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.

Read more >>

100 Steps Cemetery : Indiana

If you are looking for a spooky destination to visit this Halloween season, you might want to check out the 100 Steps Cemetery in Cloverland, Indiana. This cemetery, also known as Cloverland Cemetery, is said to be one of the most haunted places in the state, with a legend that dates back to at least 1982.

The cemetery is located on a hill, and to reach the top, you have to climb a set of stone steps that are cracked and decaying. The number of steps varies depending on who you ask, but some say there are exactly 100 steps. The legend goes that if you climb the steps at midnight and count them as you go, you will encounter the ghost of the first undertaker of the cemetery at the top. He will show you a vision of how you will die, and then disappear. If you want to avoid your fate, you have to count the same number of steps on your way down. If you count a different number, or if you try to cheat by walking on the grass instead of the steps, you will be cursed with bad luck or even death.

Some people who have visited the cemetery claim to have experienced paranormal phenomena, such as feeling a cold hand pushing them down, seeing orbs and shadows, hearing voices and footsteps, and finding a red handprint on their body. Others say they have seen nothing out of the ordinary, and that the legend is just a hoax.

The history of the cemetery is also shrouded in mystery. Some of the graves date back to the 1860s, but there is little information about who is buried there or how they died. One story that was reported in The Indianapolis Journal in 1892 tells of a father who found his daughter's coffin upside down and empty when he tried to move her body to another location. No one knows who took her body or why.

The 100 Steps Cemetery is a fascinating place for anyone who loves a good scare or a mystery. If you decide to visit, make sure you respect the graves and follow the rules of the cemetery. And if you dare to climb the steps at midnight, be prepared for what you might see at the top.

Read more >>

The Water Babies of Massacre Rocks: A Haunting Legend of Idaho

If you are looking for a scenic and historic place to visit in Idaho, you might want to check out Massacre Rocks State Park. Located near Pocatello, this park offers stunning views of the Snake River and the surrounding rock formations. It also has a rich history as a landmark on the Oregon Trail, where thousands of pioneers passed through in search of a better life in the west.

But there is more to this park than meets the eye. According to a local legend, Massacre Rocks is also home to a sinister phenomenon known as the Water Babies. These are not cute and cuddly creatures, but rather vengeful spirits of drowned infants that lurk in the river, waiting for unsuspecting victims.

The origin of this legend is unclear, but there are several versions that circulate among the locals. One version claims that the Water Babies are the result of a tragic decision made by a Native American tribe that lived in the area long ago. Faced with a severe famine, the tribe decided that they could not afford to feed any more mouths, so they forced their women to drown their newborn babies in the river. The babies did not die, but instead adapted to their watery environment by growing fins and gills. They also developed a hatred for humans, especially those who came near their territory.

Another version of the legend attributes the Water Babies to a group of white settlers who traveled on the Oregon Trail in the 1800s. According to this story, some of the settlers were afflicted with a mysterious disease that caused their babies to be born deformed and sickly. The settlers believed that these babies were cursed and would bring bad luck to their journey, so they threw them into the river as well. The babies survived and mutated into aquatic beings that sought revenge on their parents and anyone else who crossed their path.

Regardless of which version you believe, the legend of the Water Babies has persisted for generations and has inspired many stories and sightings. Some people claim to have heard eerie cries and laughter coming from the river at night, or seen small figures splashing in the water. Others say that they have felt something tug at their ankles or pull them under when they ventured too close to the river's edge. Some even swear that they have seen the Water Babies themselves, with pale skin, webbed fingers, and large eyes.

Whether you are a believer or a skeptic, you might want to think twice before dipping your toes into the Snake River at Massacre Rocks State Park. You never know what might be lurking beneath the surface, waiting for an opportunity to strike. The Water Babies of Massacre Rocks are a haunting legend that adds a touch of mystery and horror to this otherwise beautiful and peaceful place.

Read more >>

Pali Highway : Hawaii

If you are looking for a scenic drive on Oahu, you might want to check out the Pali Highway. This highway connects downtown Honolulu with the windward side of the island, offering stunning views of the mountains, valleys, and ocean along the way.

The Pali Highway, officially designated as Hawaii Route 61, is about 11 miles long and takes about 20 minutes to drive without traffic. It starts from Route 98 in Honolulu and ends at Hamakua Drive in Kailua. Along the way, you will pass through the Nuʻuanu Valley and the residential neighborhood of Nuʻuanu, where you can find historic sites like the Oahu Cemetery and the Royal Mausoleum of Hawaii. You will also go through the Nuʻuanu Pali Tunnels, which are two 900-foot-long tunnels that cut through the Koʻolau mountain range.

One of the highlights of the Pali Highway is the Pali Lookout, which is a scenic spot that offers panoramic views of the windward coast and the Kāneʻohe Bay. The lookout is also a historic site, as it was where King Kamehameha I defeated his rivals in 1795 and unified Oahu under his rule. The lookout is accessible by a short detour from the highway and has a parking lot, restrooms, and a gift shop.

The Pali Highway is not only a scenic drive, but also a cultural and historical one. It follows much of the same route as the original Pali road, which was built over ancient Hawaiian footpaths that traversed the Pali pass. The Pali pass was the most easily accessible route from the windward to Honolulu side, as much of the Koʻolau range has steep cliffs that make it nearly impossible to cross over safely. The word "Pali" means cliff in Hawaiian.

The original Pali road was closed when the current highway and its tunnels opened in 1959. The old road is now used by hikers and is known for its spiritual connections and ghost stories. Some people believe that the old road is haunted by the spirits of the warriors who died in the battle of Nuʻuanu or by other supernatural beings.

The Pali Highway is a great way to experience some of Oahu's natural beauty and history. It is also a convenient way to get from Honolulu to Kailua or Kāneʻohe, where you can enjoy some of the island's best beaches, parks, and attractions. Whether you are driving for pleasure or necessity, you will surely enjoy this awe-inspiring drive.

Read more >>