
The Ghosts on Elbow Road
Posted: 06.08.2021 | Updated: 06.13.2025
Elbow Road winds five miles between Chesapeake and Virginia Beach, Virginia. Its sharp curves and lack of lighting make it a notorious spot for accidents.
Despite safety improvements, crashes still happen frequently on this rural two-lane road. Many locals believe the road’s history of tragedy has left it haunted.
Visitors and residents share stories of eerie encounters and unexplained phenomena. If you’re interested in haunted roads or ghost tours in Virginia Beach, Elbow Road is a must-see.
For a deeper dive into the surrounding area’s history, join a Neptune Ghosts tour. You’ll hear chilling stories and maybe even witness something ghostly.
Is Elbow Road Haunted?
Many believe Elbow Road is haunted by spirits from its long history of accidents and tragedy. Drivers and ghost hunters have reported seeing apparitions and hearing strange noises.
The most famous legends involve two ghosts: Mrs. Woble and a little girl. These spirits are said to appear near the road’s most dangerous curves.
Whether you’re a skeptic or a believer, Elbow Road’s haunted reputation is well-known. The stories have become part of local folklore.

History of Elbow Road
Elbow Road was built as a rural connector between Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. Its winding path and narrow lanes have made it a challenge for drivers since its construction.
Elbow Road’s origins trace back to the early development of Chesapeake and Virginia Beach. The road was designed as a rural connector for farmers and local residents.
Over time, the area grew, but the road remained a narrow, winding path. Its unlit curves have long challenged drivers, especially at night.
Between 2017 and 2019, Elbow Road ranked among the most dangerous road segments in Virginia Beach. Dozens of accidents occur here each year.
The road’s rural setting and lack of development helped preserve its eerie atmosphere. Many old farms and wooded areas still border Elbow Road today.
Its isolation and dark stretches have made it a favorite spot for ghost stories. The road’s reputation as a haunted place continues to attract visitors and investigators.
In 2016, the road was closed for several months for safety upgrades. Despite these improvements, serious crashes and fatalities still happen.
The road’s reputation for danger has fueled rumors of hauntings. Some believe the spirits of accident victims linger on Elbow Road.
The lack of lighting and tight curves add to the eerie atmosphere. Many drivers avoid the road at night, especially after hearing the ghost stories.

Hauntings Along Elbow Road
Elbow Road is considered one of the most haunted roads in Virginia. Ghost hunters and locals have reported a variety of ghostly experiences.
The most common stories involve sightings of Mrs. Woble and a little girl. Both are said to appear near the road’s sharpest curves.
Some drivers claim to have seen a blood-spattered woman walking the roadside at night. Others report hearing screams or laughter from unseen sources.
Ghost hunters use equipment like thermal cameras and spirit boxes to investigate. They often capture strange images and voices during their visits.
The stories of Elbow Road’s hauntings continue to grow. Each year, new visitors add their own eerie experiences to the legend.
Mrs. Wobble: The Blood-Spattered Apparition
Mrs. Woble lived by Elbow Road’s sharpest curve, now the site of many accidents and ghostly sightings. Police found her home in disarray, with bloodstains and a cold meal, but no body.
Some say her house was torn down after her disappearance, leaving her spirit searching for home. Drivers report seeing a ghostly elderly woman, covered in blood, wandering the roadside at night.
Her name, “Woble,” is an anagram for “Elbow,” fueling speculation about her legend’s origin. Ghost investigators have captured strange voices and unexplained energy spikes near her old home.
Many believe Mrs. Woble appears suddenly, startling drivers and causing accidents on the treacherous curve. Some claim she seems desperate, as if still looking for her lost house.
Ghost tours recount her story as a warning to those who drive at night. Her presence is felt most strongly around the site of her former home.
The Little Drowned Girl: The Chilling Footprints
The little drowned girl is said to have died in Stumpy Lake near Elbow Road. Her parents vanished the same day, deepening the mystery and sorrow.
