Apparitions at Altoona's Horseshoe Curve Tunnel

The road passing through the tunnel at the base of Altoona's Horseshoe Curve is known for several ghostly apparition s, many of which involve a young Irishwoman.

Local say the young Irish lass was waiting for her husband, a railroad worker, to return from his job. Sadly, her her husband was killed and she is eternally waiting for his return while weeping uncontrollably. Those brave enough to stop their car in the middle of the dark tunnel and honk or flash their lights three times may be greeted by the sounds of the mourning Irish woman's anguished screams, scratching noises on their vehicle, and some even claim unsettling children laughter echoing through the dark confines. Some dare devils even reported finding handprints on the outside of their car windows after completing the otherworldly challenge.

Another variation on local lore tells of a White Lady who wanders the mountains west of Altoona. This ghostly figure may be the spirit of a woman who was killed in a car accident and is seeking revenge on the driver. If a motorist offers the White Lady a ride, she will ride silently in the back seat before disappearing as the car heads down the mountain grade.

The area’s rich and sometimes dangerous railroad history contributes to the ghostly folklore surrounding the Horseshoe Curve. During its construction, there was a camp of Irish workers, and on foggy nights, some claim to hear the songs of the Irish work gang near the curve. While the railroad tracks are the focus of these historical tales, the roads and tunnels below have become a breeding ground for these modern-day ghost stories.