Drivers across the nation have spine-tingling tales of the strange and supernatural, from creepy local folktales to terrifying personal experiences. In the spirit of the Halloween season, we’ve collected accounts from the most haunted roads in the U.S., including cursed streets and hexed highways in the Northeast, South, Midwest, and West. If you find yourself driving on any of these roads, beware!
Use the map below to jump to haunted roads in specific regions of the U.S.
Northeast
Jeremy Swamp Road, Southbury, CT
Try not to break down in Connecticut. There are stories from roads across the state, including Jeremy Swamp Road, of poor souls in stalled vehicles who vanish before their tow truck arrives. Legend attributes these disappearances to attacks by “Melon Heads,” humanoid creatures with bulbous heads who emerge from the woods to attack.
Route 2A, Haynesville, ME
Twin girls were once hit and killed by a semi on Route 2A. Today, drivers say they’ve seen a pair of young girls wandering down the road, lost and confused. Those who stop to offer them a ride report that shortly after the girls get in, they suddenly leap from the moving vehicle! Drivers frantically slam on their brakes and try to find the girls, but the twins are nowhere to be seen.
Dudley Road, Bedford, MA
In the 1800s, an ancient acolyte of the Salem witches disguised herself as an Abbess until it was discovered that she was leading the local nuns in occult rituals. The witch and her coven fled into a field near present-day Dudley Road, where they were captured and executed. Drivers today say you can still hear their whispered hexes if you drive slowly with the windows cracked.
Essex Street, Salem, MA
On Essex Street you can find the former home of Judge Jonathan Corwin, who presided over the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Known locally as “The Witch House,” it’s the only remaining historic building with direct ties to the 1692 trials. The house is believed to be an evil place that attracts the ghosts of accused witches who gather on Essex Street to place curses on the descendants of Salem.
Clinton Road, West Milford, NJ
Clinton Road is pitch black at night, with no street lights and several sharp turns, but it’s not just dangerous – it’s also haunted. There are multiple stories of phantom headlights appearing out of nowhere and following drivers before disappearing. The road also includes a bridge, where a young boy once drowned. It is said that if you throw a coin over the bridge, he’ll throw it back at you, then chase you back to your car.
Whiskey Hollow Road, Van Buren, NY
A dirt and gravel lane, the remote location of Whiskey Hollow Road makes it a popular spot for teenage parties, but that isolation comes with risk. Whiskey Hollow is thought to be the enclave of a dangerous cult. Drivers report seeing bloody clothes hanging from trees, and those who exit their vehicle to explore the forest have found animal bones arranged in mysterious patterns.
Kelly Road, Ohioville, PA
Surrounded by dense, dark woods, Kelly Road sits on land cursed years ago by a sinister pagan sect. When animals traverse Kelly Road, they are said to suddenly turn rabid and violent, attacking anything they see, including their owners. Imagine the horror of driving down the road when your pet unexpectedly lunges at your throat with snarled fangs, forcing you to keep them at bay while trying to maintain control of the moving vehicle.
Molly Stark Trail, Woodford, VT
On this road you can find the trailhead to Glastenbury Mountain in Green Mountain National Forest. Part of the Long Trail of Vermont, a famous journey that partially overlaps with the Appalachian Trail, scenic views await both drivers and hikers. But be warned: the mountain forest is cursed, with tales of living vines that seek to strangle, spore-spraying mushrooms that cause hallucinations, and even a man-eating boulder that swallows hikers whole.
Midwest
Archer Avenue, Chicago, IL
As the story goes, a young woman named Mary was walking home from a dance when she was killed in an unsolved hit-and-run incident. Mary’s parents buried her in Resurrection Cemetery. For decades, there have been stories of drivers near the old dance hall picking up a young hitchhiker wearing a party dress. She says nothing except to ask to be let out at the cemetery, where she suddenly vanishes into thin air.
South Burlingame Road, Dragoon, KS
Passing south through Burlingame takes you down a stretch of Route 56 haunted by “The Highwayman,” the ghost of a road thief who was hit and killed by a car during an attempted robbery. At the intersection of South Burlingame Road and West 189th Street, drivers have been confronted by a spectral figure dressed all in black. Many drivers have reported that, after the encounter, they discover valuables missing from their vehicle, presumably stolen by The Highwayman.
Route 310, Roseau, MN
Haunting the Great Lakes and Great Plains regions, wendigo sightings are notably prevalent in Roseau. Wendigos are tall, emaciated humanoids who hunger for human flesh, but grow larger every time they eat so that they’re never satisfied. It’s said wendigos manifest when evil spirits possess humans who have turned to cannibalism. Sightings commonly occur in Lost River State Forest, so pass through with caution as you drive on Route 310 towards Canada.
