It attracts hunters, hikers, and bikers, too. The Shade Swamp Sanctuary was opened in 1934 and abandoned in the 1960s. For some creepy locations that wont leave you cursed for all of eternity, try this Haunted Road Trip. Situated in the middle of Mt. 1) Dunnellen Hall. The local legend of Midnight Mary derives from the grave of Mary E Hart in the Evergreen Cemetery in New Haven. Discover this 3.6-mile loop trail near Groton, Connecticut. Being young and long haired, it may be this young boy who appears by the road, and not Maude. And Connecticuts small to begin with, anyway. In fact, after the first occupying family moved-out, every owner has experienced financial ruin and met their ultimate demise after moving-in. What are the best waterfall hikes in Connecticut? Youll scramble up scenic (but challenging!) Even modern hikers in Devils Hopyard State Park claim to hear demonic voices. Stanton House Inn popped up as one of the top results! You may even see some drill holes from where the dynamite was placed. There are few places for hiking in Connecticut that have the variety and natural beauty of the Steep Rock Circle trail. By dustythoughts. View Trail Map. The most recent victim of the curse is Leona Helmsley, an American businesswoman nicknamed, the Queen of Mean for her tyrannical behavior. Haunted Hollow is a 1 mile popular black diamond singletrack trail located near Killingly Connecticut. East Windsor, CT. Plus, its a short trail, so the steep ascent doesnt last long. Algonquin State Forest, Colebrook. Gordon Ramsey featured this historic inn in his aptly-named show, Hotel Hell. Some attribute the rumor to the fact that Maude was mysteriously buried away from the rest of her family. Thank you! But over the years, people have told stories of hearing a woman screaming that seems to come from all directions. One of the longer and more fun trails on this list is the Mattabesett Trail to Mount Higby. Includes BOTH the Hallow Trail and Haunted Hayride) (Online Processing Fees Apply) Look at what's in store for this year: Embark on our legendary Haunted Hayride and The Hallow Trail, featuring the following attractions: . Ready to check out the best trails in Connecticut for hiking, mountain biking, climbing or other outdoor activities? If you're one that enjoys a good thrill, these Connecticut spook walks are sure to. Slaves owned by the families there claimed to see a ghost baby reclining in a nearby tree. Today, the Bruce Museum takes a minimum of an hour to visit, but visitors are welcome to leave whenever they like! . You'll receive your first newsletter soon! . When the teens got too loud, a ghost made its appearance. Batona Trail - New Jersey Pinelands National Reserve, NJ. But their involvement with a mythical book, believed to open the gates of hell, doomed them and anyone who befriended them. Bethel Haunted Forest is a new single-track trail featuring about 5 miles of natural-surface paths on land once used for the Fire Department's haunted trail event. While no one is sure who she is (obviously), there are a few theories: One motorist even claims to have accidentally hit the White Lady, leaving a dent in his car. If you arent afraid of ghosts, youll also enjoy the story of this haunted lighthouse in Connecticut. Some of the more common sightings mention: No list of the most haunted places in CT would be complete without including the house that inspired The Haunting in Connecticut book and film. Take a peek into history like never before but be warned, some of these locales are rumored to be haunted too! Scroll to map. This gorgeous place is full of history, and its perfect for nature lovers. Mountain Gate & Mountain Trails offers 1-2 bedroom rentals starting at $1,385/month. . Recent history has included more than a few accidents, including deaths, happening at the park. In the context of the biblical story, its a statement about being resigned to fate. The trail honors the late Claire Murphy, one of KLT's founders. To learn more about these walkways, check out our list of the best easy waterfall hikes in Connecticut. What better way to explore Connecticut's State Parks and Forests than by following a trail on foot! Thats an incredible goal! Perfect for finding both locations in your city and all across the state, the map will help you plan . 