These Are 11 Haunted Roads In Ohio You Shouldn’t Drive Down On Halloween
Ohio might be famous for its roller coasters and football, but lurking between cornfields and quiet towns are roads with seriously spooky reputations.
Locals whisper about phantom lights, crying babies, and ghostly figures that appear when you least expect them.
Halloween is the perfect time to learn about these eerie stretches of pavement, even if you choose to admire them from a safe distance. Ready to explore the haunted highways that give Buckeye State drivers the chills?
1. Walhalla Road, Columbus
Late night drivers along this Columbus route report shadow figures near the old ravine bridge. The legend has circulated for decades, pulling curious visitors who want a glimpse of something unexplained.
Some claim to see shapes moving between trees when headlights sweep the edges. Others describe an unsettling feeling that makes them speed up rather than linger.
Whether you believe in spirits or not, Walhalla Road has earned its reputation through countless witness accounts. Pack a flashlight if you’re brave enough to explore after dark.
2. Stanford Road, Boston Township (Helltown)
Helltown’s Stanford Road features closed stretches that fuel endless campfire stories. Barriers and No Trespassing signs only make the mystery more tempting for thrill seekers.
Urban legends range from chemical spills to government experiments, though most are pure fiction. Still, the remote location and crumbling pavement create an atmosphere that feels genuinely unsettling.
Night drives here attract ghost hunters and curious teens year round. Just remember that trespassing can lead to real trouble, not just the supernatural kind.
3. Lick Road, Near Cincinnati
Ask any Cincinnati ghost enthusiast about Amy, and they’ll point you toward Lick Road. The story tells of a young woman whose presence lingers at the cul de sac.
Paranormal investigators return repeatedly, hoping to capture evidence on camera or recording devices. Neighbors have grown accustomed to strangers parking late at night with flashlights and equipment.
The tale has evolved over time, but the location remains a magnet for those seeking supernatural encounters. Approach respectfully since real people live nearby.
4. Egypt Road Crybaby Bridge, Near Salem
I’ll admit I hesitated before visiting this spot last autumn. The bridge near Salem carries one of Ohio’s most chilling legends, complete with phantom infant cries echoing in the darkness.
A tragic real case from the area gets woven into retellings, blurring fact and folklore. Visitors report hearing unexplained sounds that make their skin crawl.
Local historians work to separate truth from embellishment, but the emotional weight remains. Halloween amplifies the creepy factor here tenfold.
5. Maud Hughes Road Screaming Bridge, Liberty Township
Generations of locals have shared stories about screams coming from this railroad overpass. The nickname alone is enough to send shivers down your spine.
Some attribute the sounds to wind patterns or passing trains, while believers insist something paranormal is at play. Either way, standing beneath the bridge after sunset feels genuinely unnerving.
The legend has stuck around for decades, making it a Halloween tradition for brave souls. Bring friends if you plan to investigate the source of those alleged screams.
6. Gore Orphanage Road, Vermilion
Despite the name, no orphanage actually burned here, but that hasn’t stopped the legends. Glowing lights drift between trees, and some claim to hear children’s laughter echoing through the woods.
The real history involves a mansion and a family home, yet the fictional orphanage story persists. Paranormal enthusiasts flock here hoping to document unexplained phenomena.
Gore Orphanage Road combines genuine local history with imaginative storytelling. The result is one of Ohio’s most famous haunted locations.
7. River Styx Road Bridge Area, Medina County
With a name like River Styx, this place was practically destined for ghost stories. The bridge area features tales of phantom trains and unexplained lights near the old trestle.
My cousin swears he heard train sounds one night despite no active tracks nearby. Whether acoustic tricks or something stranger, the experience left him thoroughly spooked.
The mythological name reference adds extra atmosphere to an already eerie setting. Halloween visitors should watch for uneven ground and stay off any remaining railroad property.
8. Rogues’ Hollow Road, Doylestown
Rogues’ Hollow earned its colorful name from rough characters who once inhabited the area. Modern legends include headless horses galloping through darkness and spectral figures haunting old bridges.
The hollow’s natural isolation makes every sound feel amplified and threatening. Trees close in overhead, blocking moonlight and creating perfect conditions for imagination to run wild.
Multiple ghost stories overlap here, making it a haunted road buffet. Choose your supernatural flavor from the extensive menu of spooky encounters.
9. Brubaker Road Covered Bridge, Near Gratis
Covered bridges carry their own mystique, and Brubaker Road’s version adds crybaby bridge lore to the mix. Multiple story variations circulate, each more heartbreaking than the last.
The bridge’s rustic charm contrasts sharply with the tragic tales attached to it. Visitors often leave toys or flowers, blending memorial tradition with ghost hunting curiosity.
Different accounts disagree on details, but the emotional core remains consistent. Respect the location and any offerings others have left behind.
10. Schrader Road Tunnel, Ross County
The lights out challenge here dares drivers to cut their headlights while passing through. Some report hearing infant cries echoing off tunnel walls, though explanations vary widely.
Acoustic properties in enclosed spaces can play tricks on your ears. Add nervous anticipation and darkness, and your brain fills in the blanks with frightening possibilities.
This spot tests your courage without requiring belief in the paranormal. Just don’t actually turn off your lights since that’s genuinely dangerous.
11. The Curve, I-90 Cleveland
Not all haunted roads hide in rural areas. This notorious Cleveland highway bend wraps genuine danger in layers of urban legend and driver folklore.
The curve’s reputation comes partly from real accidents caused by speed and weather conditions. Ghost stories emerged naturally from tragedy, as they often do.
Modern improvements have made the stretch safer, but the name and legends persist. Drive carefully here, especially when Halloween pranksters might be lurking nearby.