It’s widely acknowledged that South Carolina is teeming with ghostly legends. As one of the earliest established states in the U.S., its long and tumultuous history is marked by countless tragedies and extraordinary events. Personally, I’ve always believed that particularly sorrowful occurrences can leave lingering energies in their wake. If that theory holds any truth, then South Carolina certainly has a wealth of supernatural activity to explore. If you’ve delved into any of the various books that document the state’s ghost stories and hauntings, you might not be surprised to learn that certain streets in South Carolina are rumored to be haunted.
1. Cobb’s Way- Anderson: Legend has it that a haunting presence cloaked in a white mask roams this stretch of road. Locals tell tales of a malevolent spirit, thought to be the spirit of a killer who wreaked havoc on unsuspecting victims back in the 1500s. Spooky, isn’t it? This eerie road is known as Cobbs Way, located in Anderson, SC 29621.
2. Cherokee Falls Bridge-Blacksburg: This location is the origin of the infamous Legend of Booger Jim. It is said that he met his tragic end on this very bridge in 1979, where his erratic wife, Becca, allegedly suspended him using jumper cables at approximately 9 p.m. It is rumored that if you pause and shout his name three times, you might hear him respond. However, the response will be unintelligible because of the throat injury he sustained during the hanging. The legend is rooted in local lore along Cherokee Falls Rd, South Carolina 29702.
3. Rock House Road-Blacksburg: Rock House Road runs adjacent to the historic King’s Mountain Battleground. Legend has it that many years ago, a family resided in a unique rock house, a structure that still exists today and is opened for tours once a year. This family had a daughter who was kept confined in the cellar during the daylight hours due to her differences. Each night, her father would allow her some freedom, giving her a candle to light her way as she explored outside. According to the tale, one fateful night, she ventured farther than usual, her candle extinguished, leading to her tragic demise. Local lore suggests that if you light a candle in the dark, her haunting visage might materialize. The road is located in South Carolina, zip code 29702.
4. White Wolf Road-Blacksburg: White Wolf Road is located close to White Wolf Hollow, adjacent to King’s Mountain State Park. This area holds a dark history marked by two tragic events. The first incident involved the murder of a man and his wife by a group of individuals, and local lore suggests that the spirit of the wife can still be seen wandering in her flowing white dress. The second tragedy occurred in the 1960s when a man was shot execution-style beside his truck, which was later set on fire. It is rumored that the ghostly lights of his truck can still be seen traveling down the road. This haunting narrative adds to the eerie atmosphere of White Wolf Road in South Carolina.
5. Riverbend Road – Catfish: The road in question is known as N.C. Hwy 16. Approximately three miles down this route, you can discover an ancient Indian burial site. If you veer off into a nearby field, you’ll come across an old dirt pathway that’s currently blocked by a chain. Locals report frequent sightings of mysterious lights in that area, and it’s rumored that odd occurrences take place after dark.
6. Congaree River Bridge – Columbia: There’s a notorious bridge that has gained a reputation for being haunted by the spirit of a mysterious hitchhiker. Locals refer to her as a woman who solicits rides from passing motorists, hoping to be taken to her home. Tragically, she never reaches her destination, and her ghostly presence has been reported numerous times over the years. This eerie location is also known as the Gervais Street Bridge.
7. Old Bluff Road – Columbia: Based on everything I’ve gathered, it appears there’s quite a bit happening in this area. One intriguing story involves a phantom carriage that supposedly competes with vehicles on the road. I can’t help but wonder if it ever emerges victorious! Additionally, tales suggest that drivers who traverse this road after dark often encounter strange car troubles. Moreover, there have been multiple accounts of ghostly apparitions being spotted here. This all unfolds along Old Bluff Road in South Carolina 29061.
8. Land’s End – Frogmore: On this lonely stretch of road under the cover of night, mysterious lights shimmer in the distance. Locals share chilling tales, claiming they are the spectral presence of a Confederate soldier who was slain and is now searching for his lost head. Others believe the lights belong to the spirit of a slave, desperately seeking his family. Perhaps, in this haunted spot, both stories intertwine. Welcome to Lands End Rd, South Carolina 29920.
9. Chain Gang Road – Gaffney: Legend has it that if you take a drive along Chain Gang Hill Road in South Carolina, you might encounter the anguished cries of young women who fell prey to the notorious Gaffney Strangler. This chilling lore adds an unsettling allure to the road, making it a point of interest for those intrigued by the macabre. The haunting stories surrounding this area continue to echo, leaving a mark on its dark history.
10. Carson Drive/Draytonville – Gaffney: Residents on Carson Drive are encountering an unusual presence in their neighborhood. Many have reported spotting a mysterious white dog while traveling along the road. At first glance, this may not sound alarming, but there’s a chilling twist: the dog has been seen standing on its hind legs and approaching passersby. The origins of this eerie canine remain a mystery, although reports of sightings have been circulating for several years now.
