Wildwood bans after-hours visits to 2.3-mile Zombie Road
Mayor Joe Garritano says police respond to night visitors on the Rock Hollow Trail, which has been known by its spooky moniker since the 1950s.
By Alexei Brooks ·
The city of Wildwood has banned after-hours visits to a local trail.
Mayor Joe Garritano said the ban applies to Rock Hollow Trail, a path that locals have called Zombie Road since the 1950s. He noted that while the city has rules, those who ignore them often find law enforcement waiting for them instead of spirits.
Rock Hollow Trail is part of the Great Rivers Greenway network. Ann Milford, a communications coordinator, described the 2.3-mile route as paved to improve accessibility for all users. Milford added that studies indicate spending time in nature can lower stress levels. The path has a long history, starting in the late 1860s as a dirt road known as Lawler Ford.
The trail has accumulated various legends over the decades. Garritano mentioned stories of a serial killer who lived in a dilapidated shack near the trail's end. He also spoke of a woman who died on train tracks that once ran through the area, noting that residents still report seeing her ghost. The mayor said he also hears accounts of voices coming from the woods, particularly on the hillside.
Despite the official ban, some residents still attempt to visit the trail at night. Garritano acknowledged the popularity of these nocturnal excursions. When asked if he personally believes the trail is haunted, he confirmed his belief. "I think there’s definitely voices in the woods," he said. "Yes, they’re out there."
The city continues to manage the trail as a paved biking and hiking path during permitted hours.
