The Moonlit Road Podcast - Southern Ghost Stories & Folklore

Classic ghost story from the master Ambrose Bierce. 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 Performed by Robert Bethune and Susie Berneis of Freshwater Seas Audiobooks. Check their other audiobooks at www.freshwaterseas.com. Used by permission. The Moonlit Road Podcast is a production of The Moonlit Road, LLC.

In the heart of the Louisiana bayou, the beautiful Marie Jolie finds herself being courted by a stranger with a silver tongue and a mysterious past. But when his true, devilish nature is revealed, Marie must rely on more than just her beauty to survive. Written and told by the legendary J.J. Reneaux, "Marie Jolie" is a classic Cajun trickster tale filled with wit, danger, and the unique spirit of the swamp. Read the full story and see the Cajun archive here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/marie-jolie/ 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 "Marie Jolie" was written and told by JJ Reneaux. Story provided courtesy of August House Publishers and JJ Reneaux. 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. #MarieJolie #CajunFolklore #LouisianaLegends #MsuDiable #BayouTales #SouthernFolklore #TricksterTales #TheMoonlitRoad

"The Black Dog" is a haunting Appalachian legend about a mysterious creature that appears in the darkness of the mines. Is it a ghost, a guardian, or a warning? Join us for this life-changing tale from the heart of Kentucky coal mining country. 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 Black Dog" was written by Jim McAmis and Craig Dominey Storyteller: Jim McAmis 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 treasure hunters with a case of "gold fever" head up Georgia's Sawnee Mountain in search of lost Cherokee treasure. But some secrets are buried deep for a reason, and they soon discover that the ancient mountain haunts don't take kindly to intruders. In this episode, we explore the chilling legend of Chief Sawnee's Gold. While the story is a "creature feature" fiction, Sawnee Mountain is a real-life landmark in Forsyth County, Georgia, with a deep history tied to the Georgia Gold Rush and the Cherokee people. Additional reading: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/chief-sawnees-gold-sawnee-mountain-georgia/ 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 "Chief Sawnee's Gold" was written by Craig Dominey and Lanny Gilbert Storyteller: Lanny Gilbert 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. #ChiefSawneesGold #GeorgiaGhostStories #AppalachianFolklore #SawneeMountain #CursedTreasure #SouthernLegends #TheMoonlitRoad #CherokeeLore

On a misty Halloween night in the Louisiana bayou, two boys decide to test their luck in a local pumpkin patch. They were looking for a thrill, but they found something much more sinister waiting among the vines. "Patin's Punkin Patch" is a spooky Cajun tale that proves some things are better left alone—especially when the sun goes down in the swamp. Read the full story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/patins-punkin-patch/ 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 "Patin's Punkin Patch" was written and told by Tom Coleman 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. #PatinsPunkinPatch #CajunFolklore #HauntedPumpkinPatch #LouisianaGhostStories #Taties #SouthernFolklore #HalloweenStories #TheMoonlitRoad

For generations, visitors to Poole's Mill Covered Bridge in North Georgia have reported seeing a mysterious young girl wearing a blue dress. Some see her standing on the bridge; others see her reflected in the water below. In this episode, we explore the haunting tale of "The Blue Girl" and the history of the beautiful, historic bridge she calls home. Is she a memory of a lost era, or something more? 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 Blue Girl" was written by Lanny Gilbert and Craig Dominey Storyteller: Lanny Gilbert 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.

In the salt-scented air of Pawleys Island, South Carolina, the ghost of Alice Flagg remains one of the South's most enduring and heartbreaking tragedies. Forbidden by her wealthy family from marrying the man she loved, Alice was forced to hide his token of devotion—a simple gold ring—on a ribbon around her neck. When tragedy struck, that ring was taken from her, leaving her spirit to wander eternally in search of the only thing that mattered. Join us as we explore the legend of The Hermitage and All Saints Cemetery, where a plain grave marker simply reading "ALICE" marks the spot of a haunting that has lasted for over a century. Read the full story and see the photos of her grave here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/ghost-alice-flagg-pawleys-island-south-carolina/ 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 "Alice" was written by Cathy Kaemmerlen and Craig Dominey Director: Craig Dominey Storyteller: Cathy Kaemmerlen Audio Production: Henry Howard Photograhy: 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 large online archive of regional ghost stories, tall tales, and folklore from the Appalachians to the Gulf Coast, told by authentic local storytellers. #AliceFlagg #PawleysIsland #SouthCarolinaGhostStories #LowcountryFolklore #HauntedPlaces #SouthernGothic #TragicRomance #TheMoonlitRoad