11. Leroy’s Bridge – Gaffney: This tale centers around the infamous Gaffney Strangler, a man who committed heinous crimes against multiple women during the 1960s, leaving their bodies scattered throughout Gaffney. One notable site linked to these tragic events is a bridge situated just off Highway 329, where the very first victim was discovered in the shallow water beneath it. Legends suggest that anyone who crosses this bridge may hear her cries for help echoing in the air, haunting reminders of the past.
12. T-Bridge – Gaffney: At this point, I wouldn’t consider crossing any bridge in Gaffney—whether by walking, running, or riding. Local legend has it that if you sprint across one of these bridges without pausing, a mysterious car will follow closely behind you. However, when you turn around to check, you’ll find that the vehicle is driverless. There’s also a tale about an eerie old woman who appears on the bridge. If you stand there for ten minutes, she shows up carrying a basket, but as soon as you attempt to approach her, she vanishes into thin air. This bridge is located on W. Montgomery St, Gaffney, SC 29341.
13. Route 107 – Greenville: In the 1950s, a tragic plane crash occurred in this region, leading to a chilling legend about a figure known as Larry Stevens, often referred to as The Hitchhiker. Many claim that he can be spotted walking along South Carolina Highway 107, only to mysteriously vanish without a trace.
14. Main Street – Hilda: Hilda’s Main Street appears to be home to a peculiar apparition. In the early morning hours and late at night, the haunting sound of a train whistle can be heard, accompanied by the distant rumble of a train approaching. Strangely, no tracks are visible along Main Street, having been removed many years ago. It seems that this ghostly train has somewhere it needs to go. You can hear its echoes at E Main St, Hilda, SC 29812.
15. Hwy 521/Devil’s Stomping Ground – Lancaster: While you might not be able to reach this location by car, you can certainly pass by it, though it doesn’t appear to be an enjoyable experience. The Devil’s Stomping Ground is a peculiar circular patch of land situated next to Hwy 521, where vegetation mysteriously fails to thrive. Some locals believe this area served as a site for executions involving the Waxaw and Catawba tribes, with malevolent spirits allegedly congregating to collect the souls of the deceased. Visitors frequently report a profound sense of dread, fear, and even intense nausea when they are near this unsettling spot.
16. Ghost Creek Road – Laurens: This intriguing tale has garnered significant attention from local newspapers, which have featured several stories about it. According to the legend, on the night of a couple’s wedding, the husband tragically lost his life in a car accident on a bridge. Folklore suggests that if you step out of your vehicle and walk around it in a clockwise direction, your car will mysteriously fail to start, and in the nearby trees, you might catch sight of a ghostly white figure. This eerie story is tied to Ghost Creek Road in Laurens, SC 29360.
17. Sleepy Hollow Road – Lockhart: As you drive along Sleepy Hollow Lane in Union City, SC, especially around midnight, keep your eyes peeled. Legend has it that you might spot the ghostly figure of a Civil War soldier, haunting the roadside. This spectral soldier is said to be missing an arm and is often seen wandering, seemingly in need of assistance. So, if you’re brave enough to traverse this eerie path late at night, be prepared for a chilling encounter.
18. Dead Man’s Curve/Manning Cemetery – Manning: On certain nights when the moon hangs high in the sky, you might catch a glimpse of an elderly man perched in a rocking chair by the roadside. This man is haunted by the memory of his son, who tragically lost his life at this very location in a terrible accident. The father has taken to waiting here ever since, hoping to confront the driver who took his child’s life. Even in death, his sorrow keeps him bound to this spot, waiting for justice. Manning, SC, USA.
19. Old Buncombe Road/Crybaby Bridge – Newberry:
If you travel along this road, you’ll come across an ancient cemetery that is said to be haunted by the spectral figure of the Ghost Hound of Goshen. Locals believe he lingers there because his owner was wrongfully accused of murder and subsequently hanged. The haunting tale suggests that the loyal hound is eternally waiting for his master to come back. Numerous curious souls have attempted to catch a glimpse of him at all hours, but his appearances are rare and unpredictable, making it a challenge for anyone hoping to see this ghostly canine.
Continuing along the same route, you’ll find what is known as Crybaby Bridge. While multiple bridges share this eerie title, this particular one has a story that stands out. An old steel bridge, now abandoned since a newer one was constructed, has become the center of a tragic legend. It is said that a distraught young mother, with her baby in her arms, leapt to her death from this very bridge. Those brave enough to walk across it often report hearing the faint cries of the child and the sound of the mother’s footsteps as she searches for her lost infant. Interestingly, as you cross the new bridge nearby and pause, you may notice an unsettling silence—the rushing waters below somehow muted, heightening the eerie atmosphere. This area is situated within the town of Crowville, where many visitors claim they feel an inexplicable sense of unease upon entering, as if they’ve crossed into a realm they shouldn’t be in. It certainly raises questions, doesn’t it? Welcome to Old Buncombe Road, Newberry, SC.