Route 66, Villa Ridge, MO
The abandoned Tri-County Truck-Stop just off Route 66 has been the subject of numerous paranormal investigations. At night, visitors have heard loud banging and unintelligible whispers, and report their electronic devices malfunctioning. Visiting mediums have suggested the truck stop is a portal to the other side of eternity, where souls re-enter our world and attach their spirits to truckers whom they might possess in order to drive themselves home.
Seven Sisters Road, Nebraska City, NE
Just south of Nebraska City sits a 15 mile stretch of L Road that goes west right up to Little Nemaha River. This length of street is known locally as “Seven Sisters Road,” named for the legend of a young, handsome man who wandered into town and caught the eye of a family of daughters. One night, the man lured each of the seven sisters, one-by-one, into the darkness of night. They were never seen again, except for the seven wailing ghosts that now appear along L Road at night.
Pond Run Road, New Richmond, OH
This street is one of the birthplaces of a classic American legend: “The Hookman.” This version of the story describes a fire that burned down the house of a deranged doctor who kept his son chained by one hand in the basement. The boy escaped, but needed a new hand – which he replaced with a hook. The Hookman of Pond Run Road now prowls the street that stretches from the Ohio River to Tenmile Creek, pursuing young lovers and leaving scratches on parked cars.
Bloody Bride Bridge & Boy Scout Lane, Steven’s Point, WI
Talk about a haunted town. On the Highway 66 Bridge you can see the bloody ghost of a bride killed on her way to the wedding. Where is she? Just look in your rearview mirror into the backseat. Boy Scout Lane is where a troop of boy scouts were last seen before they vanished. Presumed dead, it’s unclear why they disappeared, but drivers say you can still hear the sound of their laughter floating through the woods.
Bray Road, Elkhorn, WI
Since the first European settlers reported canine monsters who would attack and disappear without a trace, travelers on Bray Road have continued to glimpse a large creature resembling a bear or wolf. In rare accounts, the Beast of Bray Road runs through the forest parallel with the vehicle, able to keep up not only on all-fours, but also on two legs, before vanishing into the brush. Might the Beast of Bray Road be a werewolf?
Owaissa Street, Appleton, WI
Riverside Cemetery on Owaissa Street is known for supernatural sightings. Phantom mourners have been seen at funerals in old-fashioned clothes and leaving via a carriage that disappears into the street. The cemetery is also home to Kate Blood, an alleged witch who was murdered by her husband. Drivers often say they see her stalking the tombstones in a hooded cloak, and others claim blood flows from her grave on the anniversary of her death.
South
Selma Highway, Prattville, AL
Passing through Bear Creek Swamp, drivers on Selma Highway have seen the shadows of small creatures, ranging from one to four feet tall, darting across the road. Those who have broken down blame these gremlins for sabotaging their engine. The road is also home to the ghost of a woman who lost her child. If you stop your car and dare to whisper “We have your baby” into the dark of night, she’ll appear, screaming bloody murder.
Highway 1, AR
You can still see the occasional scarecrow as you travel between the farms found along 160 miles of Highway 1, but these days they’re few and far between. That may be due to local belief in the bubák, a central European legend about skeletal scarecrows known to imitate the cries of a newborn baby to lure you close. If you get within its reach, the bubák will trade places with you, binding you to the scarecrow post while it flies free.
Interstate 4, Sanford, FL
In Sanford, the interstate that connects Tampa to Daytona sits atop the remains of Saint Joseph’s Colony, an early town of Swedish immigrants. A century after the entire community perished of yellow fever, the south end of the I-4 bridge was constructed over their graves. Now, that cursed stretch of road is known as “The Dead Zone,” where electronics malfunction, cell phones lose their service, and mysterious orbs of lights appear.
River Street, Savannah, GA
Savannah is reportedly one of the spookiest cities in the nation, with several haunted locations. River Street is no exception, tormented by the spirits of those killed while working the docks. People have even claimed to see individuals on the street suddenly vanish into the night mist. Others say the road is actually prowled by vampires. Might these ancient bloodsuckers be the true cause of all the deaths and disappearances over the decades?
Coral Hill Road, Glasgow, KY
Local legend holds that a man traveling on this road at night came across a headless horseman, leading him to flee home. Later that night, the man’s entire family was jolted awake when every door and window in the house flung wide open. They looked outside and there stood the headless horseman. He continued to haunt them each night until they finally left a lit jack-o’lantern on the porch, satisfying the horseman’s search for a new head.
