By: James Brown

New York has roads where unusual and mysterious things are said to happen. Some travelers report seeing shapes that vanish in the dark. Others describe hearing soft voices or seeing lights that seem out of place. These roads are often associated with folklore, eerie pasts, and chilling local legends. If you enjoy ghost stories and spooky adventures, you may find yourself curious about the most haunted roads in New York. Let’s explore some of the most talked-about haunted drives you can experience.

Clinton Road 

Clinton Road is frequently mentioned among New York’s most haunted highways. Many people have claimed to see headlights that follow their cars before suddenly vanishing. Some describe tall, dark shapes standing among the trees. The further one drives, the more the air is said to feel heavier and tense.

One of the most enduring tales involves a child near a small bridge. According to local legend, if you drop a coin into the stream, it may be mysteriously returned. People have reported hearing small splashes and catching glimpses of a pale child in the dark, who disappears upon closer inspection.

Other stories include silent figures in hoods and glowing red eyes among the trees. Some report hearing quick footsteps near their cars, with no one visible nearby. Many drivers have described a sense of unease, as if something unseen is nearby.

There are also stories of vehicles experiencing malfunctions along this road. Some say their cars won’t start or unexpectedly lose power. A few have even reported feeling a cold touch despite warm weather. Renting a reliable vehicle from RealCar NYC may offer peace of mind while exploring such areas. If you encounter strange lights in your rearview mirror, some suggest it’s best to continue driving.

Sweet Hollow Road

Located in Long Island, Sweet Hollow Road is surrounded by stories of lost souls and sorrowful energy. The air feels unusually still at night, and several travelers have spoken of shadowy figures or hushed whispers.

A well-known tale involves a ghost named Mary. Accounts vary, with some saying she ran away and died tragically, while others believe she was the victim of a fatal car accident. Drivers occasionally report seeing a woman in white who fades away when approached.

Near the road is an old structure often referred to as “Suicide Bridge.” Legend says that if you stop here at night, you may hear quiet sobbing or glimpse figures on the bridge. The atmosphere is described as dense and watchful.

Similar to Clinton Road, some vehicles reportedly behave oddly here. Engines stall, radios flicker on by themselves, and strange music plays. To ensure a smooth journey, consider booking your car rental from RealCar NYC near JFK. If something strange appears in your rearview mirror, folklore advises not to stop.

Spook Rock Road 

Spook Rock Road’s name alone hints at mystery. Nighttime travelers have recounted seeing elongated shadows and hearing soft voices despite calm weather. A persistent chill adds to the road’s mystique.

The most prominent tale is of forbidden love between a Dutch settler and a woman from a local tribe. They met secretly by the rock, but their love story ended in tragedy. Some say their spirits wander the road, still searching for each other.

Even without knowledge of the story, drivers often report feeling a lingering sense of sadness. Whispers in the wind are said to echo through the trees, especially after dark.

Lake Road 

Near Rochester, Lake Road borders dark, still waters. The road seems quiet, but stories suggest otherwise. Drivers have shared experiences of a heavy, unsettling feeling as they pass.

A local legend tells of a young girl who drowned in the lake. Some say her spirit remains at the shoreline. Sightings of a wet-haired girl in soaked clothing have been reported, only for her to disappear upon second glance.

Another tale involves a woman in a long dress waving to cars on foggy nights. A few drivers claim to have stopped to help, only to find no one there. Her story remains a mystery, lost to time.

Buckout Road 

Buckout Road has long been known for unsettling stories. One involves three women accused of witchcraft, allegedly executed long ago. Some believe their spirits linger.

At night, glowing eyes have been seen, and figures briefly appear before vanishing. Reports include unexplained knocking on car windows and soft calls through the trees.

Local legend says if you stop your car and turn off the lights, strange things may occur—unlocked doors, flashing headlights, or mysterious tapping. Deep in the woods, there’s said to be a house once linked to a violent history. Some believe it’s haunted, while others view it as a relic of the past.

Whatever the truth, Buckout Road continues to spark curiosity and unease. Whether you believe in ghosts or simply enjoy a good scare, these haunted roads are part of New York’s rich tapestry of urban legends.

Published by Stephanie M.