Historic Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary

Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary near Petros opened in 1896 and held some of Tennessee's most notorious inmates until it closed in 2009, including James Earl Ray, who escaped in 1977. Former guards and inmates have given tours here, and visitors report footsteps, apparitions, disembodied voices and recordings, especially in The Hole, the cell blocks, the mess hall and Ray's Cell 28. Ghost Adventures, Ghost Hunters and Destination Fear all investigated the prison. The site now offers self-guided and guided tours, paranormal tours and overnight investigations, plus a distillery and restaurant.