Mona Lisa Drive, New Orleans, LA
According to legend, the rich father of a young woman named Mona forbade her marriage to a sailor. Mona killed herself in grief and the father had a statue built in New Orleans City Park to honor her. But when a group of misbehaving teens destroyed the memorial, Mona – not allowed peace in life or in death – began to haunt those who travel along Mona Lisa Drive, moaning and scratching at vehicle windows.
Nash Road, Columbus, MS
The Witch of Nash Road is only seen rarely, but she’s pretty easy to recognize as she’s also known as the Three-Legged Lady of Nash Road. There are various stories that account for her extra appendage, from a natural mutation to a satanic ritual. Others say that her mother disappeared and the leg was all that was found, so she used dark magic to attach it to herself. Whatever the case, you always want to stay out of the path of a witch.
Heartbeat Bridge, Columbus County, NC
To travel through Monie Swamp via Chair Factory Road, you have to be brave enough to cross Heartbeat Bridge. Local rumors claim a masked killer patrols the bridge, looking for young lovers, though there are no official records of any murder ever happening. It’s said if you stop on the bridge at night, you’ll hear the sound of a beating heart. Is it your own heart thumping in fear, or do you hear the Heartbeat Slasher closing in on you?
Cherokee Falls Bridge, Blacksburg, SC
Just off Broad River, Cherokee Falls Bridge passes over Doolittle Creek and that’s where the legend of Booger Jim was born. According to the tale, a man known as Booger Jim went crazy and started attacking people. One victim fought back, pushing Booger Jim off the bridge where he was never seen again. If you stop on the bridge at night and call out “Booger Jim” three times, you’ll hear his ghost moaning from the swirling waters below the bridge.
Fleetwood Drive, Greenville, SC
In late 2016, the entire nation was gripped by the bizarre phenomenon of clown sightings, and it all started in Greenville, South Carolina where police received reports of clowns trying to lure children into the forest. Soon, creepy clowns were being spotted across the country as they watched, stalked, and chased poor pedestrians, leading to a number of arrests. Residents of Fleetwood Drive remain on edge that the clowns will one day return.
Roaring Fork Motor Trail, Gatlinburg, TN
This scenic drive is located in Great Smoky Mountains National Park, but don’t let the beautiful sights of nature allow you to put your guard down. Those who pull off to take pictures will find spectral figures in the photos — ghosts of hikers who met unfortunate ends — and hear whispers of the dead. You also shouldn’t wander too far alone into the park, as those who disappear are said to have been swallowed by the mountain mist.
Goatman’s Bridge, Denton, TX
The Old Alton Bridge may have been decommissioned in 2001 when a new steel bridge was built, but the original truss bridge from 1884 remains, as does its accompanying legend. According to the stories, when a local goat farmer was murdered on the bridge, he called upon the Devil to save him. Transformed into a demonic satyr, he now guards “Goatman’s Bridge,” stalking those who cross at night without their headlights on.
Stagecoach Road, Marshall, TX
Chased out of New Orleans in the 1800s, a Voodoo queen re-settled in Marshall. She lived there peacefully, selling lucky amulets until the town’s priest, fearful of the occult, killed her on the side of Stagecoach Road. Today, her spirit has been seen wandering along the road on nights with a full moon, wielding shrunken heads and voodoo dolls, hell-bent on bringing bad luck to the town that betrayed her.
Crawford Road, Yorktown, VA
At the Yorktown battlefields, visitors report seeing ghosts from the Revolutionary and Civil Wars, and also claim to see bodies hanging from the Crawford Road bridge. In some cases, it’s the body of a woman in a white dress; in other cases, multiple bodies are seen swinging. Drivers also report their vehicle engines cutting off when they pass underneath the bridge, then seeing shadows moving and hearing unintelligible whispers.
Messick Road, Poquoson, VA
Years ago, a fierce storm flooded Dolly Mammy’s farm. Dolly’s daughters refused to help her round up the cattle, so she trekked out alone into the night. The next day, a neighbor stumbled upon a foot sticking out from a sinkhole; Dolly had suffocated in the bog. Today, drivers on Messick Road still report seeing a lantern-carrying apparition in the marsh – Dolly Mammy looking to rescue her cows, and punish her daughters.
Pocahontas Parkway, Henrico County, VA
Construction of Pocahontas Parkway unearthed a treasure trove of artifacts from the Powhatan and Arrohattoc tribes, dating back as far as 6,000 years. The disruption of sacred land has led truckers and tollbooth workers to see Native American apparitions holding torches on the edge of the woods by the road, and hear drum-beats, chanting, and anguished yelling break through the swirling wind on stormy nights.