20. Poinsett Bridge/Old Hwy 25 North – Greenville: This bridge, while not open to vehicle traffic, is conveniently located near the road, allowing pedestrians to traverse it. According to local legend, a slave was executed beneath the bridge, and his spirit is said to still linger in the area. Many visitors have claimed to hear ghostly screams echoing from below. The bridge can be found at 580 Callahan Mountain Rd, Landrum, SC 29356.
21. Martinville Church Road – Sumter: Legend has it that if you travel a few miles down Martinville Church Road, you’ll come across an old, abandoned church, long forgotten by time. Behind this dilapidated structure lies a cemetery, and those who’ve dared to explore the area have shared eerie encounters. Upon stepping out of their vehicle to investigate the graveyard, they stumbled upon a towering iron gate and could hear distant melodies echoing in the stillness. Even in the sweltering heat of July, an unsettling chill swept through the air. Suddenly, the church’s lights flickered on, casting an ominous glow. Terrified, the visitors quickly jumped into their car and sped away, likely vowing never to return to that haunting place again. Address: Martinville Church Rd, South Carolina 29153.
22. Devenger Road – Taylors: On a fateful Halloween night, a tragic incident occurred when a woman paused to retrieve something from her car’s trunk for her children. Sadly, a truck collided with them, resulting in their untimely deaths. Legend has it that if you drive over a specific bridge in South Carolina, known as Devenger Road, and stop your vehicle in a designated spot, you may feel a mysterious force pushing your car back. This phenomenon is said to be the spirit of the mother who lost her life that night, instinctively guiding drivers to safety. It seems that a mother’s protective nature endures even beyond death.
23. Crybaby Bridge – Union: One of the most frequently shared tales about this intriguing bridge is that if you leave your car in neutral, it will mysteriously roll uphill. Despite numerous attempts to explain this phenomenon, no one has managed to uncover the secret behind it. Nonetheless, the unusual occurrence is indeed true. You can find this curious spot on Sardis Road in Union, SC 29379.
24. Wateree River Swamp Bridge/US378 – Between Sumter and Columbia: The tale revolves around an eerie westbound bridge in Eastover, South Carolina. According to local lore, a hitchhiking woman can often be spotted trying to reach Columbia to visit her sick mother. She is said to appear fully tangible and engages in casual conversation with drivers who stop to help her. However, just as they near the end of the bridge, she mysteriously vanishes, only to reappear, repeating this haunting cycle. This peculiar phenomenon has been reported since the bridge’s construction in the 1930s, leaving many to wonder about the woman’s fate. The bridge is located on US-76, Eastover, SC 29044.
25. Old State Road – West Columbia: In a haunting incident from the 1970s, a school bus was struck by a train at a railroad crossing in South Carolina. Legend has it that if you pause your vehicle on these tracks and shift into neutral, your car will mysteriously roll back, as if guided by the spirits of the lost children from that tragic day. Some visitors have taken the experience a step further by dusting baby powder on their bumpers, claiming to find small handprints left behind after the supernatural push away from the tracks. The eerie tales surrounding this site on Old State Rd continue to draw those intrigued by local lore and ghostly encounters.
26. Lonely Bridge AKA Old Tugaloo Bridge – Westminster: In the 1950s, a tragic story emerged from Westminster, South Carolina, where it’s said that a woman lost her life in a bewildering and heartbreaking incident. According to local legends, her spirit still lingers in the area, and she has been known to unexpectedly jump into passing cars. Before drivers can react, she vanishes into thin air. Witnesses claim that her ghost often cries out for assistance, desperately asking for help in locating her children. This eerie tale has become a haunting part of Westminster’s history, leaving many intrigued and unsettled by the mystery of the woman’s fate.
27. Seven Devil’s Bridge – Woodruff: You can only traverse this bridge on foot. Legend has it that attempting to cross it at midnight will lead to an uncontrollable fit of tears and screams. It certainly piques my curiosity. Located in Woodruff, South Carolina, this bridge holds an intriguing and eerie allure.
Have you explored any of the spooky haunted streets in South Carolina? Our state is known for its collection of ghostly tales, and this is just a glimpse into the haunted happenings that abound here. A word of caution: numerous properties may be subject to No Trespassing regulations. Always respect private property—seek permission first, or consult law enforcement as needed. Additionally, it’s wise to be prepared; take your cellphone, invite a friend or two, and make sure someone knows your whereabouts in case you need assistance.