It’s Halloween, and what better way to experience the thrill of the season than by exploring America’s haunted towns along the country’s most breathtaking scenic byways? From eerie legends of the Old West to tales of headless horsemen and haunted lighthouses, these ghostly destinations add a spine-tingling layer of history to your travels. Here are some must-visit haunted stops along America’s scenic byways, where the beauty of the landscape mingles with stories of the supernatural.

1. Jerome, Arizona

Byway: Jerome-Clarkdale-Cottonwood Byway
Known as “the Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome was once a bustling mining town with a rowdy past. Located along the Jerome-Clarkdale-Cottonwood Byway, this hillside town is home to the famously haunted Jerome Grand Hotel. The hotel, once a hospital, has tales of former patients who never checked out, and staff report eerie sightings of a phantom nurse and ghostly footsteps. Stroll down Main Street, where you may feel the lingering presence of miners who met unfortunate fates in the town’s early days. Today, Jerome’s historic charm makes it a scenic yet spooky stop for the adventurous traveler.

2. St. Augustine, Florida

Byway: A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway
St. Augustine is not only the oldest city in the United States but also one of its most haunted. Following the A1A Scenic & Historic Coastal Byway, visitors find themselves in a city rich with Spanish colonial architecture, sandy shores, and eerie legends. The St. Augustine Lighthouse is a highlight on this scenic route, and numerous visitors have reported hearing the laughter of children and spotting shadowy figures. Other haunted stops include the Castillo de San Marcos, where apparitions of soldiers are frequently seen. It’s a history lover’s paradise with a ghostly twist.

3. Harper’s Ferry, West Virginia

Byway: Historic National Road
Situated along the Historic National Road, Harper’s Ferry is steeped in Civil War history and, according to locals, supernatural activity. This scenic town, set at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers, was the site of John Brown’s famous raid. Visitors often report encounters with ghostly soldiers wandering the old battlefields, and the historic St. Peter’s Church is said to host spirits from its past. Harper’s Ferry is a hauntingly beautiful destination for history buffs and ghost hunters alike.

4. Sleepy Hollow, New York

Byway: Scenic Byway Route 9
The story of the Headless Horseman has put Sleepy Hollow on the map, but the town’s haunted history is more than folklore. Following Route 9 through the Hudson River Valley National Heritage Area, visitors can stop at the Old Dutch Church, where author Washington Irving drew inspiration for his famous tale. Ghost sightings are common in Sleepy Hollow Cemetery, where Irving himself is buried. On an autumn evening, the chill in the air and the misty river views create the perfect ambiance for a spooky stroll.

5. Estes Park, Colorado

Byway: Peak to Peak Scenic Byway
The Peak to Peak Scenic Byway is Colorado’s oldest scenic byway, winding through the majestic Rocky Mountains and ending in the haunted town of Estes Park. Home to the infamous Stanley Hotel, which inspired Stephen King’s The Shining, Estes Park is a must for thrill-seekers. Guests and staff report everything from moving objects to mysterious piano music in the dead of night. Even the hotel’s founder, F.O. Stanley, is said to be among the ghostly guests who never checked out.

6. Savannah, Georgia

Byway: Coastal Highway U.S. 17 and Georgia Scenic Byways
Savannah’s oak-lined streets and antebellum architecture create a picturesque setting along Coastal Highway U.S. 17. Known as one of the most haunted cities in America, Savannah has ghost tours that showcase the historic (and haunted) buildings of River Street, many of which are said to have ghostly inhabitants. The Marshall House, a Civil War-era hotel turned hospital, is famed for its paranormal encounters, with guests reporting sounds and shadows that seem otherworldly.

7. Cape May, New Jersey

Byway: New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route
The charming seaside town of Cape May is a dream destination along the New Jersey Coastal Heritage Trail Route. Known for its historic Victorian architecture and sandy beaches, Cape May is also rife with tales of the paranormal. The Emlen Physick Estate is reportedly haunted by its former residents, while the Hotel Macomber has guests claiming they’ve seen ghostly figures or felt a sudden chill. This quaint town offers more than scenic views for those brave enough to explore its haunted history.

8. Taos, New Mexico

Byway: High Road to Taos Scenic Byway
The High Road to Taos Scenic Byway offers stunning views of Northern New Mexico’s deserts and mountains while leading to the historic (and haunted) town of Taos. Known for its Pueblo architecture and rich Native American heritage, Taos is also known for a mysterious “Taos Hum”—an unexplained low-frequency noise that only a few can hear. Legends also tell of ghostly encounters at the Taos Pueblo and in the historic Taos Plaza, making this a mystical stop for travelers.

9. New Orleans, Louisiana

Byway: Great River Road
Known for its vibrant culture and storied past, New Orleans is a perfect stop along the Great River Road. This city is home to the infamous LaLaurie Mansion, a site of unspeakable tragedies, and the Hotel Monteleone, where guests claim to see apparitions. A stroll through the French Quarter or a visit to the city’s “Cities of the Dead” cemeteries adds an eerie ambiance to an already magical place.

10. Deadwood, South Dakota

Byway: Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway
Following the Spearfish Canyon Scenic Byway brings you to the historic town of Deadwood, known for its lawless past and ghostly activity. Once home to legendary figures like Wild Bill Hickok, the town is brimming with ghost stories, particularly at the Bullock Hotel, where guests have reported sightings of its founder, Seth Bullock. The area’s natural beauty and Old West atmosphere make it a memorable stop with an otherworldly edge.

Exploring these haunted locations along America’s scenic byways combines history, mystery, and beauty for a unique travel experience. Whether you’re a ghost hunter or simply enjoy tales of the supernatural, these byways showcase the spooky side of some of America’s most beautiful landscapes.