Railroad Ditch Road, Suffolk, VA
Lake Drummond Wildlife Drive, which starts at Railroad Ditch Road, guides you through the heart of the Great Dismal Swamp. As you travel toward the lake, you can stop along the way to observe the swamp’s animal inhabitants. But be warned, as industrial expansion drained and razed much of the swamp, legend says the disruption also spawned a reptilian swamp creature who still preys on those who wander too far into the bog.
West
Chena Hot Springs Road, Fairbanks, AK
Alaska is a beautiful and mysterious place, with vast stretches of unexplored land and an overwhelming sense of isolation. One particularly unnerving spot is the 56 miles of road in Fairbanks, where drivers have seen orbs of light that flash brilliant colors, merge and separate, and ultimately vanish. And, like other places in our largest and most northern state, Chena Hot Springs Road has also been host to sightings of the Yeti, otherwise known as Bigfoot, Sasquatch, or the Abominable Snowman.
Ortega Ridge Road, Montecito, CA
A century ago, three nuns ventured out from the Santa Barbara Mission to bring food and Bibles to the local village of Chumash Native Americans. Along the way they were robbed and killed by highway bandits. A hundred years later, apparitions of the three Sisters, known locally as Las Tres Hermanas, can still be seen on the side of Ortega Ridge Road, dressed in black and white habits and standing hand-in-hand, seemingly in anguished prayer.
Prospector’s Road, Garden Valley, CA
In the midst of the Gold Rush, a drunken miner made the mistake of bragging at the local saloon about striking gold. That night, as he stumbled down the road home, jealous miners ambushed and killed him, stealing his treasure. His ghost now haunts Prospector’s Road, appearing at night as a large, bearded man holding a pickaxe, who suddenly screams at those who drive by, “Get off my claim!”
Riverdale Road, Thornton, CO
Local drivers know to be wary when traveling the more rural stretches of Riverdale Road, along which legend says you can find chicken coops maintained by pagans who sacrifice the birds to summon unholy demons. Some of the coops are even supposedly underground, beneath the road itself. There are also stories of a Camaro driver who challenges others on the road to race, then attempts to run them off the road before abruptly disappearing.
Route 666, Douglas, AZ
The most dangerous stretch of Route 666 lies in Arizona, near the Mexican border. The state may have redesignated the road as Route 191, but residents still know it as The Devil’s Highway. Drivers say their vehicles have been pursued by packs of bloodthirsty feral dogs, referred to as “Hellhounds” by the locals. Some have even reported the sudden appearance of a spectral big rig, covered in roaring flames and billowing black smoke, that attempts to run them off the road.
Route 375, Rachel, NV
Route 375, known as the Extraterrestrial Highway, is as close as you can get to the highly classified Area 51 facility. Though the government denied its existence until 2013, Area 51 has been rumored to be a lab for military testing on crashed UFOs for decades. Many traveling in Nevada have seen bright lights hovering over their vehicles — and some even report losing consciousness, only to awake in their vehicle days later, apparent victims of alien abduction.
Sandhill Road, Las Vegas, NV
People who sneak into the flood tunnels underneath Sandhill Road often run out terrified, having heard the echoes of menacing scrapes and ghoulish shrieks. Those who have traveled deepest below Sandhill Road have discovered bones chipped with human bite-marks. However, as the zombie-like shuffling and moaning creeps closer, brave visitors always flee before they can collect any evidence beyond their own haunted memories of the sounds of the undead.
Pali Highway, Oahu, HI
On the way to the amazing views at Pali Lookout, drivers travel along Pali Highway, portions of which sit atop ancient Hawaiian footpaths. At night, drivers have smelled a death-like odor and heard the blowing of conch shells, indicating the presence of “Nightmarchers,” the phantom vanguard of long-dead kings. Any distant relations to the ghost warriors, and those who bow their heads in respect, are spared; those who dare to look upon the Nightmarchers are instantly incinerated.
Highway 101, Cannon Beach, OR
Those who stop at overlooks along Highway 101 near Cannon Beach have to watch out for a modern-day mummy: “The Bandage Man.” Legend says that a hulking figure, covered in bloody medical bandages, will sneak up on parked vehicles and begin rocking them back and forth. When you try to drive away, The Bandage Man leaps on top of your car or into your truck bed, banging on the roof until he eventually disappears.
Disclaimer: This content is largely a work of folklore or fiction. Names, individuals, events, and incidents either are products of the author’s imagination, are the recitation of all or part of a myth or legend, and/or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual events or incidents is coincidental.
