get anxious about a driving route if I haven’t been to someone’s house before. But once I’ve driven the route, all the nerves are gone the next time because it’s familiar. The unknown can be scary for many people. Our imaginations often run wild, making us see or hear things that aren’t there, and our brains instinctively fear hidden dangers.
That’s why even the most breathtaking new destinations can feel intimidating. It’s the same feeling when you drive past an abandoned town with no people in sight and get an eerie vibe. The thought of ending up somewhere we know nothing about is unsettling.
While many places are worth visiting because of their undeterred natural beauty, some sites with somber auras and brutal histories can undeniably make you feel uneasy. Check out the spots in the United States that give most people the chills.
Redwood National and State Parks, California
Megalophobia, the fear of large objects, is real—and even if you don’t have it, the giant redwoods in California might just make you question your bravery. These massive trees can soar over 300 feet high and 20 feet wide.
Drive through the ancient redwoods and stroll through Stout Grove, where you’ll be awed by nature’s giants. You might start wondering, “What if one of these falls?” Some people have even joked that if a redwood fell on them, they’d vanish without a trace!
Eastern State Penitentiary, Pennsylvania
Just thinking about old American prisons is enough to give anyone the creeps, especially with their disturbing pasts. Eastern State Penitentiary detained infamous inmates like Al Capone and Willie Sutton, but that’s not the worst thing about it. The prison’s brutal punishments were nothing short of inhumane. One called “the water bath” forced prisoners to be drenched with water outside during winter and hung on a wall until they developed icy skin.
Death Valley National Park
Isolation and quiet can be seriously unsettling, and the name “Death Valley” doesn’t exactly scream fun getaway. But there are so many reasons why you should visit this national park.
It’s a barren landscape spanning over 3.4 million acres. It’s eerie and breathtaking how you could scream as loud as possible and no one would hear. Plus, the thought of being stranded in the blazing heat can make your heart race. It would creep me out to know that no one is around for miles, so if anything goes wrong, I’d be a goner!
The Pine Barrens in New Jersey
Did you know that one of the most haunted forests in North America is in New Jersey? You can feel the weird energy as soon as you drive into the Pine Barrens. According to legend, a mythical flying hooven violent creature called the “Jersey Devil” was first spotted in the Pine Barrens in 1820.
But the biggest scare happened in January 1909, when hundreds of people reported sightings and attacks, sparking mass hysteria. Newspapers covered it non-stop, schools closed, and authorities offered a $10,000 reward for the Jersey Devil’s capture. There are other stories of Pine Barren ghosts, but this one is enough to scare most of us!
Centralia, Pennsylvania
If you visit a place where it’s just roads, a few homes, and no people, would you be scared? It’s even spookier knowing there’s a never-ending underground fire in this strange town.
In 1962, a mine pit used as a dump caught fire, and the flames spread beneath Centralia. This made the mines unsafe due to high carbon monoxide levels. Residents had to leave when the fire started reaching their homes. One kid even fell into a 150-foot sinkhole that appeared in his yard! Centralia is now a deserted ghost town; experts say the underground fire could burn for another 250 years.
The Lost Sea in Tennessee
The Lost Sea in Tennessee seems like something out of a creepy pirate movie. The dark, confined cave with dripping water and eerie rock formations can make you a bit claustrophobic. A 13-year-old in 1905 discovered this underground lake, which turned out to be 800 feet long and 220 feet wide. You can tour the area while taking a mile walk and a ride in a glass-bottomed boat over the lake. I would be freaked out by whatever creatures might be lurking below the water!
Colorado Street Bridge
Bridges can be terrifying for some people, especially if you’re afraid of heights. The Colorado Street Bridge, soaring 150 feet above the Arroyo Seco canyon, would definitely make anyone face their mortality. The bridge is also known for its tragic history—over 150 people have jumped from it in an attempt to take their lives.
The city has tried to address this by adding 10-foot-tall mesh fences, but the bridge still has a sad and eerie reputation. For anyone afraid of bridges, this one might be extra unsettling.
The Crenshaw House in Illinois
Places with dark history would naturally make us curious yet creeped out. The Crenshaw House, or Old Slave House, in Southern Illinois, is a prime example. It once served as a grim jail where free people of color were allegedly captured and sold back into slavery. John Crenshaw built the house in 1838, where brutal torture and countless deaths took place.
Legends say the home is haunted, and reports of other ghostly activity continue. The Old Slave House used to be open to visitors, but now it’s closed for tours.
Lake Superior
Lake Superior has an undeniably haunting and somber vibe. Its harsh, crashing waves and icy blue waters can give you chills.
This rugged beauty is also why Lake Superior is known for its many shipwrecks—about 500 estimated. The lake’s rough conditions make it treacherous for sailors, adding to its violent reputation.
Appalachian Mountains
Fear of the unknown can make visitors feel unnerved about the Appalachian Mountains. In certain areas, there are rules according to the locals, including not being out after dark, not whistling at night, and if you hear something, just ignore it.
Whether or not the mountains are haunted, hiking the Appalachian Trail has its dangers. You’ll face tough weather, potential injuries, extreme cold, and wildlife.
Source: Reddit
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