Spooky season is upon us, and there are so many ways to experience the paranormal. Meander through haunted cemeteries and explore abandoned buildings on this creepy day trip in Connecticut. Are you ready for an eerie adventure? This itinerary is perfect for fall.
The entire drive only takes about 3.5 hours, but you can easily customize it depending on your location and schedule. To plan your trip, check out our day trip map.
1. Pequabuck Tunnel, Terryville
Our spooky day trip begins at the Pequabuck Tunnel. This 4,000-foot structure, also known as the Terryville Tunnel, is 26 feet tall and 32 feet wide. But that's not the only noteworthy aspect! According to legend, this haunted tunnel in Connecticut is inhabited by two creepy spirits. They're known to linger in the shadows near the entrance. If you happen to notice their cold, lifeless stares, the image will haunt you for weeks on end.
2. Union Cemetery, Easton
No spooky day trip would be complete without a visit to Connecticut's most haunted cemetery. Dating back all the way to the 1700s, Union Cemetery is home to a slew of otherworldly spirits. The most famous is known simply as "The Lady In White." The stories swirling around this bone-chilling specter are all a bit different, but a few things never change. She's always seen wearing a flowing white dress, and she's known to scare drivers by standing in the middle of the road.
3. Mountain Grove Cemetery, Bridgeport
P. T. Barnum designed Bridgeport Cemetery in the mid-1800s, and he is now laid to rest within the grounds. While you're not likely to encounter the ghost of this famous showman, you may see a few other eerie events. Visitors have reported hearing the cries from a young boy, even when nobody is around. Others believe the area is haunted by the ghosts of native peoples. No matter what the case is, there's no denying the spooky energy lingering throughout this cemetery.
4. Penfield Reef Lighthouse, Fairfield County
Next, journey to the south side of Black Rock Harbor and gaze out at
Penfield Reef Lighthouse. At first glance, this structure may look like any other charming New England structure, but the stories behind it will send you running for the hills. In 1916, head lighthouse keeper Frederick A. Jordan tragically died on the job. When the new lighthouse keeper stepped in, he spotted shadowy figures in Jordan's former room. And one night, he saw the log book was mysteriously opened to the page recounting Jordan's death. Even today, passersby notice odd shadows in the windows and flickering lights within the rooms. Could it be the spirit of Frederick A. Jordan coming back to check on shore?
5. Seaside Sanatorium, Waterford
Originally built as a healing center for children with tuberculosis, Seaside Sanitorium is now known for its scary ghost stories. This abandoned destination in Connecticut looks like it's straight out of a horror movie, and some visitors have experienced the terror first-hand. Paranormal investigators found shadowy figures roaming throughout the property, and others have reported a general feeling of restlessness and unease. If you visit, keep your eye out for any paranormal activity, but please note: Entering the facility is strictly off limits. Keep your ghost hunting to the perimeter of the building.
6. Jewett City Cemetery, Griswold
The stories behind Jewett City Cemetery are the stuff of nightmares. In the mid-1800s, many New Englanders were consumed with fear of the devil, and tensions were high. So when the Ray family fell victim to tuberculosis, they believed it was due to a curse. Their solution? Re-kill the dead. According to news reports from the time, the surviving family members dug up the bodies of their deceased kin and burned them to ash. If you walk through the grounds at night, you may just spot spectral images of the so-called "vampires" of Griswold, Connecticut.
Have you ever encountered a ghost in Connecticut? Share your scary stories with us in the comments below!
Subscribe to our newsletter
Get the latest updates and news
Thank you for subscribing!
