Would you dare to cross one of the haunted bridges in America, where ghostly figures flicker in your headlights and screams echo through the night air? Across this vast country’s highways and forgotten backroads, some bridges have become chilling landmarks—places where tragedy, legend, and the supernatural collide.
These haunted bridges silently witness tragic stories – some dating back to the Civil War, others stemming from more recent sorrow. Each structure has its own chilling tale: a young bride’s deadly jump, soldiers’ final march, or unsolved disappearances that continue to baffle locals years later.
From Maryland’s notorious Goatman’s Bridge where a half-human creature stalks unsuspecting travelers, to Vermont’s Emily’s Bridge where a jilted lover’s ghost leaves mysterious scratches on passing cars – these places attract both skeptics and believers into their eerie embrace.
Ghost hunters equipped with EMF meters and spirit boxes make pilgrimages to these locations, hoping to find proof of the supernatural. Local residents share warnings about crossing at midnight, while paranormal enthusiasts plan entire road trips around these spooky spots.
Join us as we explore 10 terrifying haunted bridges in America, where the veil between worlds grows thin after dark. These structures hold eerie tales of phantom hitchhikers, vanishing children, and restless spirits. Just remember—some bridges are better crossed in daylight, when the shadows can’t stretch quite so far…
1. Goatman’s Bridge
Deep in Prince George’s County, Maryland, a twisted legend haunts the Old Alton Bridge. Local whispers tell of a half-man, half-goat creature stalking unsuspecting drivers under the cover of darkness.
The bridge’s sinister reputation comes from sightings of a grotesque figure with glowing red eyes and dark fur. Witnesses describe hearing terrifying goat-like screams echoing through the night air, followed by the sound of hooves clattering across weathered planks.
Ghost hunters flock to this infamous crossing, armed with EMF meters and night vision cameras. Many report:
- Strange mists forming without explanation
- Unexplained scratching sounds on car doors
- Shadow figures darting between trees
- Electronic equipment failing mysteriously
The bridge’s metal frame creaks with ancient secrets, drawing paranormal investigators who brave the darkness hoping to catch a glimpse of the legendary Goatman. Some say the creature was once a scientist transformed by dark experiments. Others claim it’s an ancient evil awakened by modern intrusion.
2. Emily’s Bridge
In the heart of Stowe, Vermont, you’ll find the Gold Brook Covered Bridge, an 1844 structure that bears witness to one of New England’s most tragic stories. Locally known as Emily’s Bridge, it holds the haunting tale of a young woman’s shattered heart and her fateful leap into the frigid waters below.
The Legend of Emily
According to legend, Emily desperately ran to meet her lover for a secret midnight wedding. When he didn’t show up, she tied her horse to the bridge’s wooden beams and jumped to her death in the dark depths of the brook.
Haunting Experiences
Visitors have reported various eerie occurrences at the bridge:
- Scratching sounds on car hoods
- Mysterious footsteps echoing through the covered passage
- Ghostly figures in white gliding across the weathered planks
EVP recordings have captured unexplained whispers and what some believe to be Emily’s final, anguished cries.
Paranormal Investigations
Ghost hunters who are brave enough to visit after sunset describe an overwhelming feeling of sadness, accompanied by the ghostly sounds of horse hooves and a woman’s soft crying. The bridge’s old timbers seem to hold onto these echoes of heartbreak, attracting paranormal investigators who want to document Emily’s eternal watch.
3. Sachs Covered Bridge
Sachs Covered Bridge, located in the heart of Gettysburg’s battlefields, is a significant historical site. Built in 1854, this 100-foot-long wooden bridge witnessed both Union and Confederate troops crossing its weathered planks during the Battle of Gettysburg in 1863.
Ghostly Legends and Haunting Experiences
Local paranormal investigators share stories of three Confederate soldiers who were hanged as deserters from the bridge. It is said that their restless spirits now roam the bridge at night, leaving behind echoes of their footsteps on the wooden planks. Visitors have reported sightings of ghostly figures dressed in Civil War uniforms, distant sounds of cannon fire, and flickering lanterns swaying in the darkness.
