Spook Hill

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Spook Hill, Optical illusion attraction in Lake Wales, Florida.

Spook Hill is a stretch of road in Lake Wales where vehicles appear to roll uphill when placed in neutral gear. The location sits on a sloped section of North Wales Drive between Burns Avenue and an elementary school.

The site gained attention in the 1950s as Americans discovered roadside attractions following World War II. It later earned recognition on the National Register of Historic Places.

Local folklore speaks of buried treasure and supernatural forces that have drawn curiosity seekers for generations. These stories remain woven into how residents and visitors understand the place today.

Visitors should park their vehicles at the marked spots and observe them roll when placed in neutral. The effect works best when natural sight lines to the horizon are blocked from view.

The illusion works because the surrounding landscape hides the road's true slope, tricking the brain into perceiving a different direction. What appears supernatural is actually a quirk of how human eyes and brain process visual information.

Location: Florida

GPS coordinates: 27.91200,-81.58240

Latest update: December 6, 2025 16:01

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