Hitting the Trails: The Most Popular Haunted Trails in the U.S.
Halloween is approaching and fall is in full swing. What better time to hit the trails? If you’re all in on spooky season, some of the most haunted trails in the U.S. are available for trail rides.
Deep forest, United States. Photo by Mikel Ibarluzea via unsplash.
As Halloween approaches and fall fills the air, there’s no better time to get outside and explore with your horse. But what are some of the spookiest trails in the U.S.? From misty mountain paths to eerie cemetery routes, these haunted spots offer more than just outdoor adventure — they’re filled with ghostly encounters and chilling legends. These trails promise an unsettling brush with the supernatural.
In a recent study, buycycle (a site that focuses on being the leading marketplace for premium pre-owned bikes) analyzed over 100 of the spookiest haunted trails across the U.S. to find the most popular haunted trails in the U.S. They then used Google search data to identify the top destinations for outdoor and paranormal enthusiasts. By analyzing search volume linked to specific trail names and their haunted legends, the study offers a unique insight into which trails are capturing the imaginations of outdoor adventurers and ghost hunters alike. We’ve taken that list and pin-pointed which of those trails are open to horseback riding.
1. Appalachian Trail – Bluff Mountain, Virginia
Search volume: 218,400* | Trail length: 3.7 miles | Scenery: Mountainous Views
Appalachian Trail, United States. Photo by Tim Mossholder via unsplash.
The AT does not allow horses, but we thought it was worth mentioning anyway. Since, after all, it does rank number one on the list. Despite not being able to ride on the AT itself, there are connecting trails riders can enjoy.
Bluff Mountain, shrouded in fog and ghostly whispers, is one of the most mysterious sections of the 2,100-mile Appalachian Trail. Located in Virginia, this trail is not only famed for its panoramic views of the Blue Ridge Mountains but also for the chilling story of Ottie Cline Powell, a young boy who vanished in 1891. His body was discovered months later on the mountain, and hikers to this day report hearing eerie cries and feeling a strange presence near his memorial stone. What sets Bluff Mountain apart is the deeply unsettling atmosphere that lingers over this otherwise scenic trail. The hike is moderately difficult and ideal for those seeking a mix of natural beauty and supernatural lore. Along the way, you can visit Powell’s memorial site, camp under starlit skies, or engage in wildlife watching—keeping an ear out for those ghostly sounds. The combination of history, tragedy, and untamed wilderness makes Bluff Mountain an unforgettable, chilling destination.
2. Hollywood Sign Trail – Los Angeles, California
Search volume: 202,600* | Trail length: 6 miles | Scenery: Urban Landscape
Hollywood Sign Trail, United States. Photo by Luke Petrinec via unsplash.
If you’re a horse lover in Southern California, this trail is for you. You can ride the trails around Griffith Park, including the Hollywood Sign Trail.
The iconic Hollywood Sign Trail in Los Angeles may seem like just another tourist hotspot, but many visitors report some mystical presence as they hike up to one of the most famous symbols in the world. While the trail offers stunning views of the city and a close-up look at the legendary sign, it’s the ghostly stories surrounding this landmark that make it so intriguing. The most famous of these tales is the haunting of Peg Entwistle, an aspiring actress who tragically leaped to her death from the “H” of the sign in 1932. Hikers often report seeing a woman in a flowing dress, matching her description, vanishing into thin air near the sign. As a reminder, it’s important to stay on the designated trails, as it is illegal to approach the actual sign itself. The trail itself is moderately challenging, with several steep sections along the Brush Canyon Trail, but the reward is a 360-degree view of Los Angeles and beyond. Aside from ghostly sightings, hikers can enjoy wildlife spotting, photography, and a perfect autumn climb through Griffith Park’s scenic trails, making this a must-visit for thrill-seekers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
3. The Stanley Hotel Trail – Stanley Hotel, Colorado
Search volume: 202,600* | Trail length: 6 miles | Scenery: Urban Landscape
Estes Park, United States. Photo by Ramona DeNies via unsplash.
There is no specific Stanley Hotel trail, but the surrounding area in Estes Park offers several trails where horseback riding is allowed, though not directly connected to the hotel.
Beneath the shadow of the Rocky Mountains, the Stanley Hotel Trails beckon those brave enough to explore their haunted paths. Known for inspiring The Shining, the Stanley Hotel’s paranormal history spills over into its surrounding woods. Hikers often speak of unexplained phenomena, such as the ghostly sounds of piano music drifting through the woods, or sightings of the hotel’s original owner, F.O. Stanley, who is said to appear on the porch before vanishing into thin air. The surrounding trails offer a unique opportunity to explore the eerie atmosphere of Estes Park, with tales of shadowy figures spotted by night hikers adding to the mystery. Beyond the ghostly encounters, the trails themselves provide a moderate hiking experience with panoramic views of the Rocky Mountains. The area is a hotspot for wildlife sightings, including elk and deer, adding to the appeal for nature lovers. A perfect combination of history, horror, and outdoor adventure, these trails allow visitors to step into the world of the supernatural while exploring one of the most scenic regions in Colorado.