In the coastal marshes of Georgia, the legend of the Boo Hag has kept children (and adults) awake for centuries. Unlike ghosts, Boo Hags are living entities that shed their skin to "ride" the breath out of their sleeping victims. Join us as we tell the story of a man who suspects his new bride is a creature of the night, and the desperate trap he sets to catch her skinless. Read the full story: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-boo-hag/ 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 Boo Hag" was written by Veronica Byrd and 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. #TheBooHag #GullahGeechee #GeorgiaFolklore #SouthernWitchcraft #LowcountryLegends #GhostStories #AfricanAmericanFolklore #UrbanLegends #TheMoonlitRoad #GeorgiaCoast #WitchStories

Deep in the heart of the Georgia wilderness, an old woodsman lives a solitary life with only his dogs for company. But one night, a strange, shadowy creature creeps into his cabin, and a split-second decision leads to a night of terror. Taily-Po is a quintessential Southern monster story about a creature that refuses to be forgotten. Read the full legend and see the North Georgia mountain archives here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/taily-po/ Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "Taily-Po" was written and told by 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. #TailyPo #GeorgiaMonsterLegend #AppalachianFolklore #SouthernCreatureStories #ScaryStories #MonsterLegends #MountainFolklore #TheMoonlitRoad #GeorgiaHistory #Folktales

What happens when a whole town picks a fight with an eccentric man of God? Lorenzo Dow was one of the most famous—and strange—figures of the American frontier. When he rode into Jacksonboro, Georgia, he expected a congregation; instead, he found a mob. This isn't a ghost story, but a legendary piece of Georgia history about the preacher who "shook the dust from his feet" and left a town to its fate. Join us as we explore the rise and fall of Jacksonboro and the mysterious Dell-Goodall house that stands alone in the woods today. Learn the True Story: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/lorenzo-dows-georgia-curse/ 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 "Lorenzo Dow's Georgia Curse" was written and directed by Craig Dominey Storyteller: Lanny Gilbert Audio Production: Henry Howard Photography: Andy Young 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. #LorenzoDow #GeorgiaCurse #SouthernFolklore #HistoricalLegends #JacksonGeorgia #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #GeorgiaHistory

On the coast of South Carolina, the legend of the Gray Man is more than just a ghost story—it's a warning system. For over a century, locals have reported seeing a mysterious figure in gray clothing walking the dunes of Pawley's Island just before a major hurricane strikes. In this episode, we explore the tragic origin of the Gray Man and his enduring legacy as a guardian of the coast. Is he a spirit trapped by a broken heart, or a protector warning the living to seek higher ground? Read the full legend: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/gray-man-ghost-pawleys-lsiand/ 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 Gray Man" was written and directed by Craig Dominey Storyteller: Neville Carson 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. #TheGrayMan #PawleysIsland #SouthCarolinaFolklore #HurricaneWarning #CoastalGhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #SouthernLegends #HauntedBeaches

Deep in the rural heart of Alabama, a tired traveler thinks he's found a safe haven in a small, remote church. But the sanctuary holds a secret far older and more dangerous than any sermon. Join us as we explore the "Stranger in the Church," a chilling tale of what happens when you disturb a congregation that was never meant to be seen by the living. Read the full story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/stranger-in-the-church/ 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 "Stranger in the Church" adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey Storyteller: John Gentile 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. #StrangerInTheChurch #AlabamaGhostStories #SouthernFolklore #MentalHealthLegends #ForestHorror #AlabamaHistory #TheMoonlitRoad #CreepyChurch #SouthernGothic #UrbanLegends

In this special holiday episode, we step away from the shadows and into the warmth of a Christmas hearth. "A Christmas Haunting" is a heartwarming tale of a unique spirit who visits a man who has lost his way. It's a story about the enduring power of family, the importance of memory, and the magic that happens when we open our hearts to the holidays. Read the full story and see the holiday archive here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/a-christmas-haunting/ 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 "A Christmas Haunting" was written and directed by Craig Dominey Storyteller: Thomas E. Fuller 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. #AChristmasHaunting #ChristmasGhostStory #SouthernChristmas #HolidayFolklore #VictorianGhostStory #GhostStories #TheMoonlitRoad #SouthernFolklore

