A Grave Walk with the Dead

The haunted Athens Asylum, now known as the Ridges, is well-known for its alleged paranormal activity. It is said that the spirits of former patients, medical professionals, and staff members linger within the building and its surrounding grounds, including the adjacent cemeteries. This institution operated as a mental health facility from 1874 until 1993, providing care to many individuals. It is commonly believed that spirits return to the places where they lived and died, regardless of their mental state during their lifetimes, a belief that extends to those who spent time at this institution.

Various legends have emerged regarding the asylum and its grounds, including tales of a small cemetery where graves were initially arranged in a circular formation at the time of interment. This unusual arrangement was rumored to be associated with a witch’s rite, and it is believed that the graves were later relocated improperly. Some speculate that the spirits have risen in anger because their headstones no longer mark their long-dead corpses.

One particularly compelling story involves Margaret Shilling, an asylum resident who inadvertently became trapped in an upstairs attic space in the late 1970s. Tragically, she was not discovered until several months later, and it is said that a ghostly stain remains on the floor as a remnant of her bodily fluids.

According to eyewitness accounts, shadowy figures can be seen wandering the old grounds. These brief, hazy forms are not threatening; rather, they seem to be residual energy, continuing their daily tasks or taking leisurely strolls through what was once a sprawling complex of gardens and meticulously manicured lawns. Some observers claim that a few of these figures appear to break away from being mere imprints in time and seem aware of those walking the meandering trail, occasionally following them for a brief period. When looking up at the windows, some have reported seeing ghostly figures waving back at them!

For those who enjoy walking among the dead, there are several cemeteries to visit along a trail near the exterior of the old building, which can be explored during daylight hours. Ohio University has saved some buildings from ruin, restoring and renovating them for use as classrooms, faculty offices, and an art museum.

Parking/Trailhead

Athens Asylum Cemetery Trail
8000 Dairy Lane
Athens, Ohio 45701
(39.314654, -82.115208)

The Cemetery Hike: (Daylight Hours)
About 2.5 miles, depending upon paths chosen. Park at the Dairy Barn and walked across Blackburn Road/Dairy Lane and between the two concrete pillars with a nature trail sign just beyond. Once up the wooden steps, hikers will enter the cemetery where those who donated their bodies to Ohio University were buried. After, there is a secondary cemetery and at the far end, follow the dirt path through the woods and past the ‘High Ropes Challenge Course.’ Making a right, then a left on the brick path will take hikers to the yellow trail, which passes the third cemetery. Making a left at the far end to pass the observatory, follow the nature trail back around to the initial cemetery.

Haunted Athens Asylum