4. Mammoth Cave Trail – Mammoth Cave National Park, Kentucky
Search volume: 111,300* | Trail length: 2.5 miles | Scenery: Cave Formations
Mammoth Cave Trail, United States. Photo by Tom Viclo via unsplash.
The park has designated horseback riding trails, including the Mammoth Cave Trail.
Descend into the heart of darkness – both above and below – as you explore the spooky trails of Mammoth Cave National Park. This park harbors the world’s largest cave system of 400 miles, and the legends surrounding it are just as vast. The ghost of Floyd Collins, an explorer who tragically died after being trapped in the cave in 1925, is said to roam the tunnels. Hikers on the Mammoth Cave Trail have reported hearing his cries for help near the cave’s historic entrance, and sudden cold drafts are often felt when passing by. Above ground, the trail meanders through dense forests and along limestone bluffs, offering breathtaking views of the Green River. Beyond hiking, visitors can join guided cave tours, where they venture deep into the underground labyrinth. The park also offers camping and wildlife watching, with autumn being the prime season to witness stunning fall foliage. Mammoth Cave’s haunting history, paired with its natural beauty, makes this trail a must for those who crave both adventure and mystery.
5. Bonaventure Cemetery Trail – Savannah, Georgia
Search volume: 33,100* | Trail length: 2.2 miles | Scenery: Historic Oaks
Bonaventure Cemetery, United States. Photo by Holman Gallery via unsplash.
You may not ride in the cemetery itself, but it may be worth the visit anyway.
In the shadow of Savannah’s ancient oaks, where Spanish moss sways like ghostly veils, Bonaventure Cemetery beckons the brave and the curious. This hauntingly serene 100-acre cemetery is steeped in history and legend, with winding paths leading past crumbling tombstones and eerie statues. Most famous is the spirit of “Little Gracie,” whose statue is said to cry tears of stone, and the spectral presence of famed lyricist Johnny Mercer, still wandering through his beloved resting place. The trail offers an eerie but peaceful walk, perfect for exploring Savannah’s storied past. Guided tours reveal chilling stories of the departed, while the dramatic landscape along the Wilmington River adds to the supernatural allure. Whether you’re there for a quiet walk or hoping for a ghostly encounter, Bonaventure’s unsettling beauty and rich history make it one of the most captivating—and spookiest—trails in the South.
What other trails roundsoff the top 10?
6. Sam Merrill Trail – Altadena, California:
Search volume: 28,100* | Trail length: 3.5 miles | Scenery: Mountain Views
Sorry, folks. No horseback riding here due to the steep terrain.
7. Mt. Rubidoux – Riverside, California:
Search volume: 23,800* | Trail length: 3 miles | Scenery: City Panorama
This trail is for hikers and cyclists, not our four-legged modes of transportation.
8. North Rim Trail – Tryon Creek State Park, Oregon:
Search volume: 22,680* | Trail length: 3 miles | Scenery: Creekside Forests
Horseback riding is allowed on certain trails within Tryon Creek State Park, including the North Rim Trail.
9. Pine Barrens Trail – Pine Barrens, New Jersey:
Search volume: 22,340* | Trail length: 10 miles | Scenery: Pine Forests
Many trails in the Pine Barrens are open to horses, including the Batona Trail, which is part of the Pine Barrens network. In fact, we’ve definitely posted a Halloween story that has taken place in the Pine Barrens.
10. Clinton Road – Clinton Road, New Jersey:
Search volume: 14,800* | Trail length: 10 miles | Scenery: Dense Woodlands
You can ride here, but caution is advised due to the dense traffic.
Lime Kiln Trail. Photo by Ibrahim Rifath via unsplash.
From the ghostly cries echoing through Bluff Mountain to the shadowy figures near the Stanley Hotel, these paths are steeped in stories that linger in the air. Whether you’re seeking the thrill of a chilling encounter or simply wish to enjoy the hauntingly beautiful landscapes, these trails promise to leave you with unforgettable memories and perhaps a few ghostly tales of your own. So, this Halloween, embrace the unknown and explore the most haunted trails that America has to offer.
About bucycle
buycycle was founded in 2021 by Jonas, Florian, and Theo - three friends who met through their love of cycling. Back then, it was extremely challenging to get hold of affordable beginner bikes, especially pre-owned ones. When Jonas went to order his first triathlon bike, he didn't feel comfortable transferring money to a stranger on a local online marketplace, as he was unsure of whether the bike would actually arrive. From this experience, the idea for buycycle was born, and the three cycling enthusiasts were able to turn their passion into their profession. Today, the founders are thrilled to be working on buycycle’s vision of creating the world’s leading marketplace for high value pre-owned bikes, making selling and buying pre-owned bikes just as easy as riding them.
