
Highway 191 Brings Ghostly Tales To The Open Road
Us Highway 191 is known for its ghost stories and haunting history. It was once known as Highway 666 and carries a dark reputation. From haunted hitchhikers to phantom trucks, to even reports of skinwalkers, it's no wonder this highway changed its name. Locals nicknamed this highway the "Devil's Highway" after a series of paranormal activities. Even though its name has been changed, Arizona still considers it our most haunted highway.
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History of The Devil's Highway
Highway 191 was given its name in 1992 after years of backlash. It was originally called Coronado Trail. As it expanded, it received the name Highway 666 due to its relation to the famous Route 66. Its name led to a lot of superstition, and people very quickly nicknamed it "The Devil's Highway," due to the number 666's association with the devil.
This highway runs through Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado, and Texas. Since its development, there have been an unusually high number of car crashes on this road. Some people believe that the highway is haunted by the bloodshed that happened during Coronado's exhibitions, while others believe the name is what gave it its reputation. Travelers tell tales of phantom tucks, faceless hitchhikers, and even skinwalkers.
Phantom Trucks
One of the most common phenomena along Highway 191 is phantom cars. Many motoroists report seeing semi trucks driving down the highway that seemingly disappear when you get too close. Some people report seeing headlights coming at them from the other side of the highway, just for them to disappear before they pass them.
According to My Family Travels, there is also an aggressive black sedan that has been seen terrorizing drivers. Drivers on Highway 191 have reported a black sedan seemingly appearing out of nowhere, just to tailgate them until they pull over. Once these terrified drivers get out of the way, the sedan seemingly disappears. Creepy, isn't it?
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Faceless Hitchhikers
Motorists traveling along Highway 191 at night have experienced an interesting paranormal phenomenon. Many people have reported seeing a hitchhiking woman in a white dress standing on the side of the road. Drivers who stop to help her experience something very strange.
When kindhearted drivers stop, she is reported to get in the backseat silently. After a while of driving, people say they look in the review mirror to see her gone. Some stories depict her wearing a bridal dress, while others claim she was just a normal woman.
On top of the disappearing women, people have reported seeing hitchhikers along the Devils highway who do not have a face. They appear on the side of the road, thumbs extended, but have no clear facial features or eyes. and disappear when drivers get close. This weird phenomenon has been reported in numerous states through which this highway runs, but none of the reports have ever been confirmed.
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Skinwalkers and Hell Hounds
Highway 191 goes through Navajo territory. According to legend, along the Devil's Highway, people have spotted strange, unnatural beings. Drivers riding along Route 666 report seeing animals running alongside their car at impossibly fast speeds. These animals are normally reported as coyotes or wolves.
People have also reported seeing a pack of "Hell Hounds" chasing their car at high speeds, anywhere from 40 to 70 miles per hour. Eyewitnesses describe these "hell hounds" as red-eyed beasts that slash tires and scratch car doors. Whether or not tales of such creatures are real, many people have told stories of them running out of forests or appearing suddenly in the night.
Highway 191, historically named Highway 666, is a unique tale of superstition and legend. Whether or not you believe it's haunted, the Devils Highway has amazing views and tales of terror. If you ever take a trip down this highway, watch out, who knows what supernatural beings will try to follow you home.
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Gallery Credit: Nicole Caldwell & Matt Albasi
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