Unexplained Phenomena and Eerie Sounds
One of the most unsettling occurrences at Sachs Covered Bridge happens during stormy nights when the sound of horse hooves can be heard pounding on the wooden planks, yet no horses or riders are visible. Electronic Voice Phenomena (EVP) recordings have captured whispered conversations in an old-fashioned dialect, while photographers often document mysterious orbs and unexplained shadows lurking in the bridge’s dark corners.
Coordinates: 39°47’34.3″N 77°15’54.0″W
4. Bunny Man Bridge
In Fairfax County, Virginia, there’s an old railroad bridge that has a creepy story attached to it. It’s known as the Bunny Man Bridge, and the legend goes like this: a man dressed in a bunny suit is said to roam around the area, carrying an axe covered in blood.
The Origins of the Legend
According to local rumors, this unsettling tale dates back to the 1970s when some patients escaped from an asylum nearby. One of them supposedly put on the rabbit costume and went on a killing spree.
Terrifying Encounters
Those who are brave enough to go near the bridge after dark have reported spine-chilling experiences:
- Hearing strange sounds of metal scraping against concrete
- Spotting ghostly figures dressed in white moving quickly between trees
- Listening to fits of maniacal laughter echoing through the night
Police Reports and Thrill-Seeking Visitors
There are also official records from the police that confirm several attacks happening close to the bridge. In each case, the victims described their attacker as a man wearing a bunny outfit.
Because of its sinister reputation, this once peaceful overpass has now become a popular destination for thrill-seekers looking for excitement. They are drawn to the eerie atmosphere that hangs over the place like a thick fog.
5. Hell’s Bridge
Hell’s Bridge, located in East Rockaway, New York, is a steel-and-concrete structure that looms over dark waters. Its name isn’t just for show; it’s a result of many tragic accidents that have resulted in numerous deaths.
Local Legends and Haunting Tales
Residents in the area share stories about mysterious figures appearing on foggy nights, their shapes barely discernible against the gloomy background. The metal railings of the bridge seem to amplify every sound, turning ordinary echoes into terrifying screams that cut through the night.
Paranormal Investigations and Disturbing Discoveries
This haunted bridge has become a hotspot for paranormal investigators who come equipped with EMF meters and night vision cameras. Their discoveries tell a frightening story: sudden drops in temperature, unexplained orbs of light, and EVP recordings capturing anguished voices echoing from nowhere. One investigator’s audio picked up a woman’s voice begging “Help me… I’m still here” – even though no one was there at the time.
The Curse of Hell’s Bridge
With each passing year, the bridge’s reputation for ghostly activity continues to grow, attracting both ghost hunters and adventure-seekers who dare to cross its cursed path after dark. Many return with their own tales to share – if they’re brave enough to speak about what they’ve seen.
6. Crybaby Bridge (Anderson, SC)
Located in Anderson County, South Carolina, there is an old concrete bridge that crosses over a dark creek. This creek is said to hold secrets that are even more sinister than the darkness surrounding it. According to local legends, a distressed mother, haunted by unknown forces, threw her infant child from the bridge into the murky waters below.
The Sounds of Sorrow
Those who are brave enough to park their vehicles on this lonely stretch of road after midnight have reported hearing heart-wrenching sounds echoing through the night – the unmistakable cries of a baby carried by the wind. Some claim to have heard:
- Soft whimpers coming from beneath the bridge
- A woman’s anguished screams
- The sound of something hitting the water
Haunting Discoveries
Ghost hunters equipped with EVP devices have managed to capture eerie audio recordings of infant cries, while others have reported witnessing a ghostly figure dressed in white walking back and forth on the bridge. The most chilling stories involve small handprints appearing on car windows and doors belonging to those who dare to stop.
