(Graphic by Terry L. Estep)

Regular readers will know I’m not the bravest of visitors when it comes to haunted attractions or the kinds of places that might wind up on the state Department of Tourism’s new West Virginia Paranormal Trail.

But lots of people are. In fact, they seek out that kind of adventure, and Director Chelsea Ruby and her team are capitalizing on the fascination. After all, there’s no shortage of the Mountain-eerie (I’m sorry, I couldn’t help myself) destinations here.

In fact, Parkersburg holds one of them, with the Blennerhassett Hotel listed as having “its share of ghost stories, with hallways said to be haunted by ghostly children playing tag and men in top hats,” according to a report by West Virginia Explorer.

Other stops on the trail include the Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston, Lake Shawnee Abandoned Amusement Park in Mercer County, the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville, Ghost Tour of Harpers Ferry, the Mothman Museum in Point Pleasant, Hotel Morgan in Morgantown, the Flatwoods Monster Museum in Sutton, the Old Hospital on College Hill in Williamson, the Historic Glen Ferris Inn, the Shepherdstown Mystery Walk, the Haunted Haymond House also in Sutton, the Flinderation Tunnel on the North Bend Rail Trail in Harrison County and a Bigfoot figure along the Elk River Trail in Clay County.

Those interested in bringing back a little chill as the weather warms up can go to wvtourism.com/paranormal to register for the West Virginia Paranormal Trail Passport and then interact with it on their phones.

“Recent trends have shown us that travelers are increasingly interested in spooky and unique destinations,” Ruby told West Virginia Explorer. “West Virginia has quite a few spots with haunted histories, so we created the Paranormal Trail to tap into the thriving market for themed tours and attractions. Whether learning about local legends or touring notoriously haunted attractions, it appeals to travelers interested in spooky sightings, mystery, and local lore.”

I’m hoping those who decide to travel the Paranormal Trail will also check out other historic, weird and fun spots along the road. (I don’t know about the rest of you, but I know I have been haunted by the side effects of a certain famous West Virginia hot dog after stopping by, for example).

It’s fun to celebrate what makes the Mountain State not only wonderful, but a little unusual — in this realm and beyond. Maybe visitors will find a thrill or two as well.

As for me, I had a much stronger stomach for this stuff (and the hot dogs) when I was a middle schooler reading “The Telltale Lilac Bush: And other West Virginia Ghost Tales,” by Ruth Ann Music.

These days I’m less likely to be seeking out the spots on this particular trail (except the Blennerhassett Hotel, of course), but I’m happy to wander around on some of the other road trips and trip inspirations suggested on the Department of Tourism site.

Spring may be playing with us a bit for now, but it’s on its way. Get rid of that cabin fever with a frightening and/or fun adventure before we switch from complaining that it’s too cold to complaining that it’s too hot.

Christina Myer is executive editor of The Parkersburg News and Sentinel. She can be reached via e-mail at cmyer@newsandsentinel.com