To get into the Halloween spirit, I watched The Terrifying Ghost Towns of Deep Appalachia by Spoogli, and it turned out to be far richer than I expected.
From the opening moments, the documentary sets the scene by showing eerie scenery of abandoned structures in the woods, with the editing working to drive up the creep factor. That simple, quiet introduction immediately signals that this won’t be a scream-fest, but rather a thoughtful exploration of once-lived-in settlements.
What held my attention throughout was the way the documentary combined history, environment, and narrative voice. It was extremely interesting to learn about the different ghost towns (especially Thurmond), how they flourished and then, for economic or social reasons, became largely abandoned.
The mountains, the forests, and the crumbling structures all become characters in the story. Spoogli mentions that the Appalachian Mountains hold a special place in his heart, despite the internet’s involvement in mystifying it.
I particularly liked the host’s calmer narration. There were no over-the-top jumps or dramatic music that felt like too much. Instead, the voice-over invites you to look and listen. The visual contrast between sweeping scenic shots of forested ridges and close-ups of decaying buildings enhances the scale of nature reclaiming human spaces.
A minor shortcoming is that at times I wish the documentary had gone a little deeper into the personal stories of the residents of those towns. The structural approach of three towns (Elkmont, Thurmond, and Keymoor Camp), each with an introduction, brief history, and current state is perfectly fine, but some glance into what life was like in the towns on a more personal level would have really made each town visit feel that much more impactful.
If you’re looking for something spooky to watch without descending into cliché, this is a good choice. Its value lies in combining a creepy atmosphere (old mining towns, abandoned homes, fog-filled valleys) with real history. The calm narration, the haunting visuals, the historical context – together they made me reflect on how human communities rise and fade, and the mark (or rather ghost towns) they leave behind.
The Terrifying Ghost Towns of Deep Appalachia is a compelling, well-paced documentary that blends ambiance and history tastefully. I’d give it an 8 out of 10 for what it sets out to do. It delivers more than just visuals of decay; it invites you to consider the passage of time and what’s left to rot when everybody leaves.