Background

Hells Gate Bridge: Oxford's Haunted Relic

Discover the haunted history of Hells Gate Bridge in Oxford, Alabama, where eerie legends and ghostly encounters await those who dare to visit.

4.4

Explore the eerie charm of Hells Gate Bridge in Oxford, Alabama, a historic landmark shrouded in ghostly legends. This aging truss bridge, unofficially named “Hell's Gate” by locals, carries tales of tragedy and the uncanny, making it a unique spot for thrill-seekers and history enthusiasts alike [8].

A brief summary to Hells Gate Bridge

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • The bridge is blocked off, so be prepared for a short walk to reach it [3, 5, 8, 11, 14].
  • Visit during the day for better visibility and safety, as the bridge is in a secluded area [8].
  • Be respectful of the local legends and any 'supernatural' activity you may or may not encounter [3, 4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15].
widget icon

Getting There

  • Walking

    Hells Gate Bridge is accessible by foot. From Choccolocco Park, follow the trails leading towards Boiling Springs Road. The bridge is a short walk from the park. Alternatively, park near Leon Smith Parkway and hike to the bridge. Be aware that the bridge is blocked off, and walking across it is not recommended due to its poor condition [4, 5, 11, 14].

  • Driving

    To get close to Hells Gate Bridge, drive towards Oxford Commons shopping center. From there, head towards Boiling Springs Road. Note that the bridge itself is blocked off to vehicular traffic [4, 5, 11, 14]. Limited parking is available near the bridge; consider parking at Choccolocco Park and walking the rest of the way [3, 8].

Unlock the Best of Hells Gate Bridge

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Hells Gate Bridge

Hells Gate Bridge, a weathered sentinel over Choccolocco Creek in Oxford, Alabama, is a relic of a bygone era wrapped in tales of tragedy and the uncanny [8]. Erected around 1930, this Pratt through truss bridge on what was once Boiling Springs Road carries more than rust and peeling paint; it bears a reputation as one of Alabama's most haunted spots [5, 8]. Before modern highways reshaped Oxford's landscape, this one-lane crossing linked communities south of Interstate 20 [8]. By the 1990s, newer routes siphoned off traffic, and the bridge faded into obscurity [8]. Its wooden planks warped, its metal rusted, and by the early 2000s, it was closed to vehicles [8]. Cement barricades now seal its fate as a pedestrian-only relic, though they've done little to deter the curious [4, 8]. The bridge acquired its ominous name from local lore, with two primary legends fueling its haunted reputation [8]. The most popular tale recounts a tragic incident in the 1950s, where a young couple's car plunged into Choccolocco Creek [4, 6, 9, 14]. It's said that if you stop on the bridge and turn off your lights, the ghostly couple will enter your vehicle, leaving a wet spot on the seat as evidence of their spectral presence [4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 14]. Another legend claims that if you look behind you while on the bridge, you'll see the fiery gates of Hell instead of the road you just traveled [4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 12, 15]. Despite its eerie reputation, Hells Gate Bridge also holds historical value [8]. The bridge stands as a symbol of the ingenuity and craftsmanship of the past [8]. Today, Hells Gate Bridge is a husk of its former self [8]. Its wooden deck rots, its trusses corrode, and cement blocks flanked by chain-link fencing guard both ends [3, 5, 8, 11, 14]. Still, it's reachable on foot, either from Choccolocco Park, a thriving sports hub nearby, or a quick hike off Leon Smith Parkway [3, 8].

Popular Experiences near Hells Gate Bridge

Popular Hotels near Hells Gate Bridge

Select Currency