The Stories Behind These 9 Haunted Bridges In Ohio Will Keep You Up At Night
By April Dray|Updated on September 19, 2023(Originally published August 17, 2022)
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April Dray
Author
April is the Ohio staff writer for Only in Your State. She is an Ohio native with a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from E.W. Scripps School of Journalism. With more than 10 years of writing experience and a background in news reporting for Ohio newspapers, she's published pieces in multiple print and online publications. When she's not on deadline or chasing after her toddler, she's hunting for hidden gems in Ohio or getting lost in a good book.
If you’ve lived in Ohio for more than a couple of years or so, by now you’ve probably heard a “cry baby bridge” story or two. All throughout Ohio there are haunted bridges with urban legends that are downright bone-chilling. Some of these haunted bridges in Ohio have been abandoned for several years, while others are still in use and you’re able to drive through them. (If you dare to, that is.) The following nine bridges are what we consider to be some of the most haunted bridges in Ohio — and their stories aren’t for the faint of heart.
1. Station Road Bridge (Brecksville)
Station Road Bridge, 13513 Station Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141, USA
This historic haunted bridge tucked away in Cuyahoga Valley National Park is often referred to as "Crazy Man's Hollow." Built in 1881, this steel bridge is located near a hillside that was supposedly once used to store ammunition, and locals said "you would be crazy to live there."
What was once the town of Jaite is now just a lone abandoned railroad bridge. The Jaite Paper Mill, which opened in the early 1900s, closed in 1948. Many of the residents left, and today the town of Jaite also sits in the middle of Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Former paper mill workers and residents of the town are thought to haunt the bridge.
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3. Y-Bridge (Zanesville)
Muskingum River Y Bridge, Zanesville, OH 43701, USA
Legend has it that the Licking River Ghost haunts the area surrounding the bridge by rattling the windows of nearby homes and businesses. The ghost of Dr. Isaac Fowler also supposedly haunts the bridge ever since his horse missed the Bridgeway and carried him into the river one foggy night. I don't know about you, but this creepy haunted Ohio bridge sends chills down my spine!
Looking for a "crybaby bridge near me?" The Egypt Road "Cry Baby Bridge" (pictured) isn't actually located on Egypt Road, but on an old, unusual road right off of Egypt Road in Salem near the Mahoning County line. This road and bridge is associated with a couple who once lost their child along this road while stopped at the bridge. Some say the child drowned beneath the bridge, while others say it just wandered off. Whatever the story, many say you can still hear the child's cries at night.
While this Ohio covered bridge is a charming sight to see in the daylight, it's rumored to actually be haunted by the ghost of a farmer from the 1800s who drowned in the water below the bridge while trying to cross it one night. The bridge was also allegedly built over an ancient burial mound. Whatever its backstory, this bridge certainly has a lengthy history and is the lone remaining covered bridge in Summit County.
Little remains of the abandoned coal mining town of Moonville except for a few foundations, a nearby cemetery and an old railroad tunnel—a tunnel supposedly haunted by ghosts of locals who died from being struck by passing trains. Piers just outside of the tunnel along Raccoon Creek also remain. The railroad once ran along a bridge over top of them—a dangerous bridge that created another accident-prone area where multiple people died over the years as well.
Within a unique geographical niche in north Columbus winds Walhalla Road, where it is said that passersby are haunted by a man who killed his wife before committing suicide beneath the road's bridge.
The former town of Boston Mills, more commonly known as "Helltown" has a questionable backstory or two. Its bridge is supposedly haunted by a baby who was thrown over the bridge and drowned in the Cuyahoga River. Today, this bridge also sits in the middle of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Part of this road, located in Chillicothe, goes through a haunted railroad tunnel where you can supposedly hear a baby crying if you drive through the tunnel at night with your lights off and windows down. (Something I will not try, thank you very much.)
Would you cross (or visit) any of these haunted bridges in Ohio? What other haunted bridges do you know about in the Buckeye State? Share your stories and experiences with us and be sure to check out our previous article, Here Are The 16 Best Places To Spot A Ghost In Ohio.
If you’re up for a road trip to see some of these haunted bridges in Ohio, check out our road trip essentials packing list before hitting the road!
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Haunted bridges in Ohio
Sarah M.|August 22, 2022
Are there any haunted roads in Ohio?
Most people typically associate cemeteries, old buildings, or abandoned places with being haunted, but here in the Buckeye State, we have haunted bridges, streets, roads, and even entire haunted towns in Ohio! And yes, there are haunted roads in Ohio. Among the most haunted is Buckley Road.
If you take Route 732 north out of Oxford and turn left onto the country road Buckley Road at night, you might encounter the “Phantom Motorcyclist,” who was struck by a car and decapitated one night after alcohol impaired his motor skills and crashed headlong into a barbed-wire fence.
Legend has it, that the cyclist was dating a local girl, and her parents did not approve. In order to see each other, the girl would sneak out at night after her parents were asleep and flash the porch light (or a flashlight) three times to signal the motorcyclist. Waiting down the road from the girl’s house (which is no longer standing,) he would see the flashing lights from the top of the street and drive down the hills on his motorcycle to meet up with her. But one night, he didn’t make it to her.
Today, nearby college students and other visitors frequent the area at night in hopes of encountering the ghost of the decapitated cyclist searching for his long-lost love. Many claim they've seen this ghost themselves!