Some secrets are buried, but some promises refuse to stay in the ground. Growing up in the Louisiana bayou, two best friends swore they would always be there for each other, no matter what. It was a simple childhood vow—until one of them was taken by a sudden tragedy. But in the South, a promise is a powerful thing, and the veil between this world and the next is thinner than you think. Join us for "The Promise," a haunting tale of a spectral visitor who returns to ensure that a lifelong oath is finally honored. Read the full story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/the-promise/ 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 Promise" was adapted from folklore and directed by Craig Dominey Storyteller: Kodac Harrison 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. #ThePromise #LouisianaFolklore #GhostStories #TimeSlip #SouthernGothic #CajunLegends #SupernaturalPacts #TheMoonlitRoad

In this hilarious and slightly spooky Louisiana tale, a poor widow finds herself in a bizarre predicament. Her husband has passed away, but he seems to have missed the memo. From sitting up in his casket to showing up for dinner, he's making it very hard for his wife to move on. Join us for "I Don't Feel Dead Yet!", a classic piece of African-American folklore that explores the funny side of the supernatural. Teachers can download instructional materials based on this story and others on our Lesson Plans page. 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 Adapted from the African-American folktale "Dead Aaron." Collected by John Bennett from his book Doctor to the Dead, published by the University of South Carolina Press. Used with permission of the publisher. Adaptation written by Craig Dominey and Veronica Byrd. Storyteller: Veronica Byrd Audio Production: Henry Howard Episode image courtesy of the Library of Congress. 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.

Deep in the backwoods of Alabama lies Skull Lake, a body of water that the locals treat with a hushed reverence and a healthy dose of fear. It isn't just the name that keeps people away—it's the thing that lives in the depths. Join us as we uncover the bone-chilling legend of Skull Lake. We explore the story of a terrifying secret and the ancient creature that will do anything to keep it hidden. 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 "Skull Lake" was written and directed by Craig Dominey Storyteller: David Hirt Sound Design: 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.

In the mountains of Northeast Tennessee, legends are as common as the morning mist. One of the most enduring is the tale of Fiddler's Rock. It's the story of a man, his beloved fiddle, and a deadly wager against a swarm of rattlesnakes. Join us as we journey to the high bluffs to hear the "Ghost of Fiddler's Rock," a haunting piece of Appalachian folklore about the music that never truly died. Discover more Tennessee legends at: TheMoonlitRoad.com Read the full legend here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/ghost-fiddlers-rock-tennessee/ Follow us on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/themoonlitroad and X/Twitter https://www.x.com/themoonlitroad "The Ghost of Fiddler's Rock" was adapted from folklore by Craig Dominey Storyteller: Jim McAmis 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. #TheGhostOfFiddlersRock #TennesseeGhostStories #AppalachianFolklore #FiddleLegends #SouthernGothic #MountainFolktales #TheMoonlitRoad #TennesseeHistory #GhostStories #MusicalFolklore

In this chilling Alabama ghost story, a widow exhausted from the toil of farm life decides she's had enough of sleepless nights. She turns to a local conjure woman for a solution, but the "Sleepyhead" spell she receives carries a terrifying side effect. Join us as we explore the dark side of Southern folk magic. This isn't just a story about a nap; it's a journey into a nightmare you can't wake up from. Read the full story here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/sleepyhead/ 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 Teachers can download instructional materials based on this story and others on our Lesson Plans page. "Sleepyhead" was written and directed by Craig Dominey Storyteller: Veronica Byrd Audio Production: Henry Howard Photo: Alabama River Swamp by Bill Sutton. Licensed under CC BY 2.0. 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. #Sleepyhead #AlabamaGhostStories #WitchLegends #SouthernFolklore #BuriedAlive #ScaryStories #TheMoonlitRoad #AlabamaHistory #Folktales

Deep in the Appalachian Mountains, a young family struggles against a bitter winter. When tragedy strikes, a father is left to wonder how he will protect his child alone. But he soon discovers that he isn't as alone as he thinks. Join us for "A Mother's Love," a poignant and beautiful ghost story that explores the incredible power of a mother's devotion. It's a reminder that sometimes, the ones we lose never truly leave us. Read the full story and access lesson plans here: https://www.themoonlitroad.com/a-mothers-love/ 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 "A Mother's Love" was written and directed by Craig Dominey Storyteller: Cathy Kaemmerlen Music: Moira Nelligan Photograph: Jon Kownacki 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. #AMothersLove #AppalachianGhostStories #KentuckyLegends #SouthernFolklore #GhostStories #MiracleStories #TheMoonlitRoad #MountainMyths