Visitors report seeing wet footprints approaching their cars, as if a child stepped from the lake. Some hear laughter or a piercing scream in the darkness.
Ghost hunters have captured childlike voices and mysterious names on audio recordings at night. The girl is described as drenched, pale, and dressed in white.
In one famous account, teens heard a scream like “Hey!” from the woods. The sound was so loud and sudden, it left them terrified.
Some believe the little girl’s spirit is restless and seeking her parents. Her story is a favorite among ghost investigators and local storytellers.
Witnesses claim she appears most often to those who stop their cars at night. Her legend warns against lingering on Elbow Road after dark.
The Unseen Watcher: The Restless Spirit
Many drivers on Elbow Road report feeling watched or followed during nighttime drives. Some have seen fleeting shadows dart across the road or heard footsteps when no one is around.
These spirits are believed to be accident victims who never left the area. Their presence is strongest near the road’s most dangerous curves and accident hotspots.
Some drivers describe sudden feelings of unease or cold chills without explanation. Others sense an invisible presence riding along, as if warning them to slow down.
Local lore suggests these restless souls linger, unable to find peace after tragic deaths. Some believe they try to protect others from suffering similar fates.
Witnesses have reported strange sensations of being touched or nudged while driving alone. These experiences often cause drivers to stop or pull over, shaken but unharmed.
Ghost investigators say the unseen watcher’s energy is subtle but persistent. Electronic devices sometimes pick up unexplained readings or faint voices near these spots.
The spirits’ intentions remain unclear—some see them as guardians, others as lost souls. Their story is shared widely during ghost tours and local storytelling events.
Many who encounter the unseen watcher feel a mix of fear and comfort. The presence serves as a chilling reminder of Elbow Road’s tragic history.
The Screaming Spirit: The Sudden Noise
Some visitors have reported hearing loud screams while driving on Elbow Road. The sound is often described as blood-curdling and coming from nowhere.
One group of friends recalled hearing a girl scream “Hey” from a distance. The noise was so loud and sudden, it left them terrified.
Ghost hunters have captured similar screams on audio equipment. The phenomenon is often attributed to the little drowned girl or other restless spirits.
The screaming spirit is a popular topic during tours. Its presence is felt most strongly after dark.
The Mysterious Names
Ghost hunters investigating Elbow Road have reported picking up strange names on their equipment. These voices are often heard through spirit boxes or digital recorders.
Some believe that the names are those of victims from accidents in that stretch of road. Others think that they are spirits, trying to communicate with the living.
The seemingly unreasonable phenomenon reinforces their image as a haunted roadway. Every investigation reveals new stories and experiences.
Haunted Virginia Beach
Elbow Road is more than just a dangerous stretch of pavement. It is a place where Virginia Beach’s past and present meet.
Its long history of tragedy and mystery has made it a magnet for ghost stories. Its haunted reputation is one of the strongest in the region.
Whether you’re drawn by tales of Mrs. Woble, the little drowned girl, or the hope of a spectral encounter, Elbow Road offers a glimpse into Virginia Beach’s ghostly side. The stories grow with each new visitor.
If you’re ready to explore haunted places in Virginia Beach, join a Neptune Ghosts tour. Discover the legends, walk the historic roads, and decide for yourself if Elbow Road is truly haunted.
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Sources:
- https://www.wtkr.com/news/is-elbow-road-really-haunted-we-wanted-to-find-out-with-the-help-of-ghost-hunters
- https://awhm.org/top-7-most-haunted-places-in-virginia-beach-va/
- https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/experiences/virginia/virginias-most-haunted-drive
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fHwDdyuP3qI&t=165
Book A Neptune Ghosts Tour And See For Yourself
From shipwrecks to shadowy sailors, this Virginia Beach ghost tour dives deep into the haunted past of this coastal city.
Pirates, witches, and phantoms—oh my! Join Neptune Ghosts and uncover stories buried deeper than the sand.