The Haunting of Canyon Hill Cemetery in Idaho

Caldwell, Canyon County, daho

Photo: City of Caldwell

On a windswept hill overlooking Caldwell, Idaho, lies one of the state's eeriest graveyards — the Canyon Hill Cemetery. What seems like a peaceful resting place by day transforms into a realm of legend, ghost stories, and paranormal intrigue once the sun sets.

The most infamous spirit tied to Canyon Hill is known simply as "The Midnight Jogger." Locals swear that if you park your car near the cemetery gates at night and wait in silence, you may hear the soft padding of footsteps… followed by a spectral figure jogging past your vehicle. The ghostly runner never looks at you, never stops — just passes by and vanishes into thin air. No one knows exactly who the Midnight Jogger was in life, but the legend has persisted for decades, and brave souls still visit in hopes of catching a glimpse.

Others claim the cemetery is haunted by the spirits of those whose graves were forgotten, left untended and overgrown. Cold spots, flickering lights, and disembodied whispers are common experiences for ghost hunters and paranormal enthusiasts who dare to explore after dark. One chilling account comes from a local woman who visited the grave of her grandmother — only to hear her name whispered clearly into her ear when no one else was present. She fled the site and never returned after dusk.

The cemetery's layout adds to the unsettling atmosphere. Twisting roads, cracked headstones, and uneven paths give Canyon Hill a sense of timeless abandonment, even though it’s still in use today. The highest point of the hill is said to be the most active — a spot where several ghost hunters have recorded strange EMF spikes and unexplained voices.

For those who feel brave enough to explore, Canyon Hill offers not just a graveyard, but a glimpse into the shadows of the unknown. The cemetery serves as a reminder that not all souls rest easy… and not every jogger at midnight is among the living.

Address: Canyon Hill Cemetery, 2024 N Illinois Ave, Caldwell, ID 83605
Phone: (208) 455-3073
Hours: Open daily, dawn to dusk. No nighttime access allowed.

Note: Visitors are encouraged to be respectful and refrain from entering the cemetery after hours. Paranormal activity is reported, but trespassing is illegal. Visit during open hours if you'd like to explore the area.

The Haunting of the Pocatello High School

Pocatello High School – Bannock County, Pocatello, Idaho

Photograph ©Untraveled Road.com

It might come as a surprise, but there is a notable prevalence of haunted grade schools scattered across the United States, a phenomenon that often escapes public awareness. Although I typically don't delve into tales of haunted educational institutions, an exception is warranted today as we explore one such eerie school.

One of the spectral entities that lingers within the premises is believed to be the ghost of a former student. In the post-World War II era, specifically the late 1940s to early 1950s, the school bore witness to a tragic incident involving two students who entered into a suicide pact. While one of the young girls experienced a change of heart, the other was discovered lifeless within the school premises, having reportedly hung herself from her own locker.

The aftermath of this unsettling event was marked by peculiar occurrences. Both teachers and students began to notice an inexplicable and potent aroma of perfume enveloping the air around the deceased girl's former locker. The scent became so overpowering that the school administration opted to remove the tainted locker and replace it with a new one in an attempt to dispel the unsettling fragrance.

Even in the present day, there are reports of sporadic encounters with the lingering scent of the girl's perfume. Janitors working in the school during the after-hours have shared eerie experiences, claiming to have witnessed the apparition of the long-deceased girl aimlessly wandering through the dimly lit hallways.

However, the haunting tales within this school extend beyond the tragic suicide incident. Numerous unidentified apparitions have been sighted, often observed gazing out of windows. Some witnesses have reported peculiar nocturnal activities, such as the inexplicable activation of the gymnasium alarm and the eerie sound of a piano playing in the auditorium when no living soul was present to play it. The prevailing theory behind these additional hauntings suggests a spiritual attachment to the very land upon which the school stands, serving as a haunting reminder of the mysteries that endure within its walls.

Address:
325 North Arthur Avenue
Pocatello, Idaho 83204

The Haunting of the Old Idaho State Penitentiary

Old Idaho State Penitentiary – Ada County, Boise, Idaho

Photograph ©Boise State University

The construction of the Old Idaho State Prison commenced in 1870, initially with a modest building. As the years passed, the prison expanded with the addition of numerous structures, culminating in the construction of a maximum-security building that also served as the location for the gallows on its upper floor.

Over the course of a century, the prison housed over thirteen thousand inmates and witnessed several tumultuous events, including multiple riots within its formidable walls. The final riot occurred in 1973, lasting over three hours and resulting in $100,000 worth of damages. Subsequently, this incident marked the closure of the penitentiary, prompting the relocation of inmates to a new facility. The Old Idaho State Prison was then recognized and added to the National Registry of Historical Places.

Amidst the various buildings of the prison, reports of paranormal activities abound. Visitors often experience an overwhelming sense of dread, intensifying as they approach the executioners' area. The catwalks above and staircases within the prison are said to echo with phantom footsteps, creating an eerie atmosphere. Additionally, the prison alarm has been known to activate inexplicably.

Numerous individuals, both visitors and staff, have recounted hearing voices during their walks through the buildings or across the grounds. Some even claim to have felt physical contact, such as being touched or shoved from behind. The Old Idaho State Prison is reputed for hosting full-bodied apparitions and shadowy figures, contributing to the pervasive feeling of being under observation reported by most guests. The rich history and paranormal occurrences make this historical site a fascinating and, for some, an unsettling destination.

Address:
2445 Old Penitentiary Road
Boise, Idaho 83712