If crisp fall air, fiery foliage, and a little fright sound like your ideal adventure, it’s time to plan a haunted halloween road trip. Whether you’re a paranormal enthusiast or just love a good ghost story, hitting the road to explore America’s spookiest destinations is a perfect way to embrace the Halloween spirit.
Here’s your 2025 guide to the best haunted road trip spots in the U.S.—plus tips for planning a safe, spine-tingling rental car journey.
Jerome, Arizona
Once known as the “Wickedest Town in the West,” Jerome is a former mining town perched on the side of a mountain. Ghost stories abound at the Jerome Grand Hotel and the historic Asylum Restaurant, where many visitors report unexplained activity. Some guests say they’ve seen ghostly figures wandering the hallways or felt sudden drops in temperature without explanation. The town’s mining past adds to its eerie charm, with legends of miners who never left and spirits said to dwell in abandoned shafts. Even the town’s local tour guides have spooky stories passed down for generations.
Pro Tip: Book a rental with good brakes and handling—Jerome’s steep, winding roads are not for the faint of heart.
Bisbee, Arizona
Just a few hours from Jerome, Bisbee is another old mining town steeped in mystery. Its historic hotels and underground tunnels offer a uniquely creepy atmosphere, and guided ghost tours are available nearly every night in October. The Copper Queen Hotel is said to be home to several resident spirits, including a mischievous young boy. Wander through Brewery Gulch or the Lavender Pit Mine for an extra dose of historic chills. Visitors often report unexplained footsteps, shadowy figures, and flickering lights.
Rental Tip: Choose a vehicle with a sunroof—you’ll want to enjoy those desert skies between haunts.
Gettysburg, Pennsylvania
Known for one of the bloodiest battles of the Civil War, Gettysburg is said to be one of the most haunted places in America. Explore the battlefield at dusk or join a guided ghost walk downtown. The Farnsworth House Inn, used as a Confederate sniper post, is filled with chilling accounts of spirits and strange activity. Soldiers are said to still march the fields at night, and many visitors have captured unexplained images in photos. Ghost hunters from all over the world travel here hoping to hear distant cannon fire or voices in the wind.
Pro Tip: Choose a rental with plenty of cargo space for warm clothes and gear—the fall nights get chilly.
St. Augustine, Florida
As the oldest city in the U.S., St. Augustine boasts centuries of supernatural stories. Visit the Old Jail, Castillo de San Marcos, and Lighthouse Museum for a chilling Halloween road trip experience. The Old Jail is especially notorious for its grim history of executions and prisoner abuse, and many guests report hearing chains clinking or disembodied voices. The St. Augustine Lighthouse has also been the site of countless paranormal investigations, with tales of lighthouse keepers and children who met tragic ends.
Rental Tip: A compact SUV is great for beachside roads and urban parking.
Savannah, Georgia
Spanish moss, cobblestone streets, and stories of restless spirits make Savannah one of the South’s eeriest road trip stops. Don’t miss Bonaventure Cemetery and the haunted mansions downtown. The Sorrel-Weed House and Moon River Brewing Company are just two of the hotspots known for apparitions and cold spots. Visitors report ghostly touches, whispers, and shadow figures peering from windows. Every corner of the city seems to carry a ghost story—perfect for travelers looking for history with a haunted twist.
Rental Tip: Opt for a mid-size sedan or compact SUV—easy to maneuver through Savannah’s historic downtown while offering enough space for luggage, ghost-hunting gear, or picnic supplies if you’re making a day of it.
Tips for a Scare-Free Rental Experience
- Book Early: Fall and Halloween weekends are busy—lock in your Halloween road trip rental well in advance.
- Travel Safely: Stick to well-lit, legal roads—especially in rural or unfamiliar areas.
- Bring Essentials: Flashlights, chargers, snacks, and water can make all the difference.
- Use Navigation: Many haunted attractions are tucked away—make sure your rental has GPS or bring a reliable app – and you REALLY don’t want to get lost!
Conclusion
Whether you’re chasing ghosts or just love the thrill of spooky season, a haunted road trip can be the highlight of your fall. With the right vehicle, a little planning, and a sense of adventure, you’ll be ready to explore the eerie side of America—all from the driver’s seat.
Start your haunted journey today with AutoRentals.com—your one-stop destination for the best rental car deals and road trip inspiration.
I’ve visited a couple of the spots you mentioned. The atmosphere in Sleepy Hollow during Halloween is truly unique. But I wish you’d included more off – the – beaten – path locations.