9 Haunted Highways That Will Make You Rethink Your Next Road Trip

Ever driven down a road at midnight and felt that unmistakable chill crawl up your spine? Not the AC—something else entirely. Something watching you from beyond the treeline.

You’re not crazy. Across America, certain stretches of asphalt have collected more than just potholes over the decades. They’ve gathered stories that would make even the most hardened skeptic’s skin crawl.

We’ve mapped out nine of America’s most haunted roads where phantom hitchhikers, ghostly apparitions, and unexplained phenomena have turned ordinary drives into nightmares. Some are famous, others are local secrets whispered about in small-town diners.

But here’s what keeps me up at night: what if these stories aren’t just campfire tales to scare teenagers? What if something truly inexplicable is waiting on these lonely stretches of highway?

Looking out for Haunted House near you

Shades of Death Road — New Jersey

With a name like “Shades of Death Road,” you’re practically asking for a haunting. This 7-mile stretch in Warren County, New Jersey doesn’t just sound ominous – it’s earned its reputation through decades of paranormal encounters that’ll make your skin crawl.

The Origin Story

Nobody knows exactly how this road got its terrifying name. Some locals believe it stems from a series of brutal murders that occurred along the isolated route in the 1920s and 30s. Others claim malaria outbreaks from nearby marshlands caused countless deaths in the area during colonial times.

The Paranormal Players

Drive this road at night (if you dare) and you might meet:

• The White Lady – a spectral woman who wanders aimlessly, believed to be searching for her murderer
• Mysterious orbs and fog that appear suddenly, even on clear nights
• Shadow figures darting between the trees that line the narrow, winding path

Ghost Lake

Along this haunted stretch sits Ghost Lake, a small body of water that lives up to its name. Fishermen report seeing faces staring back at them from beneath the surface. At dawn, dense fog rises from the lake and crawls across the road, sometimes taking humanoid shapes.

Locals warn visitors to never stop their cars here after midnight. Several motorists who’ve pulled over report their vehicles suddenly dying, followed by the sensation of invisible hands pressing against their windows.

Mystery Mile — Pennsylvania

Did you ever feel a chill run down your spine while driving down an empty Pennsylvania road? Mystery Mile, tucked away near Fayette County, might be the reason why.

The Phantom Hitchhiker

Locals won’t drive this stretch at night if they can help it. The most common tale? A young woman in white appearing on the roadside, desperately thumbing for a ride. Kind-hearted drivers who stop find she vanishes from the backseat shortly after – leaving nothing but a damp seat and the lingering scent of flowers.

Unexplained Phenomena

What makes Mystery Mile extra creepy is the tech disruption. Cell phones die. GPS systems go haywire. Car radios scan endlessly or pick up voices nobody can explain.

One driver swears her car completely died – then restarted on its own after she felt what she described as “cold fingers” brush against her neck.

The Historical Connection

The road’s haunted reputation dates back to the 1930s when a terrible accident claimed the lives of a newlywed couple. They were reportedly heading to their honeymoon cabin when their vehicle careened off the road during a thunderstorm.

Paranormal investigators who’ve studied the area report consistent EMF spikes and temperature drops that defy scientific explanation. Local paranormal groups organize “ghost drives” during October, though they warn participants: “What follows you home is your problem.”

Drive Mystery Mile if you dare – just don’t stop for hitchhikers.

Route 666 — Utah to New Mexico

The Devil’s Highway

Ever wonder why they renamed it? Route 666 earned the nickname “Devil’s Highway” not just from its ominous number but from decades of unexplainable phenomena that plagued drivers.

Before becoming US-491 in 2003, this 200-mile stretch cutting through Utah, Colorado, and New Mexico racked up accident rates three times higher than any other road in these states. Coincidence? The locals don’t think so.

Drivers report phantom semi-trucks appearing out of nowhere, barreling toward them before vanishing. Others swear they’ve seen packs of demon dogs with glowing red eyes chasing vehicles at impossible speeds.

The Navajo Connection

The highway cuts through Navajo Nation territory, where many tribal members avoid driving it at night. They speak of skinwalkers – shape-shifting witches from Navajo legend – stalking travelers along desolate stretches.

One recurring story involves a young girl in a white dress appearing in the middle of the road. When drivers swerve to avoid her, she disappears, leaving them questioning their sanity.

Night drives bring the most terrifying encounters. Numerous motorists report their vehicles taking on a mind of their own – accelerating, braking, or steering without driver input. Some claim unseen hands grab the wheel, attempting to force them off the road into ravines.

Despite the name change, the hauntings continue. Ghost hunters and thrill-seekers still flock to this infamous highway, hoping to capture evidence of the supernatural forces that seem determined to maintain their grip on this stretch of American asphalt.

Boy Scout Lane — Wisconsin

Ever heard of a road so creepy that even Boy Scouts won’t camp there? That’s Boy Scout Lane for you, a desolate stretch of unpaved road near Stevens Point, Wisconsin that’s earned its place among America’s most haunted driving routes.

