Walk through the gripping history of Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary on your own terms. This self-guided tour offers chilling stories and a firsthand look at life behind some of Tennessee's toughest prison walls.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels; requires moderate walking and standing
Wildlife
History
Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary opened in 1896 and was operational for over a century, playing a significant role in Tennessee’s correctional history.
Conservation
Efforts maintain the prison grounds with minimal impact, focusing on preserving historical structures and educating visitors about its legacy.
Brushy Mtn. State Pen
Walk through the gripping history of Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary on your own terms. This self-guided tour offers chilling stories and a firsthand look at life behind some of Tennessee's toughest prison walls.
Brushy Mtn. State Pen, located in Petros, Tennessee, operates tours and paranormal investigations at the decommissioned Brushy Mountain State Penitentiary. The business offers a range of experiences including Public Overnight Investigation, Private Overnight Investigation, Standard Paranormal Tour, Public Guided Tours, and Self Guided Tours. Many experiences are led by expert Jaime Brock, who guides investigators through the site's documented history and reported phenomena.
Public Overnight Investigation and Private Overnight Investigation place participants in overnight settings to explore alleged paranormal activity using equipment and guided protocols. The Standard Paranormal Tour is a four-hour investigation that focuses on sites within the penitentiary where staff and visitors report unexplained encounters. Public Guided Tours provide scheduled interpretive walks through the facility, and Self Guided Tours allow visitors to move through over 30 interpretive stations that document inmate life, the cell block, and the facility's "HOLE."
All programming emphasizes safety, site conservation, and adherence to scheduled times and booking policies. Brushy Mtn. State Pen presents historical context alongside paranormal investigation techniques so visitors can experience both the documented past and the investigative process. Tours take place on the former prison grounds in Petros, Tennessee, and combine historical interpretation with experiential investigation.
Visitors should review each trip description and booking requirements before reserving. Reservations and specific operational details are available through the business's official channels. Brushy Mtn. State Pen maintains third-party supervision for private events and follows local regulations for public access. Equipment used during investigations may include recorders, EMF meters, and other common paranormal devices safely.
Location
Petros, TN
Historic prison site in Tennessee
Expert Guide
Jaime Brock
Leads guided and investigative tours
Tours Offered
5 tour types
Public, private, guided, overnight, self-guided
On-site Features
30+ stations
Interpretive exhibits and inmate stories
Select a Public or Private Overnight Investigation, Standard Paranormal Tour, Guided Walk, or Self-Guided visit in Petros, Tennessee — check availability and booking details before reserving.
Wear sturdy walking shoes
Paths inside the prison grounds can be uneven; comfortable footwear helps you navigate safely.
Allow 1-2 hours for your visit
The self-paced tour has over 30 stations to absorb; plan accordingly to experience it all.
Bring a jacket in cooler months
Temperatures inside the prison can be up to 10 degrees cooler than outside, so dress warmly in fall and winter.
Ask former guards about stories
Staff members often share firsthand anecdotes that provide context beyond the signs.
Sturdy walking shoes
Supportive footwear is critical for uneven floors and outdoor walking.
Weather-appropriate jacket
Keeps you comfortable with cooler temperatures inside and out.
fall|winter|spring
Water bottle
Stay hydrated during warmer months, especially when touring outdoors.
summer
Camera or smartphone
Capture the unique architecture and evocative scenes throughout the prison.