Northern California is peppered with haunted spots. From creaky old mansions to spooky streets, you can find a taste of the supernatural all over the region. And if you’re looking for a haunted cemetery you can find that too! In the town of Oroville, you’ll find one that is not only a bit scary but among the most beautiful – making it an interesting setting for one’s final resting place.

Cherokee Cemetery is located in the town of Oroville, about an hour and half drive north of Sacramento.

Wesley Johnson jr/Google Maps This historic cemetery is private, so selecting a plot is only available for residents from the surrounding Cherokee Community.

There are two different legends surrounding how Cherokee Cemetery earned its reputation as a haunted burial ground.

carolyn R./Google Maps The first is that back in the early 1800’s, a woman or young girl (the stories vary on this as well) was brutally murdered. The townsfolk, outraged at such a heinous act, imposed a death sentence by burning at the stake (eek!). The spirit of the accused was said to have been so strong, that even from the other side of the veil he lurks around the grounds at night making blood curdling sounds meant to scare the daylights out of everyone.

Then there’s the story of the young child who unfortunately lost his father.

Rebecca Steele/Google Maps So bereft was this young man about his father’s death, that he himself passed away that evening. Although this story does not have any terrifying aftermaths, many in the community believe—and claim to have evidence—that if you place flowers on the boy’s grave, you will be rewarded with a “thank you” visit shortly thereafter. Others claim that you can sometimes spot a young boy trying to hide behind a gravestone or the foliage on the property.

Despite the supernatural occurrences, Cherokee Cemetery is a very beautiful place. You’ll find large expanses of verdant oak trees, lush groundcover, and multi-hued flowers. The wildflowers in spring are particularly beautiful.

Rebecca Steele/Google Maps The grounds are meticulously cared for by many dedicated volunteers from the Cherokee Cemetery Association. Inviting walking paths, directional signage, and other aspects make a visit here—haunted sightings aside—a welcoming experience.

The backdrop behind many of the headstones is simply stunning.

Rebecca Steele/Google Maps Visitors say you can feel the energy of the deceased as you meander about this sacred community resting place.

Have you been to Cherokee Cemetery? If so, we’d love to see your photos and hear about your experience there.

Wesley Johnson jr/Google Maps

This historic cemetery is private, so selecting a plot is only available for residents from the surrounding Cherokee Community.

carolyn R./Google Maps

The first is that back in the early 1800’s, a woman or young girl (the stories vary on this as well) was brutally murdered. The townsfolk, outraged at such a heinous act, imposed a death sentence by burning at the stake (eek!). The spirit of the accused was said to have been so strong, that even from the other side of the veil he lurks around the grounds at night making blood curdling sounds meant to scare the daylights out of everyone.

Rebecca Steele/Google Maps

So bereft was this young man about his father’s death, that he himself passed away that evening. Although this story does not have any terrifying aftermaths, many in the community believe—and claim to have evidence—that if you place flowers on the boy’s grave, you will be rewarded with a “thank you” visit shortly thereafter. Others claim that you can sometimes spot a young boy trying to hide behind a gravestone or the foliage on the property.

The grounds are meticulously cared for by many dedicated volunteers from the Cherokee Cemetery Association. Inviting walking paths, directional signage, and other aspects make a visit here—haunted sightings aside—a welcoming experience.

Visitors say you can feel the energy of the deceased as you meander about this sacred community resting place.

If you’re looking for other haunted spots in Northern California, there are several San Francisco cemeteries that are not for the faint of heart!

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Address: Cherokee Cemetery, 3927 Cherokee Rd, Oroville, CA 95965, USA