The Haunting of Emily’s Bridge: Stowe’s Ghostly Legend



Tucked away in the picturesque town of Stowe, Vermont, Emily’s Bridge—officially known as Gold Brook Covered Bridge—is a charming yet eerie landmark shrouded in legend and ghostly tales. While the bridge appears serene and unassuming, locals and visitors alike have reported chilling encounters that suggest something—or someone—still lingers beneath its wooden beams. For decades, Emily’s Bridge has been a hotspot for paranormal activity, with numerous stories of ghostly apparitions, strange sounds, and unexplained scratches appearing on cars. But who was Emily, and why does her spirit seem to haunt this isolated crossing?

The Legend of Emily

The tale of Emily varies depending on who tells it, but most versions follow a tragic love story that ends in heartbreak and death.

A Bride’s Broken Heart

According to the most popular legend, Emily was a young woman deeply in love, but her parents disapproved of her chosen suitor. Determined to be with him, she made plans to elope, arranging to meet him at Gold Brook Bridge. However, he never arrived. Some say he got cold feet, while others claim he was caught and forced to abandon their plan. Devastated and overwhelmed with despair, Emily took her own life, hanging herself from the wooden rafters of the bridge.

A Carriage Crash?

Another version of the story suggests that Emily was rushing to meet her lover in a horse-drawn carriage when her horse spooked on the bridge, sending her plummeting to her death below. Regardless of which version is true—if any at all—the tragic tale has fueled a long history of haunted encounters at the bridge.

Ghostly Encounters at Emily’s Bridge

Visitors who dare to cross Emily’s Bridge at night have reported a wide range of paranormal experiences, many of which seem aggressive and unsettling.

Unexplained Scratches and Car Damage

One of the most common claims involves deep scratches appearing on cars that stop on the bridge. Witnesses report hearing the sound of fingernails—or claws—scraping across their vehicles, only to discover strange gouges on the paint and metal upon inspection. Some have even claimed to feel invisible hands pressing against their car, as if something—or someone—is trying to prevent them from leaving.

Disembodied Voices and Sounds

Several visitors have reported hearing:

Distant screams or cries echoing through the night.

A woman’s voice whispering or calling out a name.

Unseen footsteps approaching, only to stop suddenly.

Ghost hunters using recording devices have captured EVPs (Electronic Voice Phenomena) that seem to contain chilling messages, often whispering "help me" or "why?" in eerie, disembodied tones.

Shadowy Figures and Ghostly Touches

Some brave individuals who have walked the bridge at night claim to have seen a shadowy figure darting between the wooden beams. Others report feeling an unseen force grabbing their clothes or hair, while a few have even described feeling sharp nails running down their back—believed to be Emily’s spirit expressing her rage and sorrow.

Cold Spots and Eerie Feelings

The temperature at Emily’s Bridge is said to drop suddenly and dramatically, even on warm nights. Visitors often describe an overwhelming feeling of sadness, anxiety, or fear, as if an unseen presence is lurking nearby.

Skepticism and Theories

While many believe Emily’s Bridge is truly haunted, skeptics argue that there’s no historical record of an "Emily" dying at the bridge. Some suggest that the scratches and noises could be caused by overhanging branches, animals, or the natural creaking of the old wooden structure. However, those who have experienced Emily’s wrath firsthand remain convinced that something supernatural resides on the bridge. Paranormal investigators continue to visit, hoping to uncover definitive proof of Emily’s lingering spirit.

Visiting Emily’s Bridge

Emily’s Bridge remains a popular yet chilling destination for ghost hunters, thrill-seekers, and folklore enthusiasts. While visiting is allowed, local authorities discourage trespassing at night, and respectful behavior is encouraged.

Whether Emily’s spirit is real or merely the product of legend, one thing is certain—those who venture across Gold Brook Bridge at night rarely leave without feeling her presence. Would you dare to walk across Emily’s Bridge in the dead of night?