9. Along the way, youll pass by Mirror Lake, an absolutely stunning, still lake that has gorgeous fall foliage. So if this haunted hike doesnt scare you, maybe this haunted road trip through Connecticut will! Some claim to have actually seen a ghostly figure standing in the grass. Follow her at taylorellisblogger.com. Thats what these guys did: Dudleytown can not be visited; only feared. Does it roll uphill? If You Go: The 800-acre Shade Swamp Sanctuary in on the north side of Route 6 (Scott Swamp Road) in Farmington, just east of New Britain Avenue, just behind the rustic, dilapidated wooden shelter built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1934. Deep in Naugatuck is a cemetery that paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren deemed haunted. doesnt have any local legends to explain the high amounts of paranormal activity emanating from it. But its close enough to the location of an entertaining local ghost story to provide some sense of place. Local kids claim to hear them breathing on summer nights, or coming face to face with them. Get ready to get your scare on with these frightfully good . Above All State Park is an undeveloped walk-in park that houses the remains of a Cold War-era military radar installation. In fact, local Puritans believe it was Satans hiding place. Guests of the room report strange smells and apparitions appearing before them. Beyond the history, visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking trails, ice skating in the winter and pond fishing in the warmer months. Do you have any brave friends to take with you on this Abandoned Places Road Trip? 13 Stories Haunted House. This cemetery is on every list of the most haunted places in Connecticut. 5.93 miles. Visit Devil's Hopyard and find your own answer to this age-old mystery. The Pachaug State Forest was once inhabited by a small community, and some proof of that is still visible. Haunted Trails By State. Youll also catch glimpses of the nearby mountainsides as you scramble around the rocky terrain. Two Irish servants working at Belle Haven mansions in the late 1800s fell in love. According to legend, Mary fell in a swoon in 1872 and was buried. These slaves lived in the attic of the house, a setup you can now see in the re-created space of the modern museum. Regardless, it's got a great story. If you'd like to visit some of these abandoned places in Connecticut, then you need to try out our road trip that's not for the faint of heart! Bright graffiti covers almost every possible surface making the stone easy to distinguish from its surroundings. In one episode of Gordon Ramsey's "Hotel Hell," he claimed to have felt uneasy during his stay and even found it difficult to leave his room. Anyone who has driven through Waterbury has seen the huge cross on the hill overlooking I-84. As one of Connecticuts coolest hidden attractions, we'd recommend visiting during every season just to see the difference and to capture awesome photos. The tower, which was dedicated on October 29, 1900, wa s given to the people of Meriden by Walter Hubbard, President of the Bradley & Hubbard Manufacturing Company, and one of the most generous of the city's philanthropic citizens. Cross the Housatonic River into New Haven County to find even more of the most haunted places in CT. Share your thoughts about the creepiest abandoned town in Connecticut with us in the comments! Phone: (203) 869-2110 Along the way, there are several picnic areas that you can rest at or pull out some snacks and enjoy the scenery wed recommend the Mashapaug Cove picnic area for some of the most beautiful views. One of the most popular trails includes the blue-blazed Macedonia Ridge Trail. Inn, and Starbucks. After the town was abandoned, the curious and foolish report seeing that same ghost baby, a bearded face in the cemetery, and lights and orbs streaking in front of their faces. Go swimming and have a picnic at Burr Pond, then hike the trails and learn about the . But the most haunted place in the area is a major one. It dates back to the late 1700s, and many of its residents fought in the American Revolution. It's more like an abandoned dirt road. Between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM, join a family friendly hike for a not-so scary walk in the woods. She is a social boss who has worked with several major sites and brands. Find maps, directions, tickets, photos, video, features, scare factor, thrills, blackout nights, glow stick nights, lights-on tours, and more. If you enjoy exploring abandoned places then this is the road trip for you. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Were always excited to hear from you! Bridgeport, Connecticut. This abandoned psychiatric hospital once housed more than 4,000 patients in the middle of a quaint New England town. You have to check it out! 211. Visitors say these trails can get busy, so wed strongly recommend going in the early morning to catch sunrise on the water and avoid the main crowds that tend to arrive later in the day. Spooky Trails and Tall Tales Connecticut: Hiking the State's Legends, Hauntings, and History Paperback - Illustrated, September 1, 2019 by Stephen Gencarella (Author) 4.2 out of 5 stars 23 ratings Batona Trail is a 50 mile trail located in the Pine Barrens, home to the legendary Jersey Devil. Taylor Ellis grew up in southern Connecticut. A group of families was making their way towards Genesee Valley in New York. Some believe this place is the "evilest place on earth", and many paranormal investigators have left this place running. Phone: 860-464-8740. Want to see fewer ads? The Steep Rock Railroad Tunnel was constructed in nine months between 1871 and 1872 in Washington Depot. West Hartford Reservoir. With several beautiful historic mining structures to explore, forested areas to walk through, and many rock formations to admire, this easy trail is perfect for a weekend adventure in the wilderness. Litchfield Hills. County: Hartford. English colonists settled Greenwich in 1640, for example, only twenty years after the Mayflower arrived. Rafael Medina/Flickr. 