The Legend

The stories vary, but most center around a troop of Boy Scouts who supposedly died here under mysterious circumstances. Some say they were killed by their bus driver, others claim they wandered off and got lost in the woods. A few locals swear the boys died in a fire at their campsite.

None of these tragedies appear in official records, but that hasn’t stopped the stories from spreading like wildfire.

Paranormal Activity

Drivers report some seriously spine-tingling experiences on this road:

• Tiny handprints appearing on car windows and doors
• Ghostly lanterns floating between the trees
• The sounds of children laughing and playing in the empty forest
• Boy Scout apparitions suddenly appearing on the road

Visiting Boy Scout Lane

The road is on private property these days, and trespassing isn’t just scary—it’s illegal. The local authorities have cracked down after years of ghost hunters creating disturbances.

Is there truth behind the legends? Probably not. But drive down any secluded forest road at night, and your imagination might convince you otherwise. The isolated setting, dense woods, and creepy backstory make Boy Scout Lane a perfect storm for supernatural stories, earning its reputation as one of the spookiest driving destinations in Wisconsin.

Route 44 — Massachusetts

You’re driving down Route 44 in Massachusetts at dusk when suddenly your radio starts flipping stations on its own. The temperature drops 15 degrees in seconds. Something’s not right.

The Red-Headed Hitchhiker

If you’re cruising through the Rehoboth stretch of Route 44, keep an eye out for a tall man with fiery red hair and a beard trying to thumb a ride. Locals have reported this figure for decades, but picking him up? Big mistake.

Drivers who’ve stopped report the man suddenly appearing in their backseat, laughing maniacally before vanishing. Others claim he materializes in front of their car, causing them to swerve before he disappears into thin air.

Mysterious Phenomena

Route 44’s paranormal activity goes beyond just the red-headed ghost. Drivers report:

• Unexplained cold spots even during summer
• Car electronics malfunctioning without reason
• Phantom vehicles that appear and disappear
• Strange whispers coming through radio static

The stretch between Seekonk and Rehoboth seems to be the epicenter of these encounters. One driver swears his car was physically pushed backward while stopped at a traffic light, though his dashcam showed nothing touching the vehicle.

Origins of the Hauntings

Nobody knows exactly why Route 44 attracts so much supernatural activity. Some theories point to ancient Native American burial grounds beneath the road, while others suggest it might be connected to unsolved murders in the area during the 1960s.

Whatever the reason, Route 44 has earned its reputation as one of America’s most actively haunted roadways. Drive it at night if you dare.

Ortega Ridge Road — California

Tucked away along California’s scenic coastline, Ortega Ridge Road has earned its reputation as one of America’s most haunted stretches of asphalt. This winding road between Summerland and Montecito doesn’t just offer breathtaking ocean views – it delivers bone-chilling encounters that’ll make you grip your steering wheel a little tighter.

The White Lady of Ortega Ridge

Drivers report seeing a woman in a flowing white dress walking along the roadside at night. She appears suddenly in headlights, only to vanish when approached. Some say she’s the ghost of a bride who died in a crash on her wedding day, forever searching for her groom along this treacherous route.

Phantom Hitchhikers

You might not be driving alone on Ortega Ridge Road. Numerous motorists have picked up hitchhikers who disappear from the back seat moments later. One recurring story involves a young man in dated clothes who asks to be taken to an address that turns out to be a cemetery.

Unexplained Vehicle Phenomena

Cars behave strangely here. Batteries drain without explanation. Radios switch stations on their own, often to static or old-timey music. GPS systems malfunction specifically on this stretch. Some drivers report their vehicles temporarily stalling, only to restart after they feel a cold presence pass through the car.

Want the full experience? Drive Ortega Ridge Road just after sunset when the marine layer rolls in. That’s when the veil between worlds thins, and your chances of a supernatural road trip souvenir dramatically increase.

Dead Man’s Curve — Ohio

Just outside Cleveland, a stretch of road along Route 222 holds a sinister reputation that gives even the bravest drivers goosebumps. They don’t call it “Dead Man’s Curve” for nothing.

Back in the 1960s, this treacherous bend claimed countless lives when cars couldn’t handle the sharp turn, especially in bad weather. But the highway’s horrific past doesn’t stop at regular accidents.

What makes this curve truly chilling are the ghostly hitchhikers reported by dozens of late-night drivers. Many tell the same story: they spot a desperate-looking man on the roadside, only to have him vanish when they slow down. Others claim phantom headlights appear behind them on empty roads, following closely until suddenly disappearing at the curve’s apex.

One persistent tale involves a young woman in white who appears standing in the middle of the road. Drivers who swerve to avoid her often report their cars temporarily stalling afterward, with no mechanical explanation.

Local paranormal investigators believe these spirits are victims who met violent ends on this stretch, unable to move on from their traumatic final moments. The most active periods for ghostly sightings? Foggy nights and the anniversary dates of the worst historical crashes.

