The isolation of Pikes Peak makes it a great setting for scary stories. There are large areas where you can be alone, and help is far away. If something strange happens, there's no one around to immediately assist you.
A group of campers went to Pikes Peak for a weekend getaway. At night, while sitting around the campfire, they heard a blood - curdling scream in the distance. They all froze. One of the campers decided to go check it out, but soon disappeared into the darkness. The others waited for a while, and when he didn't return, they went looking for him. They found his flashlight on the ground, but no sign of him. All they could hear were the howls of what sounded like some sort of wild, unknown creature.
I'm not sure about the specific scariest elements as I haven't read it. But maybe the idea of being alone on the peak and encountering a ghost is really scary.
The long and desolate stretches of Route 66 can be a factor. There are many areas where there's not much around for miles. This isolation makes people feel vulnerable, and it's easy to imagine all sorts of spooky things. Also, Route 66 has a long history with a lot of stories of people coming and going. Some of those who met bad ends might be thought to still haunt the area.
I haven't actually read 'Pikes Peak Ghost Stories' specifically, but generally, ghost stories often involve spooky apparitions. Maybe there are tales of ghosts haunting old cabins near Pikes Peak, or the spirits of long - lost miners wandering the area.
Hyde Hall has a long history, and with history often come tales of misfortune. Maybe there were accidents, or people who passed away in strange circumstances within its walls. These events over time have led to superstitions and spooky stories. For example, if there was a fire in a certain part of the hall years ago and someone died, that area might now be considered haunted. Also, the isolation of the hall in some cases can add to the scariness. It's set apart from the normal hustle and bustle of the outside world, making it seem like a place where strange things can happen undisturbed.
The fact that Waffle House is a common roadside stop for many people traveling long distances means it has a transient population. You never know who you might encounter there. The late - night hours also contribute. When it's dark outside and the only bright place around is the Waffle House, it stands out in a rather eerie way. The layout of the place, with its booths and open kitchen area, can also add to the creepiness. For example, you might see something strange in the kitchen from your booth and not be sure if it's just a normal kitchen activity or something more sinister.
The history of the area might also contribute. Maybe there were some past events, like accidents or disappearances, that have given the place an eerie reputation. Also, the natural environment - the tall trees that block out sunlight in some areas, the rocky outcrops that create strange shadows - all these can add to the spooky feeling.
The Okefenokee Swamp is a great setting for scary stories because it's vast and isolated. It's easy to get lost in there, which creates a sense of fear and helplessness. There are also a lot of unknowns - strange plants, murky waters, and hidden areas. Creatures like alligators and snakes lurk, adding to the danger.
The unknown of the deep underwater. There are many things in the ocean depths that we don't fully understand, like strange creatures and dark, unexplored areas. It gives a sense of mystery and danger.
A full house can be a great setting for a scary story because it often has many rooms and hidden spaces. These areas can hide unknown terrors. For example, an attic or basement might be a place where something creepy lurks. Also, if it's an old full house, it could have a history of bad events that add to the scariness.