16 Ripton Rd, Shelton CT 06484 (1.5 miles from farm) FREE SHUTTLE BUS TO FARM (runs continuously) There are campsites along the way, such as Stoney Brook, Silver Hill, Caesar Brook, Pone Swamp Brook, Sharon Mountain, Belter, Limestone Spring, Riga, Brassie . Location: Kent Falls State Park (Kent, CT) Trail Length: 0.7 miles. If you parked your car under the said tree, your car is said to stall and you would be able to hear the scratching of a hook on the roof of your car. 70 Southern Blvd, Danbury, CT 06810-7943. This is your chance to find the light at the end of the tunnel literally! And famed Famous paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren claimed to have caught a glimpse of the White Lady during their visit. The park's recent history has seen numerous accidents and deaths that have caused many to speculate that something sinister lurks in the park. A hike here gives a glimpse into this abandoned industrial site. The cave system has seen more than 150 documented paranormal events, and is home to several ghosts. You've heard the legends. Locals leave toys strewn about the opera house for him to play. However, it served its purpose as a vehicle for transporting milk and cheese into New York City. Be careful about walking through the Greenwich Audubon Center at dusk. Marys grave was exhumed, and the family found ghastly signs that Mary was buried alive and tried to escape once she became conscious. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. While the two planned to marry, the boy mysteriously disappeared, leaving the girl heartbroken. The story of a young witch named Maude has been around for years, although according to history Maude was just a newborn when she passed. Many people have reported hearing the ghost of 9-year-old Hannah Tracy Huntington at this 341-year-old inn-turned-tavern-turned-museum. Select State: News & Info. Its got some beautiful and seriously underrated hikes. After the beheading of their father, the Dudley's fled to America in hopes of escaping the curse. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. It was an unmanned radar station for those 11 years as part of the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) Air Defense Network. Because of this, this trail is one of the most famous haunted hikes in the world, with rich history surrounding the Pine Barrens as a whole. Sailors removed the figurehead from the bow of the Lady Lancashire for repair before setting sail on a voyage that resulted in the ship sinking. On the trail, youll find locals on their daily strolls or walking their dogs, and you can walk all the way to Walnut Beach along the shoreline. until it was abandoned by the Civil War. Taylor Ellis grew up in southern Connecticut. If youre into historic hikes in Connecticut, the Mt. Legends grew within Bara-Hack until it was abandoned by the Civil War. Youll experience a variety of landscapes, from rocky shorelines to forests to marshy flatlands. Wadsworth Falls State Park. 4.67 miles. By dustythoughts. Elevation Gain: 232 feet. In Pomfret youll find another abandoned village. Whats left of this abandoned tunnel in Connecticut is perfect for biking and hiking, as spending time inside will expose you to cool air and give you a shady safe haven from the sun. In the 20th century, the factory was one of the largest weapon manufacturers in the country. The legend of the famous Penfield Reef Lighthouse tells of a lighthouse keeper who drowned near the lighthouse after his boat capsized in rough waters. Close to hiking & biking trails and restaurants. This is a popular trail for hiking, but you can still enjoy some solitude during quieter times of day. Some believe this place is the evilest place on earth, and many paranormal investigators have left this place running. State Parks. 10. Whether the families moved onto more fertile land for farming or something different happened, no one seems to know. Finding your new favorite haunted attractions is as easy as using our interactive map to search nearby areas. There is also a spirit that roams the grounds called "Red Eyes," who watches guests of the cemetery in the shadows. Bara-Hack was established as a settlement in the 18th century by Obadiah Higginbotham and Johnathan Randall, who came down from Rhode Island to start a community that honored their Welsh heritage. So, don't let the dark scare you. Dudleytown went a bit crazy after some paranormal experts highlighted it in the 1970s. Guests report seeing the ghost of an old sea captain who said to move things around the restaurant. Before Connecticut