From historic hotels to hidden tunnels that we’re “certain” exist, the Lehigh Valley has no shortage of eerie tales that blend history with the unexplained.
We asked for a few of your favorites. Here are nine of the region’s most enduring ghost stories, drawn from eyewitness accounts, historical records, and local reporting.
Hotel Bethlehem: Room 932’s Uninvited Guest
Guests at the Hotel Bethlehem have long shared stories of flickering lights, mysterious orbs, and unexpected visitors. According to the hotel’s own account, one couple woke up to find a woman asking, “Why are you in my room?” before vanishing. Room 932 is widely considered the most active, and staff openly embrace what they call “our friendly spirits.”
We’ve actually gone on at least two “ghost hunts” here and even stayed (not in the haunted room) here after our wedding. It’s a true mix of history and haunting.
The hotel even maintains a page dedicated to these encounters on its official website at Historic Hotels of America.
The Sun Inn: A Girl Named Sarah
The Sun Inn dates back to the 1700s and has hosted famous names including George Washington and Benjamin Franklin. But it’s a lesser-known resident, a spirit named Sarah, who continues to make her presence known. Staff and visitors report the sound of small footsteps and toys moving in the attic.
Paranormal investigators featured on the SYFY series Ghost Hunters recorded unexplained voices and temperature changes there, as detailed in the show’s “Christmas Spirit” episode recap.
This is another one we’ve personally done a ghost hunt in and recommend it. They run tours and such from time to time.
State Theatre, Easton: Fred Still Checks In
Easton’s State Theatre Center for the Arts is home to “Fred,” the lingering spirit of J. Fred Osterstock, who managed the theater until 1957. Staff say Fred still watches over the stage, flicking lights and rattling balcony doors. His presence is often described as a fond reminder of his lifelong dedication to the theatre.
Never met him, but have been in the same room with him.
Easton Public Library: The Vault Below
Built in 1903, the Easton Public Library sits above what was once a burial ground. When unclaimed bodies from an older cemetery were moved, a vault of remains was left beneath the property. Staff have described drawers slamming shut and books falling from shelves without cause.
Even more reason to renew your library card.
George Taylor House, Catasauqua: Founding Father’s Restless Home
The George Taylor House, home of a Declaration of Independence signer, has hosted multiple paranormal investigations.
Volunteers have reported cold spots, voices, and the apparition of a young girl named Hannah.
They had a visit by the Ghost Hunters a few years back.
Lady in White of the Lehigh Canal: Lock 23’s Tragic Figure
Along the Lehigh Canal near Walnutport, visitors tell of a glowing woman in white who appears at dusk near Lock 23. Canal workers in the 1800s believed she was mourning a lover lost in the water.
The Delaware & Lehigh National Heritage Corridor has preserved her story as one of the region’s oldest canal legends, recounted in its archives at delawareandlehigh.org.
Widow’s Tavern & Grille, Stockertown: Marvin the Barroom Ghost
At Widow’s Tavern, staff and diners speak fondly of “Marvin,” a spirit said to cause mischief in the dining room. Owner accounts describe glasses sliding across the bar and lights turning on after hours.
The tavern’s story was featured in Saucon Source’s feature on haunted Lehigh Valley restaurants, where employees detailed several strange encounters.
Hanoverville Roadhouse: Dinner with a Ghost
Guests at the Hanoverville Roadhouse have long shared stories of footsteps, whispers, and shadowy figures near the upper dining rooms.
The location was featured on Ghost Hunters, where investigators captured sudden cold spots and pressure on one investigator’s arm, as described in the SYFY “Christmas Spirit” recap.
The Roadhouse now embraces its haunted reputation, hosting annual ghost-hunt dinners each fall.
Bethlehem’s Hidden Tunnels: Secrets Beneath the Streets
This one is the most controversial because there are more than a few who don’t believe in this tunnels. I’m not so sure they don’t exist!
Rumors of secret passageways beneath Bethlehem have persisted for generations.
Local historians and explorers describe tunnels that may have connected the Moravian buildings along Main Street, with some believing they were used to move supplies or escape during wartime.
In one video tour titled “Exploring Bethlehem: The Secret Tunnel”, local filmmaker and author Mark Iampietro claims to have found a sealed brick tunnel leading toward the Sun Inn.
BONUS!
Watch our live podcast where we learned even more about Lehigh Valley Hauntings!!
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