The bridge’s reputation has spread beyond Anderson’s borders, attracting paranormal investigators who believe that the tragic history of this location has left a permanent mark on reality itself.
7. Egypt Road Crybaby Bridge
Located in DeKalb County, Georgia, the bridge on Egypt Road is known for its dark history. According to local legend, a heartbroken mother silenced her crying baby by throwing it into the waters below.
Those who dare to stop their cars on this isolated bridge after midnight have reported hearing heartbreaking sounds cutting through the night – the distant cries of a baby reverberating through the trees. Some even claim to have seen a woman’s shadow walking back and forth on the bridge, holding an unseen child.
The story of this bridge has attracted paranormal enthusiasts from outside Georgia as well, who come equipped with EVP recorders. They have managed to capture strange noises: gentle lullabies intertwined with baby cries, forming a disturbing melody that unsettles even the staunchest non-believers.
8. Airtight Bridge
Deep in the heart of Coles County, Illinois, the Airtight Bridge stretches across the Embarras River like a steel sentinel. Its peculiar name comes from the bridge’s enclosed design – a structure that seems to trap both air and spirits within its weathered walls.
Local whispers tell of a ghostly hitchhiker who appears on foggy nights, her pale form illuminated by passing headlights before disappearing into the darkness. Drivers report inexplicable cold spots and the sound of footsteps echoing through the metal framework, even when the bridge stands empty.
The bridge’s haunting intensifies after sunset. Strange, muffled voices drift through the enclosure, accompanied by metallic tapping sounds that seem to follow visitors across the span. In 1980, following years of strange occurrences, the discovery of an unidentified woman’s body near the bridge added yet another dark chapter to its already unsettling history.
Paranormal investigators note unusual electromagnetic readings and unexplained equipment malfunctions during their visits, making Airtight Bridge a compelling stop for those brave enough to venture across its haunted expanse after dark.
9. Emlenton Bridge
Towering 270 feet above the Allegheny River, the Emlenton Bridge is a witness to many unexplained events. Local residents share stories of a mysterious woman in white who appears on foggy nights, believed to be the spirit of Sarah McConnell – a young bride who died in a tragic accident during the bridge’s construction in 1968.
Doug Kerr licensed under Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.
Paranormal investigators have recorded eerie voices asking for help, while drivers say their cars suddenly stop in the middle of the bridge. The steel structure of the bridge seems to amplify every sound into ghostly echoes, from footsteps to the screech of unseen tires.
The most unsettling stories come from truck drivers who claim to see dark shapes moving between the support beams at dawn. Pennsylvania ghost tour guides often end their tours with this chilling stop – when the bridge’s dark outline looms against the night sky.
10. Poinsett Bridge
Hidden away in the misty hills of Greenville County, you’ll find Poinsett Bridge, South Carolina’s oldest surviving stone bridge. Built in 1820, this Gothic-arched structure has stories to tell that are darker than its weathered stones.
Unexplained Disappearances and Ghostly Sightings
According to local legend, there have been unexplained disappearances near the bridge after sunset. Visitors have reported:
- Ghostly figures in old-fashioned clothing wandering through the nearby woods
- Strange glowing orbs moving around the stone archway
- Mysterious voices coming from underneath the bridge
- Chilly spots that seem to follow hikers on the nearby trails
Paranormal Investigations and Theories
This bridge’s isolated setting and ghostly atmosphere draw curious thrill-seekers and seasoned paranormal investigators alike. Some say ancient Native American burial grounds lie beneath it, while others whisper about travelers who vanished before completing their crossing. No matter the theory, one thing is clear—this is one of the most chilling haunted bridges in America.
“The stones remember,” warn longtime residents who advise against visiting Poinsett Bridge after dark.
Conclusion
From spectral apparitions to unexplainable sounds, these haunted bridges in America offer more than just a way across—they offer a brush with the unknown. Whether you’re a ghost hunter or a curious road-tripper, these eerie crossings are sure to leave a lasting impression. Just don’t forget to check your rearview mirror… you might not be alone.
