There’s something about the eerie atmosphere of fall that makes it the perfect time for spooky road trips. Whether you’re a fan of ghost stories, haunted houses, or simply love exploring abandoned places, these five road trips are sure to give you the chills. Buckle up and grab your camera—you’re in for some seriously spooky adventures!
1. The Haunted Hudson Valley, New York
This road trip takes you to the heart of Sleepy Hollow country, where the Headless Horseman still rides at night. Start your journey in Tarrytown and visit Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, the resting place of Washington Irving, the author of “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.” Afterward, head to Philipsburg Manor, a haunted colonial estate. Don’t forget to stop by the Old Dutch Church, one of the oldest in America, and hear the legends of ghostly apparitions and mysterious lights in the cemetery. If you want to up the eerie factor, visit during The Great Jack O’ Lantern Blaze, where thousands of intricately carved pumpkins light the night.
Stops to include:
- Sleepy Hollow Cemetery
- Philipsburg Manor
- Lyndhurst Mansion (an extra gothic stop!)
Pro tip: Time your visit for Halloween weekend to see the town come alive with eerie events and spooky reenactments.
2. The Ghosts of Route 66, Southwest USA
Route 66 may be a symbol of freedom and the American dream, but it’s also home to some of the most haunted locations in the country. Begin your journey in Flagstaff, Arizona, and head toward Jerome, once called the “Wickedest Town in the West,” with haunted hotels like the Jerome Grand Hotel. From there, make your way to the ghost town of Oatman, Arizona, where wild burros roam the streets, and ghostly sightings have been reported at the old mining hotel. Don’t forget to stop at Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch in California for a weirdly whimsical, slightly eerie photo op.
Stops to include:
- Jerome, AZ (Jerome Grand Hotel)
- Oatman, AZ (Oatman Hotel)
- Elmer’s Bottle Tree Ranch, CA
Pro tip: Visit at dusk for an extra spooky experience and the best photo opportunities of the haunting desert landscape.
3. The Ghost Roads of New England
New England is steeped in history, and with that history comes a trove of haunted destinations. Start your journey in Salem, Massachusetts, home to the infamous Salem Witch Trials. Visit the Witch House and Old Burying Point Cemetery for a taste of the town’s haunted past. From Salem, head up to Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and stay at the haunted Wentworth by the Sea hotel. Then, make your way to Burlington, Vermont, stopping at Emily’s Bridge in Stowe, rumored to be haunted by the ghost of a heartbroken woman.
Stops to include:
- Salem, MA (Witch House, Old Burying Point Cemetery)
- Portsmouth, NH (Wentworth by the Sea)
- Stowe, VT (Emily’s Bridge)
Pro tip: Don’t forget to stop by the Salem Witch Museum to get the full backstory of Salem’s dark history.
4. The Graveyard Getaway, Charleston to Savannah
For those who love Southern Gothic vibes, this road trip through South Carolina and Georgia will deliver. Start in Charleston, South Carolina, known for its grand antebellum houses and haunted history. Visit the Old City Jail and take a ghost tour to hear stories of restless spirits. From there, head to Savannah, Georgia, one of America’s most haunted cities. Stop by Bonaventure Cemetery, known for its beautiful, haunting statues, and The Mercer-Williams House, made famous in the book Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.
Stops to include:
- Charleston, SC (Old City Jail, Unitarian Church Graveyard)
- Savannah, GA (Bonaventure Cemetery, Mercer-Williams House)
Pro tip: Take a ghost tour in Savannah for the full eerie experience—Savannah’s ghost stories are some of the best in the country.
5. The Spooky Southwest, New Mexico to Texas
The desert has its own special brand of eerie. Start in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where you can visit the haunted La Posada Hotel and The Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi, both famous for ghostly apparitions. From there, drive to Roswell, New Mexico, where the legendary UFO crash of 1947 put this small town on the paranormal map. Continue on to El Paso, Texas, where the historic Plaza Theatre and Concordia Cemetery are said to be hotspots for paranormal activity.
Stops to include:
- Santa Fe, NM (La Posada Hotel, Cathedral Basilica of St. Francis of Assisi)
- Roswell, NM (International UFO Museum)
- El Paso, TX (Plaza Theatre, Concordia Cemetery)
Pro tip: Roswell is a must for fans of UFO lore. Plan to visit the UFO Museum and research center for an out-of-this-world detour!
From haunted cemeteries to ghost towns and eerie hotels, these road trips offer a thrilling way to embrace the spooky season. Whether you’re a believer or just looking for a unique fall getaway, these destinations are sure to leave you with some haunting memories. Pack your bags, hop in the car, and get ready for a frightfully good time!
Final Thoughts
Make sure to plan ahead, especially if you’re visiting popular spooky spots like Sleepy Hollow or Salem, as these destinations tend to fill up fast around Halloween. And remember—half the fun is the journey itself, so take your time, enjoy the fall foliage, and who knows—you might just catch a glimpse of something paranormal along the way.
Happy haunting!
