1. Gold Brook Covered Bridge, Stowe, Vermont
Gold Brook Covered Bridge, also known as Emily’s Bridge, is a historic structure in Stowe, Vermont, dating back to the 1840s. The bridge is steeped in local legend, with stories of a young woman named Emily who tragically took her own life there after a broken engagement. Visitors and locals alike report eerie experiences, including sudden drops in temperature, unexplained noises, and the sensation of being watched. Some claim to have seen a shadowy figure of a woman near the bridge at night.
The bridge’s reputation as a haunted location has attracted paranormal investigators and curious visitors from all over. Over the years, numerous accounts of ghostly encounters have been shared, contributing to its status as one of Vermont’s most haunted sites. The combination of its tragic backstory and the eerie experiences reported by visitors makes Gold Brook Covered Bridge a compelling addition to any list of haunted or cursed bridges in America.
2. Mackinac Bridge, Michigan
The Mackinac Bridge spans the strait connecting Michigan’s Upper and Lower Peninsulas, but it has a dark local reputation. Residents talk about phantom vehicles appearing in the fog and disappearing without a trace. This bridge has also been the site of numerous fatal accidents over the years, particularly in icy conditions. Some believe these tragedies are tied to the bridge’s “cursed” energy rather than just winter driving hazards.
Folklore surrounding the bridge includes ghost sightings of a long-gone construction worker who fell during its building in the 1950s. Drivers have claimed to see him waving or trying to flag cars, only to vanish moments later. Even the ferry operators nearby avoid the area during particularly foggy nights. The mix of history, accidents, and eerie tales keeps this bridge in local supernatural lore.
3. Pulaski Skyway, New Jersey
The Pulaski Skyway, stretching over the Hackensack and Passaic Rivers, has a notorious reputation among locals for both accidents and eerie stories. Drivers report feeling a strange sense of unease while crossing, especially during foggy nights or heavy rain. The bridge has been the site of numerous fatal accidents over the decades, adding fuel to the idea that something is “off” about it. People claim that phantom headlights and unexplained mechanical failures are common on the older sections.
Folklore suggests that the bridge is haunted by the spirits of early construction workers who lost their lives building it in the 1930s. Commuters sometimes report hearing ghostly whispers or sudden, unexplained engine trouble while driving across. Maintenance crews have also shared stories of strange noises and sudden cold drafts that defy explanation. Its combination of tragic history, high traffic, and spooky local tales keeps the Pulaski Skyway firmly in New Jersey’s haunted bridge lore.
4. Rainbow Bridge, New York / Niagara Falls
Rainbow Bridge, connecting New York to Ontario, is often associated with ghostly sightings and mysterious fogs. Locals say travelers report seeing shadowy figures along the pedestrian path, particularly at dusk. The bridge is also a common spot for accidents and suicides, which feeds into the eerie stories. Tourists are often warned to stay alert while crossing, not just for traffic, but for strange occurrences.
Folklore suggests that the bridge is haunted by the spirits of those who perished in falls near the Niagara River. Witnesses have reported hearing faint screams or seeing unexplained reflections in the water. Bridge workers sometimes refuse night shifts, citing a heavy, oppressive feeling. The combination of tragic history and natural misty conditions makes it a hotspot for spooky tales.
5. Goat Canyon Trestle, California
Goat Canyon Trestle, located in the remote Anza-Borrego Desert, has a notorious reputation for accidents during its construction. Some say it was cursed from the start due to the number of lives lost while building it in the 1930s. Hikers report feeling uneasy when crossing the trestle, with some claiming to hear phantom footsteps or see apparitions. Its isolation only amplifies the sense of dread locals associate with it.
Legend holds that the spirits of workers who fell from the trestle haunt the surrounding desert. Strange fogs and sudden gusts of wind often appear at sunset, making hikers feel watched. Even drone footage reportedly shows unexplained shadows moving across the tracks. Locals continue to treat the area with caution, sharing stories of misfortune to warn visitors.
6. Natchez Trace Bridge, Tennessee
The Natchez Trace Bridge is infamous among locals for its long history of mysterious accidents and ghost stories. Travelers often report feeling an unexplainable chill or seeing shadowy figures darting across the lanes at night. The bridge’s remote location amplifies the eerie sensations, making drivers hyper-aware of every sound. Some claim they’ve even seen phantom headlights following them from a distance, only to vanish suddenly.
