The Haunted History of Devil’s Turnaround

Hidden in the quiet woods of Cobb County, Georgia, lies a place few dare to tread after dark — Devil’s Turnaround. To the casual passerby, it is merely a forgotten cemetery, overgrown and silent. But those who linger feel something else entirely — a presence that watches, waits, and, some claim, strikes. Over decades, this place has inspired stories of malevolent spirits, ritualistic activity, and inexplicable phenomena that have terrified locals, paranormal investigators, and adventurous thrill-seekers alike.

Devil’s Turnaround is officially known as Noonday Extension Cemetery, tied historically to the Noonday Missionary Baptist Church. But its ominous nickname carries a story all its own. Some suggest the cemetery’s layout — a semi-circle of graves dating back to the 1860s — gave travelers a natural place to turn horse-drawn carriages around. Others whisper that the “Devil” portion of the name is far more sinister. For generations, locals have told tales of strange forces that discourage lingering, warning against curiosity and trespass. Some believe that the alignment of the graves, the woods that crowd around the site, and its proximity to high-voltage power lines conspire to create a hotspot of unnatural activity.

The semi-circle of stones, weathered by time, has witnessed decades of history: the Reconstruction era, the growth of Marietta, and stories that were never recorded, only whispered. This combination of age, isolation, and folklore has made Devil’s Turnaround a focal point for the haunted imaginations of generations.

Visitors to Devil’s Turnaround frequently report unsettling experiences. Some describe a feeling of being watched, while others recount more aggressive phenomena. People have reported being pushed, scratched, or bitten by invisible hands. One investigator recalled an intense sensation of being lifted slightly off the ground, as though some unseen force was testing his resolve. Large items, sometimes heavy stones or branches, have reportedly been hurled in the direction of visitors. Witnesses often speak of seeing movement out of the corner of their eyes, only to find nothing when they turn. Some claim to hear whispers, sometimes so clear it feels like the voices are calling their names. The most chilling are those who hear threats or taunts that seem to originate from no one.

A local legend tells of a group of teenagers in the 1980s who dared to camp near the cemetery. By midnight, one of them woke to find deep scratches on their arms, while others claimed that unseen hands were shaking their tents. Terrified, the group fled and never returned, their story becoming part of the site’s growing mythos.

Perhaps the darkest tales from Devil’s Turnaround involve the state of its graves. Visitors have reported finding shallowly buried animals — beheaded snakes, dead dogs, and other ritualistic remnants. Graves themselves are often disturbed, with toppled stones and eroded markers suggesting either human interference or inexplicable phenomena. Theories abound. Some believe a cult once operated in the area, performing rituals that awakened a lingering malevolent force. Others argue that the cemetery’s dark energy is residual — a lingering echo of sorrow, grief, and violence dating back to the 19th century.

High-voltage power lines running near the site add another layer of mystery. Some paranormal investigators suggest that electromagnetic fields could amplify supernatural activity or create sensory distortions in human perception. Witnesses often describe dizziness, vertigo, or an overwhelming sense of fear when near these lines — even before any other phenomena occur.

Local folklore adds another dimension to the terror. Stories of anti-Christian forces reacting violently to holy symbols, apparitions appearing at night, and shadowy figures among the trees are common. Some visitors report hearing footsteps behind them, even when they are completely alone. Others speak of encountering glowing orbs or fog-like shapes that seem to move with purpose. A particularly enduring legend tells of a “watcher” — a shadowy figure that patrols the outer edges of the cemetery. Those who have seen it report a sensation of deep unease, as if the figure can peer directly into their souls. Some say it is a guardian of the dark rituals once performed there; others insist it is the embodiment of the malevolent force that haunts the cemetery.

Not all the terror at Devil’s Turnaround can be attributed to the supernatural. Some phenomena may be explained by the mind itself. When a location gains a reputation as haunted, visitors’ perceptions are colored by expectation. Shadows become figures, creaking branches become whispers, and the imagination can manifest fear in almost tangible ways. Yet the combination of folklore, isolation, overgrowth, and previous experiences creates a perfect storm for genuine terror. Even skeptics admit that something about Devil’s Turnaround feels “off” — an energy that cannot easily be explained away.

For those drawn to explore the cemetery, caution is essential. Trespassing is a real concern; parts of the cemetery are on private land. The overgrowth, holes, and unstable terrain can make exploration dangerous. Visitors report intense feelings of fear, dread, and even physical harm. Those who are brave enough to investigate advise bringing a flashlight, camera, proper footwear, and a calm mind. They also stress respecting the site — regardless of whether one believes in spirits or not.

Devil’s Turnaround endures as one of Georgia’s most enigmatic haunted sites because it straddles history and legend. Its semi-circle of graves, ritualistic artifacts, and proximity to modern infrastructure create a tapestry of mystery. Tales of malevolent spirits, physical attacks, and shadowy figures continue to circulate. Whether the source is supernatural, psychological, or a combination of both, Devil’s Turnaround remains a place where the past refuses to stay buried. Its stories challenge the brave, unsettle the curious, and invite those who dare to ask: what really lingers when no one is watching?

For now, the shadows remain. The whispers persist. And the turn in the woods continues to beckon the curious — and the foolhardy.