customer service. Cause we all know it’s really about the experience! VERY UNPROFESSIONAL.
We spent $70 a ticket and brought 9 guest. So poorly managed unfortunately. Haven’t even made it through our “VIP” experience and I’m already feeling I made a mistake coming.

UPDATE: Emily was our tour guide and she was SO sweet and informative. Everyone else that works here really turned our trip around. We ended up having a blast. Can easily say one of the best things going in Chattanooga for Halloween.
Moral of the story is don’t let one person ruin your fun. It’s not worth it.
Changing our review from a 1 to a 5. Really well put together & absolutely worth it 🧡

Our pictures of reviews are worst to best. Upon arrival we were greeted by the sweetest dog & had the best customer service at the ticket counter. Above and beyond.
As we start walking in we start getting harassed by this woman who has short blonde hair. Gave us dirty looks our entire wait and talked about us to other employees. She refused to give us her name,
Then she and the other bartender refused to serve me even though I had a valid ID because it was a paper copy. They both said it was Tennessee state law when in fact, I know it is NOT because I’m a bar manager. If you’re going to be behind a bar, know your laws, what kind of IDs are acceptable in TN and how to provide better customer service. Cause we all know it’s really about the experience! VERY UNPROFESSIONAL.
We spent $70 a ticket and brought 9 guest. So poorly managed unfortunately. Haven’t even made it through our “VIP” experience and I’m already feeling I made a mistake coming.

UPDATE: Emily was our tour guide and she was SO sweet and informative. Everyone else that works here really turned our trip around. We ended up having a blast. Can easily say one of the best things going in Chattanooga for Halloween.
Moral of the story is don’t let one person ruin your fun. It’s not worth it.
Changing our review from a 1 to a 5. Really well put together & absolutely worth it 🧡

I do want to add at one point there was a different woman behind the bar who I had already bought drinks from, who did have excellent bar service. Black hair, cute, upbeat & friendly. So kudos to you girlfriend!"

Shelly Brobeck

"A historical marker and Haunted area! I mean it's really Haunted and scary looking Sounds of Spirits throughout the Powerhouse to the Grave structures not far away up the river! Once cursed by Chief Dragoncanoe! Huge Whirlpool in the river!"

Jerry Arnett

"A must see, a must go, a must try. Beautiful during the day as well. Highly recommend the Haunted Tour and Haunted House, we go every year and it just gets more intense by the year. Kids are definitely welcome. We went in with a brave 12 year old! Worth it!!! Don’t hesitate just go!

Adults- you gotta try the blackberry shine with lemonade. 👌

Kara and the entire staff are the best! Always very welcoming and ask anything! They love to share and answer any questions you may have about the property.

Another good year! See you again!"

London Phimmachack

What People Like

Intense haunted tours
Historical significance
Scenic river views

What People Dislike

Inconsistent customer service
ID policy issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

Hales Bar Dam is located along the Tennessee River. Driving is the most common way to access it. GPS coordinates or the address will guide you. Parking is usually available on-site. Reddit

Public transport options to Hales Bar Dam are limited. It's best to plan for a personal vehicle or rideshare service. Reddit

From Chattanooga, you'll typically take highways heading north towards Guild, Tennessee. The exact route may vary, so using a GPS is recommended. Reddit

Hales Bar Dam is situated in a scenic area along the Tennessee River, offering opportunities for enjoying the natural surroundings. Reddit

Roads leading to Hales Bar Dam are generally well-maintained, but can be winding in rural areas. Drive cautiously, especially at night. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Ticket prices can vary, especially for special events like haunted tours. Some reviews mention prices around $70 for VIP experiences, but general admission might be less. It's best to check their official website or call ahead. Reddit

For popular events like haunted tours, booking in advance is highly recommended as they can sell out. For general visits, it might be less critical, but always a good idea. Instagram

Operating hours can vary seasonally and for special events. Haunted tours are typically held in the evenings. Check their official schedule for the most accurate information. Instagram

Yes, Hales Bar Dam offers various tours, including historical insights and highly popular haunted tours that explore its paranormal reputation. InstagramReddit

Some reviews indicate issues with paper IDs at the bar. It's advisable to bring a standard, government-issued photo ID to avoid any potential problems. Reddit

🎫 👻 Paranormal Experiences

Many visitors and paranormal investigators report experiencing unexplained phenomena, including sounds, visual apparitions, and feelings of a presence. It's considered one of the most haunted places in Tennessee. TikTokInstagramReddit

Reported activity includes disembodied voices, footsteps, cold spots, shadow figures, and even physical interactions like ear tugs. InstagramReddit

Yes, children are often welcome on the haunted tours, but it's recommended for families to assess their child's comfort level with spooky themes. Some tours are described as intense. Reddit

The 'creep factor' is consistently rated very high by visitors and paranormal investigators, with many describing it as one of the most unsettling places they've experienced. Instagram+1

Investigators have reported capturing EVPs (electronic voice phenomena), photographic anomalies like mists and shadows, and other evidence during investigations. InstagramReddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is typically a bar and food service available on-site, especially during events. They are known for their blackberry shine. Reddit

The blackberry shine mixed with lemonade is a popular and recommended drink for adults. Reddit

Outside food and drinks are generally not permitted, especially during ticketed events. It's best to consume any personal items before entering or purchase from their concessions. Reddit

Information on specific dietary options is limited. It's advisable to inquire directly with the staff upon arrival if you have dietary restrictions. Reddit

