Walk, Hike, or Drive: 7 Spooky Self-Guided Stops

Sometimes the spookiest exploration is the one you do on your own - left to your own devices and playing off your own fear. Pack your bravery, test your courage, and tour these creepy stops, if you dare.  

 #1

The origins of the stories that surround the hauntings of "The White Lady" in Durand Eastman Park are open for interpretation. But what is real...is that for decades, a White Lady has been spotted along the roadways of this park near Lake Ontario. Rumors in these parts suggest that even the local law enforcement have seen things that they cannot explain. Is it a daughter that never returned? Or a widow waiting for her husband's ship to arrive? The stories told for decades cannot be ignored.

Explore the park and maybe...just maybe, you'll spot The White Lady.

#2 

In 1918, a hazardous munitions plant unexpectedly exploded, brutally killing more than 50 workers. The ruins of Split Rock Quarry, located ten minutes west of Downtown Syracuse, remain - along with a few spirits that never left the worksite. Explore what’s left of the factory site, mostly rock formations and an old piece of machinery called the Crusher. Investigate the abandoned tunnels and experience the cold spots and thick, eerie feeling firsthand. Visitors have heard sounds of footsteps, voices in the distance, and the revving of the Crusher’s engine - although it hasn’t run since the horrific blast.

Please use caution when visiting Split Rock Quarry. As it is an abandoned location in the woods, we strongly encourage you not to venture in alone. Visit at your own risk. You are advised to wear appropriate footwear for the hike to the location.

#3

In Penn Yan, NY, the "Lady in Granite" appears on the gravestone for the Gillette family in Lakeview Cemetery. The ghost is believed to be that of Matilda Gillette and the image of her reclining head. It appeared on the dark grave and nothing has been able to remove it, even repeated polishing of the stone. Legend has it that over time her whole image will be formed and she will be free to haunt the local community. Make your way through the cemetery (please be respectful) and you can see her spirit for yourself. 

#4

Spook Hill got its name for a reason... Follow Route 364 through Potter and Middlesex. Turn left onto South Vine Valley Road. Turn left onto Newell Road. Drive to the top of the big hill and put your car in neutral. You'll find it starts rolling backwards, up the hill! This phenomenon is one that has mystified visitors to Middlesex, NY for years. Is it an act of nature? Or something more sinister at play?

#5

In Lake George, NY, there is a peculiar spot inside Mayor Blais Park on Beach Road. Legend says it was the spot where a great Native American god shouted his wisdom for the mountains, lake, and landscape to hear. Today, the spot stands as a perplexing audio phenomenon that has stumped scientists and visitors alike - known as the Mystery Spot of Lake George. Stand in the center and speak out loud and your voice will come back louder than when it left, almost as if you are talking inside a cone!

#6

Thompson Park in Watertown, NY was designed by Frederick Law Olmsted. But we're sure the designer didn't account for one strange park of the park - a time vortex that transports those who discover it to another area entirely! Eyewitnesses to the phenomenon have reported over the years that the location seems to move within the park. Visit and see if you can discover its whereabouts. 

#7

The long, winding stretch of Cedarvale Road seems peaceful, but looks can be deceptive. Known as the 13 Curves on Onondaga Hill, it was once the scene of a horrific car crash that killed a young bride and groom on their wedding night. Witnesses say the bride can still be seen walking the street in hopes of finding her ghostly groom. She appears so often, in fact, she has turned even the largest skeptics into believers. Cruise around the curves and witness the hotbed of paranormal activity for yourself. But don’t be alarmed if you pick up an unexpected hitchhiker - the bride is known for appearing in people’s cars, still wearing her wedding dress, speckled in blood. 

Explore the Haunted History Trail website for more information about accessing these haunted hot spots.