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Burkittsville, Maryland: Spook Hill

Defying the laws of gravity and common sense, vehicles appear to roll backwards up a hill.

Address:
Gapland Rd, Burkittsville, MD
Directions:
From the downtown square in Burkittsville, drive northwest on W. Main St./Gapland Rd. You'll head uphill and see a large red barn on the left. Drive past the barn, over the crest of the hill, and almost to the bottom of the hill on the other side. Stop, put your car in neutral, and coast backward uphill. Watch out for cars coming over the hill behind you!
Hours:
Public road. Hazard flashers recommended. Use at your own risk. Local health policies may affect hours and access.
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Visitor Tips and News About Spook Hill

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Spook Hill.

Spook Hill

It worked -- pretty cool. I do suggest attempting it while facing the barn because you will be moving forward with traffic. This is safer than attempting to go backwards with the hill behind you.

[Paul Nobrega, 07/01/2016]

Spook Hill.

Spook Hill

Spook Hill is just as I remembered it as a child, intriguing and definitely worth visiting if you're in the area. Burkittsville is also the town where the movie Blair Witch Project was said to have taken place!

[Melissa Nauss, 06/14/2014]
Spook Hill

I just did this and it really works. You seem to be going uphill backwards. Just amazing!

[Rick, 03/24/2012]
Spook Hill

Have been there several times and car did appear to roll uphill. Last time there in 27 ft. motor home. Motorhome did not roll uphill but... GPS spoke in a different voice and language, and a magnet-based level that was stuck to the range hood fell/was knocked off onto floor.

[lee, 12/19/2011]

Neuberechnung...recalculando...ricalcolo...recalculant...

Spook Hill.

Spook Hill

Oh my goodness. It really works! We put the car completely in park first to make sure there was no rigging. And when we threw it in neutral, the minivan, with 7 people in it, quickly began to accelerate uphill. Well worth a side trip!

[Lisa M, 10/10/2011]

Nearby Offbeat Places

First Washington MonumentFirst Washington Monument, Middletown, MD - 7 mi.
Doug Bast's House of HistoryDoug Bast's House of History, Boonsboro, MD - 8 mi.
Official William McKinley Coffee Break MonumentOfficial William McKinley Coffee Break Monument, Sharpsburg, MD - 6 mi.
In the region:
Municipal Giant Slide - Sliding Board, Rocky Ridge, MD - 22 mi.

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