The atmosphere can vary, but it's often described as lively during events. Some reviews mention excellent bar service from specific staff members. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The dam structure itself, the Tennessee River views, and the eerie interiors of the powerhouse offer great photographic opportunities. Capture the historical architecture and the atmospheric ambiance. InstagramReddit

Photography policies can vary. While some videos might be restricted, many visitors capture photos and short clips of their experiences, especially to document potential paranormal activity. InstagramReddit

While general photography is usually allowed, specific restrictions might apply during certain tours or events. Always check with staff if unsure. Instagram

Daytime offers natural light for scenic shots. Evening and night tours will be darker, requiring flash or low-light camera settings, which can enhance the spooky atmosphere. Instagram

Focus on the imposing dam structure, the surrounding river, any historical machinery, and the eerie, atmospheric interiors. Don't forget to capture any unusual light or shadow phenomena. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Hales Bar Dam can be an exciting destination for families, particularly those with older children interested in history and a bit of a scare. The haunted tours are often described as intense but suitable for brave youngsters, with some visitors bringing 12-year-olds who had a blast. Reddit The historical aspect of the dam also offers an educational element.

It's advisable to gauge your child's sensitivity to spooky themes before booking a haunted tour. While the dam itself is a historical site, the paranormal focus means it might not be suitable for very young or easily frightened children. The scenic river views during the day can offer a more relaxed experience for all ages. Reddit

👻 Paranormal Enthusiasts

For those seeking genuine paranormal experiences, Hales Bar Dam is a must-visit. It's consistently ranked among the most haunted locations, with a high volume of reported activity. Paranormal investigation teams have documented significant evidence here, making it a prime spot for ghost hunting. TikTokInstagram+1

Booking a dedicated haunted tour is highly recommended to delve into the dam's chilling history and potentially witness unexplained phenomena firsthand. Be prepared for an atmospheric and potentially unsettling experience, as many visitors report feeling a strong presence and encountering unexplained sounds and sights. InstagramReddit

🏛️ History Buffs

Hales Bar Dam offers a fascinating glimpse into early 20th-century industrial history. Completed in 1913, it was a significant feat of engineering as one of the first hydroelectric power stations on the Tennessee River. Exploring the remnants of the powerhouse allows visitors to appreciate the scale and ingenuity of the time. Reddit

While the paranormal aspect is a major draw, the historical significance of the dam is undeniable. It stands as a testament to a bygone era of industrial development. Visiting during the day can provide a clearer perspective on its historical context before the evening's spooky tales begin. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Haunted Reputation of Hales Bar Dam

Hales Bar Dam is widely considered one of the most haunted locations in Tennessee, drawing paranormal enthusiasts from far and wide. The dam's history is steeped in tales of tragedy and unexplained events, contributing to its eerie reputation. Many visitors report experiencing chilling phenomena, from disembodied voices and footsteps to visual apparitions and a palpable sense of unease. TikTokInstagram+1

These reports have led to numerous investigations by paranormal teams, who claim to have captured compelling evidence, including Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) and photographic anomalies. The dam's historical context, including its completion in 1913 and its role in early hydroelectric power, adds layers to the lore, with some legends tracing back to Native American curses. Reddit

Whether you're a skeptic or a believer, the atmosphere at Hales Bar Dam is undeniable. The combination of its imposing structure, the dark waters of the Tennessee River, and the persistent ghost stories creates an unforgettable, albeit spooky, experience. Special 'haunted tours' are designed to immerse visitors in these chilling narratives and potential encounters. Instagram+1

Experiencing Hales Bar Dam: Tours and Visitor Insights

Visiting Hales Bar Dam offers a unique blend of history and the supernatural. The most popular way to experience its eerie side is through its dedicated haunted tours. These tours are designed to guide visitors through the dam's most active areas, sharing its dark history and the reported paranormal occurrences. Instagram+1

While the haunted tours are a major draw, the dam also holds significant historical value as one of the earliest hydroelectric power stations in the region, completed in 1913. Visitors can explore the remnants of this industrial past, appreciating the engineering feats of its time. The scenic Tennessee River location also provides a beautiful backdrop, especially during daylight hours. Reddit

Visitor experiences can be varied. While many rave about the informative and thrilling haunted tours, some reviews mention inconsistencies in customer service. However, the overall sentiment often leans positive, with many guests finding the experience well worth it, especially when guided by enthusiastic staff members like 'Emily' who can turn a potentially negative situation around. Reddit

Photography at Hales Bar Dam

Hales Bar Dam presents a visually striking subject for photographers, offering a mix of industrial history and atmospheric creepiness. The imposing structure of the dam itself, set against the backdrop of the Tennessee River, provides dramatic landscape shots. During the day, the natural light can highlight the architectural details and the surrounding natural beauty. Reddit

When exploring the interiors, especially during evening or haunted tours, photographers can capture the eerie ambiance. Low-light conditions, shadows, and the historical decay of the powerhouse create opportunities for compelling, atmospheric images. Many visitors have reported capturing unusual phenomena in their photos, such as mists or shadow figures, adding an extra layer of intrigue to their photographic endeavors. InstagramReddit+1

While general photography is usually permitted, it's always wise to confirm any specific restrictions with staff, particularly during guided tours. Bringing a camera with good low-light capabilities or a tripod can be beneficial for capturing the dam's unique character, especially after dark. Instagram

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