Buffalo, New York, with its deep roots in history and proximity to eerie landmarks along Lake Erie, has long been a place where ghost stories thrive. From haunted highways to mysterious cemeteries and abandoned sites, the city and its surroundings offer plenty of chilling experiences for drivers who crave more than just a scenic route. For those who love combining the thrill of the open road with a brush of the supernatural, Buffalo’s haunted roads and spooky destinations provide unforgettable adventures.
1. Delaware Road, Clarence, NY
📍 Delaware Road, Clarence, NY 14031
One of Western New York’s most infamous haunted drives, Delaware Road (Clarence, about 20 minutes from downtown Buffalo) is shrouded in legend. Locals claim ghostly children appear along the wooded stretch at night, sometimes accompanied by glowing orbs floating above the ground. Drivers have reported unexplained whispers and strange figures darting across the road. It’s an isolated, two-mile road—perfect for those who dare to face the unknown after dark.
2. Forest Lawn Cemetery Night Drive
📍 1411 Delaware Ave, Buffalo, NY 14209
Though cemeteries are inherently eerie, Forest Lawn Cemetery in Buffalo is particularly well-known for paranormal sightings. Dating back to 1849, the grounds are the final resting place of over 150,000 souls, including presidents, famous musicians, and community leaders. On misty nights, some visitors claim to see apparitions moving between the gravestones, while others hear faint singing near the burial sites.
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If you’re planning to explore Buffalo’s haunted backroads and shadowy cemeteries at night, confidence behind the wheel is key. Manual Driving Academy offers one-on-one lessons in Buffalo to help you master the stick shift—ideal for those nighttime rural drives where control and focus matter most. Gift certificates are available and never expire, making it a perfect option for adventurous drivers or as a unique gift.
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4. Goodleburg Cemetery, South Wales, NY
📍 Goodleburg Cemetery Rd, South Wales, NY 14139
Just 40 minutes from Buffalo, Goodleburg Cemetery is one of Western New York’s most chilling destinations. Dating back to the 1800s, it’s infamous for tales of a doctor who allegedly performed botched surgeries and buried victims nearby. Today, visitors report cries of babies, phantom lights, and figures in period clothing wandering among the graves. The rural roads leading to the site only add to the spooky atmosphere.
5. Rolling Hills Asylum, East Bethany, NY
📍 11001 Bethany Center Rd, East Bethany, NY 14054
About an hour’s drive from Buffalo, Rolling Hills Asylum is one of the most haunted locations in the country. Once a poorhouse and later a hospital, it’s said to house over 1,700 restless spirits. While the asylum itself offers ghost hunts and tours, the drive there is equally eerie—rural roads surrounded by fields and forests where headlights seem to vanish into darkness.
Conclusion
Buffalo’s roads and surrounding countryside are filled with stories that blur the line between history and the paranormal. Whether it’s the chilling stillness of Delaware Road, the historic gravestones of Forest Lawn, or the ghostly legends tied to rural cemeteries and asylums, every drive offers a chance to experience something unforgettable.
If you want to feel confident navigating these eerie routes—whether on a foggy rural road or the bustling streets of the city—consider booking a lesson with Manual Driving Academy. With expert instructors and lessons designed to build your skill and confidence, you’ll be ready for any drive, spooky or otherwise.
