Stony Hollow Road : Iowa

Stony Hollow Road is a short, rural country road in Des Moines County, Iowa, that has a reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the state. According to local legend, a young woman named Lucinda committed suicide by jumping off a cliff along the road in the 1800s, after her fiancé failed to show up for their elopement. Since then, many people have reported seeing her ghost on the road, especially at night.

In this blog post, I will explore the history and mystery of Stony Hollow Road, and share some of the stories and experiences of those who have encountered Lucinda's spirit. I will also give you some tips on how to visit the road safely and respectfully, if you are brave enough to do so.

The History of Stony Hollow Road

Stony Hollow Road is located several miles north of Burlington, Iowa, a city that is known for having the world's most crooked street. The road runs through farmland and woods, and has a steep cliff on one side that overlooks the Mississippi River. The road was originally a Native American trail, and later became a stagecoach route.

The legend of Lucinda dates back to the 1800s, when Iowa was still a frontier territory. Lucinda was a young woman who lived in a farmhouse on Stony Hollow Road with her family. She fell in love with a man from a neighboring town, and they planned to elope one night at the bluffs along the road. However, her fiancé never arrived, as his wagon got stuck in the mud on his way. Lucinda waited for him until dawn, but when he did not show up, she assumed he had abandoned her for another woman. Heartbroken and desperate, she climbed to the top of the cliff and threw herself off.

Some versions of the story say that her fiancé eventually found her body at the bottom of the cliff, and died of grief shortly after. Others say that he never knew what happened to her, and moved away to start a new life. Either way, Lucinda's spirit remained on Stony Hollow Road, waiting for her lost lover.

The Haunting of Stony Hollow Road

Over the years, many people have claimed to see Lucinda's ghost on Stony Hollow Road, especially at night. Some describe her as a pale woman in a white dress, while others say she is covered in blood. Some say she appears as a faint figure near the top of the cliff, while others say she walks along the road or stands in front of cars. Some say she is silent, while others say she cries or screams.

One thing that most people agree on is that Lucinda can be summoned by calling her name three times at the cliff where she died. However, this is not recommended, as it may anger or upset her spirit. Some people say that if Lucinda leaves a rose at your feet after you summon her, it means you will die within 24 hours. Others say that if you look into her eyes, you will be cursed with bad luck or misfortune.

There are also other paranormal phenomena reported on Stony Hollow Road, such as car malfunctions, cold spots, strange noises, and eerie feelings. Some people believe that there are other spirits on the road besides Lucinda, such as Native Americans or stagecoach passengers who died there. Some also believe that the road is cursed or has a portal to another dimension.

How to Visit Stony Hollow Road

If you are curious about Stony Hollow Road and want to visit it yourself, there are some things you should keep in mind. First of all, be respectful of the road and its surroundings. Do not litter, vandalize, or trespass on private property. Do not disturb or harm any animals or plants. Do not provoke or mock any spirits that may be present.

Secondly, be careful and cautious when driving on the road. The road is narrow and winding, and has poor visibility at night. There may also be wildlife or farm equipment on the road. Drive slowly and watch out for any obstacles or hazards.

Thirdly, be prepared for anything that may happen on the road. Bring a flashlight, a cell phone, a first aid kit, and some water and snacks. Tell someone where you are going and when you expect to return. Do not go alone or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. If you feel uncomfortable or scared at any point, leave immediately.

Finally, have fun and enjoy your adventure. Stony Hollow Road is a fascinating place with a rich history and mystery. You may not see Lucinda's ghost or experience anything paranormal, but you will still have a memorable experience exploring one of Iowa.