DARK HISTORY: West Virginia's new Paranormal Trail sheds light on the state's darkest locations.

The article focuses on West Virginia's newly launched Paranormal Trail, a digital passport program created by the West Virginia Department of Tourism that encourages visitors to explore 18 reportedly haunted sites across the state, including the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum and Lake Shawnee Amusement Park. The trail highlights the state's complex history, such as Native American heritage at Lake Shawnee and the evolution of mental health care at the asylum, while offering prizes for visiting multiple locations. Both sites serve as educational and memorial spaces, preserving stories of past residents and tragedies, and have seen increased tourism since joining the trail. The article also lists other notable haunted locations included in the trail and provides information on tours and visitor opportunities.