Top 10 Spookiest Haunted Roads in the U.S. for Ghostly Encounters

You’ve probably heard of haunted houses and hotels, but did you know there are haunted highways, too? Drawing on local folklore, legends, and drivers’ personal experiences, Commercial Truck Trader rounded up some of the spookiest roads across the United States.

Just like other spooky destinations, many of these thoroughfares are supposedly haunted by the spirits of people who died there — others have reportedly been visited by everything from devilish creatures to aliens. While the stories told about them may be nothing more than urban legends, they are certainly scary enough to make you think twice about driving there.

For something a little different this Halloween, go for a ghost hunt from the safety of your car — just keep an eye out for spirits, supernatural creatures, and UFOs while you’re at it. From coast to coast, here’s a look at 10 of the most haunted roads in America.

Jeremy Swamp Road, Southbury, Connecticut

There are eerie stories about many roadways in Connecticut, but one of the best known involves Jeremy Swamp Road in Southbury. According to urban legend, drivers in vehicles that get stuck here tend to disappear before their tow truck shows up, reportedly due to being ambushed by the “Melon Heads.” As reported by the New England Historical Society, these creatures “look like small humanoids with oversized heads” and “survive by eating small animals, stray cats, and human flesh, usually the flesh of teenagers.” These humanoid cryptids are also the focus of folklore throughout Ohio and Michigan, so try not to break down there either.

Bloody Bride Bridge and Boy Scout Lane, Stevens Point, Wisconsin

Bloody Bride Bridge, on Highway 66, certainly earned its name. According to local lore, a young lady was killed in an accident here on the way to her wedding. She continues to haunt drivers passing by at night, sometimes making an appearance in the back seat of unsuspecting drivers’ vehicles or showing up in the rearview mirror. Nearby Boy Scout Lane is another haunted spot in Stevens Point. Allegedly, a Boy Scout troop disappeared here, and you can still hear them laughing somewhere in the woods. Although there’s no proof that this actually happened, the isolated, dead-end road definitely makes for an eerie setting.

Owaissa Street, Appleton, Wisconsin

Located on N. Owaissa Street, Riverside Cemetery in Appleton is no stranger to paranormal experiences. People claim to have spotted the ghosts of mourners from a different era dressed in old-fashioned clothing here. One spot in particular is thought to be haunted: the grave of Kate Blood. Many stories circulate regarding her life and death. Some say she was a witch who killed her husband and children with an axe, while others believe she was murdered by her husband. Historians, however, suggest that she probably died of tuberculosis.

Route 66, Villa Ridge, Missouri

While the tri-county truck stop located off historic Route 66 in Villa Ridge has long been abandoned, ghost hunters from across the U.S. continue to visit in hopes of experiencing paranormal activity. According to an article by Commercial Truck Trader, “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.”

Stagecoach Road, Marshall, Texas

Several urban legends recount tragic events that have contributed to Stagecoach Road’s haunted reputation, and its eerie setting and historic status only add to the mystique. The red dirt road, lined with tall oak trees, served as the main thoroughfare for stagecoaches in the early to mid-1800s. Some drivers claim they’ve seen the spirit of a woman wandering this road, scaring passersby, while others have reportedly viewed the spirits of small children.

Route 666, New Mexico

U.S. Route 491, formerly known as Route 666, was colloquially referred to as the Devil’s Highway for two reasons: its route number and the relatively high number of fatalities that have occurred along this particular stretch. Several drivers have reported being chased by “hellhounds” — supernatural dogs that symbolize death in some cultures — or seeing a ghostly semi-truck on fire, according to the Commercial Truck Trader article.

Sandhill Road, Las Vegas

The tunnels beneath Sandhill Road in Las Vegas are supposedly haunted, with reports of eerie noises, zombie-esque scraping sounds, and high-pitched shrieks emerging from the area. Fortunately, there isn’t a wealth of evidence to support these claims, primarily because individuals tend to flee long before they can gather any. It’s still worth a visit to check it out for yourself, if you dare.

Route 375, Rachel, Nevada

Also called the Extraterrestrial Highway, Route 375 in Rachel, Nevada, passes by super-secret Area 51, making it an irresistible drive for UFO seekers, who cruise along it hoping to spot something out of this world. Drivers should keep their eyes on the road while passengers look toward the sky to watch for any mysterious lights or strange aircraft.

Ortega Ridge Road, Montecito, California

Keep an eye out for the ghosts of three nuns — often referred to by locals as “Las Tres Hermanas” — who were killed by bandits along Ortega Ridge Road during a mission trip to a nearby town. According to Commercial Truck Trader, some drivers assert that their apparitions can still be seen by the roadside, holding hands and praying while dressed in their traditional habits.

Prospectors Road, Garden Valley, California

California is dotted with historic ghost towns, so it makes sense that a few Gold Rush-era spirits would stick around. According to local legend, Prospectors Road in Garden Valley is haunted by a bearded miner who was killed for his gold after bragging about how much he had found.