Golden Gate Park is a beautiful and popular attraction in San Francisco. In fact, this is the third most visited park in the entire United States. With more than 1,000 acres to explore, you will find all sorts of true gems like lakes, meadows, and fantastic hiking trails. Stow Lake is just one of 10 lakes found in Golden Gate Park, and the Stow Lake Loop is a trail that circles this lake, making it easy to enjoy. However, what you may not know is that this loop trail is taking you around one of the most haunted lakes in Northern California. Even better? Check out the eerie haunted hike around the lake! This loop might just be one of the creepiest hikes in NorCal.

Upon first glance, Stow Lake is beautiful. Here, you can find a café, historic boathouse, rowboat rentals, and so much more. However, this lake is also the location of some pretty chilling paranormal activity.
Jesus Magana/AllTrails
The Stow Lake Loop is a 2.1-mile loop that takes you all around the beautiful Stow Lake.
D W/AllTrails
This trail is wide and easy to follow. It varies from pavement, dirt, and packed gravel, making it quite accessible and something the entire family can enjoy.
Louie Z/AllTrails
During the day, this trail is a popular place to be. Locals and tourists visit this trail to capture views of the lake and even a waterfall.
Jesus Magana/AllTrails
During your stroll, you'll likely see people in boats, bridges, and forested areas as well.
JEFF KAPLOWITZ/AllTrails

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However, don’t be surprised if you see or hear a few things out of the ordinary as you venture on one of the creepiest hikes in Northern California.
Randy Schath/AllTrails
Stories are told that in the 19th century, a woman with her young child were in a rowboat on the lake. They heard an unusual noise, and the baby was suddenly pulled in. The woman immediately jumped from the boat, trying to protect the child, only to die herself.
Mo Salimi/AllTrails
Another version of the story says that the woman was pushing her baby in a stroller. The woman became tired and sat down to rest, with the stroller sitting next to her. Another woman sat down, and the two ladies started talking. Without the women noticing, the stroller rolled away, and the baby fell into the lake. The mother spent all day and night looking and asking others if they had seen her baby. She finally jumped into the lake to search, only to never resurface.
Today, many visitors report seeing a woman, soaking wet, and frantically searching for her baby. Some individuals even claim that the woman will come up to you, asking if you have seen her baby.
Tina Schaumer/AllTrails
Some individuals have even captured images of floating orbs and other unusual items appearing around the lake. Others claim that they have seen the woman floating above the water and have heard otherworldly screeching noises in the area.
Alex Molaei/AllTrails
The deep, dark canopy only adds to the mysterious setting.
Taylor Caldwell/AllTrails
No matter whether you believe the stories or not, keep your eyes open as you explore the Stow Lake Loop. You never know what you will see and hear on one of the creepiest hikes in Northern California!
Jesus Magana/AllTrails

Have you been to Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park? Do you believe in the Stow Lake Ghost? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments! You can learn more about Stow Lake and this haunted hike on the Golden Gate Park website or grab the GPS map on AllTrails.

Hiking in NorCal is a dreamy way to spend an afternoon, and our state is full of phenomenal trails that aren’t harboring specters or evil spirits – just beautiful sights! But, if haunted places in NorCal are what you’re craving, there are plenty of paranormal hotspots to choose from. San Francisco is hiding some terrifyingly chilling corpse roads that we bet you didn’t know existed.

Next, after you’ve gotten your fill of outdoor adventures and spooky endeavors, this Tuscan villa in SF has views for days!

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Stow Lake & Related Info

Jennifer | September 08, 2023

Are there any other haunted place in Northern California?

When most people picture NorCal, towering Redwoods, pristine beaches, and incredible wineries are often the first things that come to mind. But California’s northern region definitely has its fair share of paranormal lore! Here are just a few of the most haunted places in NorCal:

  • Battery Point Lighthouse, Crescent City
  • Ferndale Repertory Theatre, Ferndale
  • Fort Humboldt Historic State Park, Eureka
  • Humboldt Brews, Arcata
  • MacCallum House. Mendocino
  • McNulty House, Crescent City
  • Redwood Coast Inn, Fort Bragg
  • Samoa, CA
  • Scotia Inn, Scotia

 

What are some fun things to do in Northern California?

From picturesque shorelines and vibrant Redwood forests to man-made wonders and everything in between, there's nowhere in the world quite like California. NorCal is particularly filled with fun, unexpected, and family-oriented things to do both by water and by land.

For a casual escape into nature with no hiking required, a botanical garden is the best place to visit! A few of the best botanical gardens in Northern California are:

 

For even more unique day trips in California, check out our official guide.

 

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Stow Lake, San Francisco, CA 94118, USA