Spook Hill, Optical illusion attraction in Lake Wales, Florida.
The gravity hill creates an optical illusion where vehicles appear to roll uphill when placed in neutral on North Wales Drive.
The site gained recognition in the 1950s during the rise of roadside attractions following World War II, becoming a National Register Historic Place.
Local stories include tales of Captain Sasparilla's buried treasure and a giant alligator spirit influencing the gravity-defying phenomenon.
Visitors need to position their vehicles at marked spots between Burns Avenue and Spook Hill Elementary to experience the gravitational effect.
The illusion occurs when the natural horizon is blocked from view, causing cars to move contrary to perceived gravity on the sloped road.
Location: Florida
GPS coordinates: 27.91200,-81.58240
Latest update: May 27, 2025 08:46
Florida combines multiple facets: Orlando's amusement parks, the protected wetlands of the Everglades, Miami's beaches, and the Keys archipelago. This route passes through national parks, historic sites, coastal lighthouses, and botanical gardens. Visitors explore diverse ecosystems including mangrove forests, coral reefs, and natural springs. It includes natural reserves such as the J.N. Darling Wildlife Refuge in Sanibel, home to over 245 bird species across 2,800 hectares, or the Blowing Rocks Preserve in Jupiter, where waves spray seawater up to 15 meters high. Garden enthusiasts discover Bok Tower Gardens in Lake Wales with its 60-meter tower and 60-bell carillon, or the Morikami Museum in Delray Beach showcasing Japanese garden art. Cayo Costa State Park offers 14 kilometers of untouched coastlines, while Manatee Park in Fort Myers allows observing these marine mammals from November to March in warm waters.
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