Stories about the bridge date back to the early 20th century, when construction accidents claimed a handful of workers’ lives. Residents say these restless spirits are responsible for sudden, minor accidents and mechanical failures near the span. Hikers and cyclists in the area have reported hearing faint whispers or feeling an invisible presence nearby. Over the years, the Natchez Trace Bridge has earned a reputation as a cursed spot that locals warn visitors to respect.
7. Foresthill Bridge, California
Foresthill Bridge in Northern California is often called one of the spookiest bridges in the state. Locals say the bridge is haunted because of multiple suicides that have occurred over the decades. Visitors describe hearing voices and seeing shadowy figures, especially at dawn and dusk. Its height—over 700 feet above the river—adds to its terrifying reputation.
Beyond supernatural tales, the bridge’s isolation contributes to the eerie vibe. People who hike or drive there alone often report sudden, unexplained chills or mechanical failures. Some have even claimed that fog rolls in thicker around the bridge than surrounding areas. All these factors have cemented Foresthill as a bridge with a dark mystique.
8. Seven Mile Bridge, Florida
The Seven Mile Bridge in the Florida Keys is famous for its scenic views, but locals whisper about a curse. Several fatal accidents have occurred over the decades, mostly during storms or at night. Fishermen and drivers alike report seeing ghostly ships or shadowy figures rising from the ocean mist. The stories suggest these are spirits of sailors lost to hurricanes or shipwrecks.
The bridge’s construction in the early 20th century also had its dangers, and some say restless spirits linger from that era. Fishermen have spoken of hearing unexplained cries from the water, while drivers sometimes feel an odd pressure or nausea mid-crossing. Tourists are often skeptical, but locals swear by the supernatural warnings. The mix of weather hazards and tragic history fuels its eerie reputation.
9. Wolf Creek Bridge, Montana
Wolf Creek Bridge in Montana has a haunted reputation that dates back to early railroad days. Locals report phantom trains appearing on the tracks or stopping suddenly without reason. Some pedestrians claim to hear disembodied whistles or see glowing figures on foggy nights. The bridge is remote, which only amplifies these unsettling experiences.
History suggests that accidents during its construction may have laid the groundwork for the curse narrative. There are also stories of hikers and bikers seeing shadowy forms vanish into the night. Residents warn outsiders to avoid crossing alone after sunset. The combination of real danger and folklore keeps the bridge firmly in local ghost lore.
10. Sunshine Skyway Bridge, Florida
Sunshine Skyway Bridge is notorious for one of Florida’s deadliest bridge disasters in 1980. A freighter collided with the bridge during a storm, causing a section to collapse and killing 35 people. Since then, locals claim to see ghostly vehicles driving along the bridge or hear unexplained engine noises. Some even say fog or mist seems unnaturally thick around the bridge at night.
The curse narrative grew from the high-profile disaster, with many attributing supernatural causes to subsequent accidents. Boaters and drivers report sudden chills or feelings of being watched. Residents tell cautionary tales to travelers about the bridge’s eerie energy. The combination of tragedy and frequent stormy conditions has cemented its reputation as haunted.
11. Carrollton Viaduct, Maryland
The Carrollton Viaduct is one of the oldest stone railroad bridges in the U.S., and locals say it’s haunted by the spirits of workers who died during construction. People have reported hearing ghostly hammers or footsteps echoing along the stone arches. Rail enthusiasts sometimes claim they see shadowy figures on the tracks at night. Its historic charm is shadowed by the feeling of unrest.
Some stories suggest that train operators have experienced sudden equipment malfunctions while crossing. Hikers and explorers report sudden drops in temperature or feelings of being watched. The bridge is remote enough to heighten these experiences. For locals, the combination of age, history, and eerie incidents makes it feel cursed.
12. Wheeling Suspension Bridge, West Virginia
Wheeling Suspension Bridge is steeped in local legend about fatal accidents and paranormal sightings. The bridge has a long history of collapses during storms, which many locals interpret as bad omens. People report seeing shadowy figures or hearing phantom footsteps, especially on foggy mornings. The combination of height and history makes crossing it a tense experience.
Beyond supernatural stories, the bridge’s age and engineering challenges contribute to real dangers. Residents share tales of ghostly voices warning them during storms or mysterious lights appearing beneath the bridge. Its repeated misfortunes over the years only reinforce the idea of a curse. Locals treat it as both a historical marvel and a source of uneasy fascination.
This post 12 American Bridges That Locals Insist Are Cursed was first published on American Charm.