abolished slavery, owners of the Bush-Holley House owned slaves as servants and kitchen help. You'll receive your first newsletter soon! Did you know the story behind Dudleytown? The Pachaug State Forest is the largest in the state. The name means, breaking of bread in Welsh, in fact. According to local author Anya Seton, a ghost of a slave girl lives in the old wash house of the Bush-Holley House property. The second beach hike on our list is the Silver Sands Loop, which is located near Milford, CT. For peaceful waterfront views along a boulder-filled shoreline, the Silver Sands Loop trail is one of the best hikes in Connecticut. According to them, they found all sorts of mortuary tools in the basement, then started to experience evil and unexplained happenings in the house. Visit Rent. Perhaps the most haunted location in Connecticut, this cemetery was the subject of paranormal investiagtors Ed and Lorraine Warren's book, "Graveyard." Tarrywile Park & Mansion. Many pass by this historic shelter on the roadside of Route 6 in Farmington without a second glance. The Shade Swamp Sanctuary was opened in 1934 and abandoned in the 1960s. And the most famous curse is from Captain Kidd, who swore that whoever found his treasure buried there would suffer bad luck for the remainder of their (likely shortened) life. Directions to Greenwich, CT, and Stanton House Inn. Take the trails past this building and discover the abandoned zoo in the woods beyond. One of the best parks to visit in Connecticut features a sinister past that has a habit of ruining some peoples lives. Available April 1, 2023. They promptly buried her, but after a vision by an aunt, the family exhumed the body only to find that Hart had clawed at the top of the casket before eventually dying. I was hiking a relatively short trail with my friend up by Custer and were on our way back down the trail. , a man set on fire in the street in 1935. . Visitors report an utter and very eerie silence in the area of the old town. The Grand Trunk Trail is a beautiful and historic trail that follows an old trolley railroad. Be warned that most of these attractions are not for young children. However, you really have to decide for yourself which is more frightening. The legend says that if you put your car in neutral at the intersection of Snake Meadow Hill Road and Main Street, your car will climb up the hill. The trail is part of the growing Shoreline Greenway . It is also said to be where serial killer Michael Bruce Ross frequented in the 1980s. By purchasing an event ticket you acknowledge and grant permission to be filmed and/or photographed by Scare Crew Productions for those purposes. many avoid Downs Road even though it provides a beautiful hiking trail. There are terrors beyond your wildest nightmares lurking around every bend. This place leaves me speechless. now for rental rates and other information about this property. Acreage: 14. One of the best examples of this is Burlington, a town that is home to a former prison and a spooky cemetery in Connecticut. The first location on the list is not necessarily one of the most haunted places in CT so much as one of the most cursed. As a result, visitors report seeing ghostly soldiers both day and night. Sesame Seed. In some cases, people have reported hearing the voices of children. The state park originated in 1927 but from June 1957 to June 1968 was used as a ground defense station. 6. . may not actually be the site of one of the most haunted places in Greenwich, CT. As she walked up a hill on a curving trail, she heard the sound of rustling leaves. In 1958, the shoreline medical facility was repurposed for treating elderly patients and then later those who were mentally challenged. 6. Watch their eyes light up in wonder as you weave through Connecticuts blissful nature. The most notable curse of the three is that of Captain William Kidd, whose treasure is buried somewhere on the island. Town Hall Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:30 A.M. to 4:45 P.M. Tax Collector's Office Hours: Monday - Thursday 7:30 A.M. to 4:15 P.M. . With so many scenic areas, its no wonder this trail gets quite busy on weekends and holidays. Locals say that the trail is very haunted, with ghosts commonly seen near the two-mile mark. East Rock Park. Generally considered an easy route, it takes an average of 1 h 11 min to complete. Reports include seeing orbs, hearing screams from multiple directions at once, even shadowy figures running from tree to tree. Shelton. One guest claimed to hear unexplained footsteps pacing all night long in a second floor guest room, Another woman claimed she saw the figure of a ghostly woman in an old fashioned dress looking out the window of another guest room, located directly above the figurehead. The ruins of the town are now within Gay City State Park and you can hike the trails to explore what has been left behind. