According to local legends, certain roads in Ohio are said to possess a terrifying aura that makes them best avoided. Whether these tales stem from real experiences or are the stuff of fiction, these haunted locations are sure to send shivers down your spine and spark your imagination. Venture to these places, and you might find your heart racing, with the potential for your mind to conjure up all sorts of eerie scenarios. If you’re not afraid of the dark, you might consider driving along these seven haunted highways in Ohio—but proceed with caution.
1. Walhalla Road (Columbus)
Nestled in a distinctive corner of north Columbus lies Walhalla Road, a stretch said to be haunted by the spirit of a man who took his wife’s life before ending his own under the bridge that arches over the road. This secluded area, enveloped by towering trees that cast ominous shadows, serves as the perfect backdrop for a local legend steeped in mystery and tragedy, with roots tracing back to the 1950s. Passersby are often drawn to the eerie stories of love turned to despair, ensuring that the chilling tale endures through the years.
2. Lick Road (Cincinnati)
A winding country road weaves its path through dense woods, culminating in a dead end that marks the boundary between Hamilton and Butler counties. Local lore claims that this secluded stretch is haunted by the spirit of a girl named Amy, who fled into the forest from a mysterious attacker who ultimately took her life. Situated just beyond the Cincinnati region, tales suggest that the restless spirit of Amy still reaches out to those who venture along this eerie road. Visitors have reported seeing messages form on their car windows, and if fortune smiles upon them, they might even glimpse some ethereal orbs appearing in the vicinity.
3. Schrader Road (Chillicothe)
In Chillicothe, there’s a stretch of road that passes through a railroad tunnel, where local lore claims that if you drive through at night with your headlights turned off and the windows rolled down, you might hear the sound of a baby crying. Personally, I’ll pass on attempting that spooky challenge! The tale of the “crybaby bridge” is a popular one across Ohio, with different towns boasting their own variations of this haunting legend.
4. Euler Road (Bowling Green)
Often referred to as “Crybaby Lane,” this picturesque country road bordered by trees has become famous for unsettling nighttime sounds. Locals claim to hear the weeping of a baby echoing through the air after dark. The chilling tale suggests that a mother once suspended her infant from one of the low-hanging branches over the roadway, leading to the belief that the cries are the lingering spirit of the child. The fate of both the infant and the mother remains a mystery, yet this haunting legend continues to thrive within the community, captivating the imaginations of both residents and visitors alike.
5. Buckley Road (Oxford)
Traveling north on Route 732 from Oxford, if you take a left onto Buckley Road after dark, you may just encounter the ghostly figure known as the “Phantom Bicyclist.” Legend has it that this specter is the spirit of a young cyclist who tragically lost his life after being struck by a car on that fateful night. To experience this eerie phenomenon, you must turn off your engine, flash your headlights three times, and then patiently wait. Those who have followed this ritual report seeing a faint white light emerging from the hills, signaling the presence of the apparition. The story takes on a poignant twist, suggesting that the young cyclist was on his way to meet a secret love when his life was cut short. Is he still out there, lingering in the night, hoping to reunite with his beloved?
6. Egypt Road (Salem)
The “Cry Baby Bridge” in Egypt Road, though named after the nearby Egypt Road, is situated on a peculiar, lesser-known path just off of it in Salem, near the boundary of Mahoning County. The bridge has a haunting history connected to a couple who tragically lost their child in that very location. According to local lore, some accounts claim the child drowned under the bridge, while others suggest the little one simply wandered away. Regardless of the specifics, numerous visitors report hearing the sorrowful cries of the child echoing in the night air.
7. Pond Run Road (New Richmond)
According to local lore, Pond Run Road near New Richmond is haunted by an eerie figure known as “Hook Man,” a ghostly apparition searching for his dismembered hand and the disturbed spirits of his parents, whose home was tragically hit by lightning. The legend goes that when their bodies were discovered, only the child’s hand remained intact. In some retellings of the story, this location used to be a popular lover’s lane before it gained its sinister reputation, as couples began to mysteriously appear with stab wounds that resembled the marks of a hook. It certainly adds a chilling twist to the area’s history.
Have you ever driven along any of Ohio’s haunted roads after dark? If so, we’d love to hear your chilling tales! Whether you encountered something eerie or simply have a ghostly experience to share, feel free to tell us all about it. Don’t forget to include any photos you may have captured during your nighttime adventures!