Despite modern safety improvements to the curve, the supernatural activity hasn’t slowed down one bit. If you’re planning a road trip through Ohio, maybe take the long way around—unless you’re willing to risk an unexpected passenger.

Mount Misery Road — New York

Deep in the heart of Long Island’s north shore, Mount Misery Road cuts through a dense forest that seems to swallow light and hope. This isn’t just some spooky back road – locals have feared it for generations.

The Legends

Ever driven down a road and felt someone watching you? On Mount Misery Road, that feeling isn’t paranoia – it’s practically guaranteed. The road earned its ominous name from early settlers who struggled to cross its steep terrain, but the real horror came later.

Stories tell of a psychiatric hospital that once stood in these woods. Allegedly, a patient set it ablaze, killing herself and numerous others. Her spirit supposedly wanders the roadside, sometimes appearing as a ghostly hitchhiker.

Bizarre Occurrences

Drivers report absolutely wild experiences here:

• Cars stalling for no mechanical reason
• Radios switching stations or cutting out entirely
• Ghostly figures darting across the road
• Temperature drops inside vehicles
• The feeling of invisible hands touching shoulders or hair

Sweet Hollow Connection

Mount Misery Road runs parallel to Sweet Hollow Road, creating a perfect paranormal power couple. Together, they form one of America’s most haunted stretches of asphalt.

Many brave souls specifically plan night drives here hoping for a ghostly encounter. If you’re thinking about joining them, just remember – not everyone who meets the road’s spectral residents lives to tell their tale. Some say the forest itself doesn’t want you there. Drive at your own risk.

Ghost Road — Georgia

Deep in the heart of Georgia lies a stretch of road so eerie, locals simply call it “Ghost Road.” Official maps name it St. Simons Island Road, but the spirits that haunt this moss-draped passage couldn’t care less about official designations.

The Legend of the Slave Children

The story behind this haunted byway will chill you to the bone. In the 1830s, a slave trader was transporting enslaved people—many of them children—when his boat capsized near the island. Rather than attempting to save them, he left the helpless souls to drown.

Now, on foggy nights (and Georgia has plenty of those), drivers report seeing small handprints appearing on their car windows. Some claim to hear children’s laughter floating through the Spanish moss, while others have spotted tiny shadowy figures darting across the road.

Bizarre Phenomena

What makes Ghost Road particularly unsettling? It’s the consistency of the reports:

• Cars inexplicably stalling, only to restart moments later
• GPS devices malfunctioning specifically on this stretch
• Phantom headlights appearing in rearview mirrors, then vanishing
• The overwhelming feeling of being watched by multiple sets of eyes

Some brave (or foolish) paranormal investigators have captured EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) of children’s voices saying things like “help us” and “come play.”

If you’re planning a supernatural road trip through America, Ghost Road deserves a spot on your itinerary—just don’t go alone, and maybe keep those windows rolled up tight.

Keep safe from scary run-ins on the road

Driving Safety Tips for Haunted Routes

Look, we all love a good scare – but preferably when we’re expecting it, not when we’re driving down a dark road at midnight. If you’re planning to check out any of America’s notoriously haunted highways, here are some practical tips to keep your ghost-hunting adventure from turning into your own personal horror story:

Plan Your Trip Carefully

Never go ghost-hunting alone on these roads. Bring friends (the living kind) and make sure someone who’s not with you knows your route and expected return time. Daytime visits are generally safer than midnight explorations, no matter how much cooler the after-dark vibes might be.

Vehicle Preparation is Non-Negotiable

Your car breaking down on Clinton Road or Archer Avenue is the beginning of every horror movie ever. Before heading to any remote haunted road:

• Check your gas tank (always keep it above half-full)
• Inspect your tires
• Test your headlights and high beams
• Pack emergency supplies
• Bring a fully charged phone AND a backup power bank

Stay Alert and Respectful

These supernatural driving destinations have real histories and often tragic stories behind them. Keep your eyes on the road, not on your phone trying to capture that perfect spooky Instagram shot. And remember – if you do experience something unusual, pulling over on dark, unfamiliar roads can be dangerous regardless of whether ghosts are real.

America’s roadways hide more than just scenic views and travel opportunities – they also harbor chilling tales of paranormal encounters. From New Jersey’s ominously named Shades of Death Road to Georgia’s eerie Ghost Road, these nine haunted highways reveal a darker side of American travel. Each location carries its own unique legends, from ghostly hitchhikers to unexplained phenomena that have terrified drivers for generations.

While exploring these spooky routes might appeal to thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts, safety should always remain your priority. If you decide to venture onto these haunted highways, travel with companions, inform others of your plans, and avoid these roads after dark when possible. Remember that the most dangerous elements on any road are often very real – distracted driving, poor weather conditions, and vehicle malfunctions pose greater threats than any supernatural presence you might encounter.

Wanna read more articles like this