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. Dont rush through the trail! Because when it comes to Dudleytown, the darkness is the least of your concerns. While you can't enter the most-haunted museum in Connecticut, all you need to know is that it houses some of the creepiest artifacts that have ever been aquired by Ed and Lorraine Warren including the one-and-only Annabelle doll. New carpets in bedrooms, laminate flooring in living and kitchen, kitchen cabinets with granite counter tops, tile flooring in bathrooms, and a fenced back yard. You can hike through this abandoned park, along designated trails. Last, but not least, check out Harkness Memorial State Park in Waterford. OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. She screamed and bolted up the hill and continued running and screaming all the way home. As the creepiest abandoned town in Connecticut, most people stay far, far away from this peculiar destination. The curse says that anyone who finds it shall be cursed with bad luck for life. Halloween has become a month-long celebration in Connecticut, especially among older kids who want to scare themselves half to death. According to local author Anya Seton, a ghost of a slave girl lives in the old wash house of the. The watchman, who first reported seeing one, described it as "a ghostie-looking man with eyes of fire and a tail 10 feet long". into the woods on trails or roads from either the Ledyard/Gales Ferry side or the Gungywamp/North Gungywamp Road side, thinking they were still in the Groton watershed area. Conservation Projects. Many were unmarked and few were relocated. This 6.5-mile trail crosses Cobble Mountain (elevation 1,380 feet) and provides breathtaking views of Catskill and Taconic mountains. Harkness Memorial State Park. Thank you! In the 20th century, the campus of Fairfield Hills State Hospital in Newtown served those who experienced severe mental illnesses. Quarry Park lies on the former site of a trap rock quarry in Rocky Hill. Visit Rent. . Landmarks and Outdoors, Hiking Trail . She is a social boss who has worked with several major sites and brands. Norwich State Hospital checks off all the boxes for your run-of-the-mill creepy, abandoned asylum. It had rosy cheeks, black eyes, and a flowing white robe over a hoop skirt. Situated in the middle of Bigelow Hollow State Park, this trail feels like a complete escape from civilization. Permanently Closed. Nothing beats a nice afternoon outing at this beloved state park. But little Halloween fans may enjoy the Pumpkin Patch . For starters, head over to Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison. Explore our hotel and hospitality jobs. The owners dont take kindly to trespassers, but you can still get your fix of haunted places in Connecticut. But the inside is still abandoned, and has been so for decades. It connects at both ends with the Farmington Canal Heritage Trail to create a frequently used 26-mile loop. One of the nicest things about this easy trail is that its got well-maintained, wide trails, perfect for all levels of hikers and for social distancing. This is a very popular area for birding, fishing, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. This road in Shelton, Connecticut, is quite pretty during the day. Finding your new favorite haunted attractions is as easy as using our interactive map to search nearby areas. This area is home to some of the most stunning botanical gardens in Connecticut. Its beautiful, its fun, its challengingand it combines all of the best things about hiking in Connecticut in one 8.9-mile stretch. What are some haunted places in Connecticut? A miner was killed here in an explosion in 1906. If youre looking to do a hiking weekend getaway, this is a fantastic area to visit! Map design by Stanton House Inn with resources from Flaticon. Though people who have walked through the park have claimed to have heard demonic voices, the state park is actually a nice spot to take a fall stroll. Many EVP sessions in the building have produced unexplained orbs of light as well as reports of shadowy figures that wander in the theaters. Shadowy figures frequently seen on the floor of the factory are believed to be the spirits of those, seeing orbs, hearing screams from multiple directions at once, even shadowy figures running from tree to tree, small cemetery established in 1790 in Naugatuck. Chapman Falls, located inside Devil's Hopyard State Park in East Haddam, is another fantastic place to visit. Over the years, guests complained of strange noises throughout the Inn: While the Homestead Inn is currently closed for renovation, you can get your ghost sightings in starting in 2023! The couple would always refuse to enter what is now the Bruce Museum, claiming that they knew they would never be able to leave. The most frightening aspect, though, was the head, which was a collection of snakes. The oldest Anglican church in Connecticut, Old Trinity Church is said to be haunted by the spirits of young girls who died in the vacinity of the church. The most common apparition is known as The White Lady.