The United States is home to many haunted locales, but haunted highways have a distinct allure. These roads have become well-known for their paranormal activity, which includes strange sightings, scary folklore, and terrible histories.
New Jersey leads the way with what many see as the most haunted road in the country, but it’s far from the only spine-tingling stretch of tarmac. Here are five of America’s most haunted highways, each with its collection of haunting tales.
1. Clinton Road, West Milford, New Jersey
Clinton Road in West Milford, New Jersey, is widely regarded as America’s most haunted road. This barren 10-mile stretch is notorious for its eerie legends, most notably the story of the “Ghost Boy.” According to local legend, a young kid drowned beneath a bridge beside the road.
Visitors say that if you toss a penny into the lake at midnight, the boy’s ghost will return it. Aside from this unnerving story, Clinton Road is also known for phantom vehicles—most notably, a black pickup truck that follows and vanishes without a trace—and the spooky ruins of Cross Castle, a location connected with paranormal activity.
For decades, thrill-seekers have been drawn to Clinton Road’s haunted reputation, which includes unexplained encounters and an overwhelming sense of dread.
2. Shades of Death Road—Warren County, New Jersey
Another eerie route in New Jersey is the forebodingly named Shades of Death route in Warren County. This route has a horrific history, with accounts of murders, bandit raids, and deadly accidents, all of which contribute to its spooky atmosphere.
According to folklore, ghostly people have been observed walking along the route, particularly near Ghost Lake.
Visitors mention unexplained fog patches and unusual lights. The road’s grim history and strange sightings have made it a popular destination for paranormal investigators and curious visitors.
3. Route 666 — New Mexico
New Mexico’s Route 666, sometimes known as the “Devil’s Highway,” has a lengthy history of hauntings. This road, renamed Route 491 due to its horrific connections, runs through desolate desert areas where drivers have reported unusual happenings.
Ghostly hitchhikers, disappearing autos, and even a demonic semi-truck chasing vehicles down the highway are typical occurrences. Some believe the road is cursed, and the strange environment only heightens the dread felt by those who walk it.
4. Kelly Road – Ohioville, Pennsylvania
Kelly Road near Ohioville, Pennsylvania, is well-known for unusual animal behavior and paranormal activity, and it has inspired countless ghost stories. Visitors report peculiar occurrences, such as animals becoming abnormally violent when they approach a specific section of the road.
Some believe the road is haunted by the spirits of those who died tragically there, while others feel supernatural activity is at work. The road’s seclusion, along with these bizarre events, has given it a reputation as one of America’s most haunted.
5. Dead Man’s Curve – Clermont County, Ohio
Dead Man’s Curve is located on Route 222 near Cincinnati, Ohio, and has a dismal history of fatal incidents. Over the years, numerous drivers have lost control of this hairpin curve, resulting in some fatalities.
According to local tradition, the route is haunted by the spirits of people killed in wrecks. Some drivers have reported seeing ghostly apparitions standing along the roadside or feeling an incomprehensible force tugging their vehicle toward the brink.
Many people avoid Dead Man’s Curve after dark due to its unsettling history and unexplained occurrences.
Final Words
Finally, these haunted highways in America are covered in spooky stories of paranormal activity, ranging from ghostly apparitions to inexplicable phenomena. Clinton Road in New Jersey may be at the top of the list due to its terrible history, but it is not the only place that offers a supernatural experience.
Shades of Death, Route 666, Kelly Road, and Dead Man’s Curve all have their terrifying legends, attracting both thrill-seekers and paranormal enthusiasts. Whether you’re a believer or a skeptic, these highways serve as a reminder that some places contain mysteries that may never be entirely explained.