Uncover Mountain Mysteries on North Carolina's Haunted Trail

Follow these stops in order for a quick weekend trip, or enjoy the culture of the small towns and cities you’ll discover along the way. This trail also includes spooky stays you can book to try your luck at spending an evening with things that go bump in the night.


The Omni Grove Park Inn | Brown Mountain Lights | Grandfather Mountain
Demon Dogs | Green Park Inn | Judaculla Rock | Balsam Mountain Inn

1 The Omni Grove Park Inn

Aerial of full Omni Grove Park Inn buildings and grounds, full of fall foliage with mountains in background

1 The Omni Grove Park Inn

AshevilleSee on mapSee on map

The Grove Park Inn is famously haunted by the "Pink Lady," a spectral guest who fell from a balcony in the 1920s. Her ghost, often seen as a pink mist or a woman in a flowing pink gown, is particularly active around Room 545 or when children are nearby. Guests, especially younger visitors, often report playful pranks, cold spots and flickering lights.

2 Brown Mountain Lights

2 Brown Mountain Lights

Burke CountySee on mapSee on map

The Brown Mountain Lights are mysterious orbs that appear over Brown Mountain. These lights have baffled scientists and sparked ghostly legends, from tales of Cherokee spectral widows to lantern-bearing spirits. Sightings of these unexplained lights continue to captivate and spook visitors. Some say that fall (especially after a rain) is the best time to see them – just look for the lights at several easy-to-find viewing points in the Linville Gorge area.

3 Grandfather Mountain

Person standing on mountain ridge at night with valley and starry sky

3 Grandfather Mountain

LinvilleSee on mapSee on map

Grandfather Mountain is known for its scenic beauty and eerie tales. Hikers report hearing ghostly whispers and footsteps, and some have seen a spectral hiker on the trails. The mountain's rugged terrain and misty atmosphere contribute to its spooky reputation. While exploring outdoors at Grandfather Mountain, make sure to leave no trace so you don’t end up with unfinished business!

4 Demon Dogs

Old white church surrounded by brilliant fall foliage with mountains in background

4 Demon Dogs

Valle CrucisSee on mapSee on map

St. John's Church in Valle Crucis is associated with the legend of the Demon Dogs. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly black dogs with glowing eyes, believed to be harbingers of doom. The chilling sightings add a supernatural element to this historic church.

5 Green Park Inn

5 Green Park Inn

Blowing RockSee on mapSee on map

Green Park Inn is renowned for its haunted history, particularly Room 318, which is frequented by the spirit of Laura Green. Guests report cold spots, flickering lights and sightings of Laura's ghost, making it one of the most haunted hotels in the US.

6 Judaculla Rock

6 Judaculla Rock

CullowheeSee on mapSee on map

Judaculla Rock is an ancient petroglyph site with mysterious carvings. Cherokee legends say the carvings were made by a giant named Judaculla, and some visitors report feeling an eerie presence when near the rock. The site's enigmatic nature continues to fascinate and spook visitors.

7 Balsam Mountain Inn

Exterior of white inn surrounded by green trees with Great Smoky Mountains in background

7 Balsam Mountain Inn

BalsamSee on mapSee on map

This inn has seen its fair share of beautiful weddings, musicals and meals over its 100-plus years – but its halls also might be haunted by the ghost of a murdered man. Rooms 205 and 207 are said to be the most active, with guests reporting phantom footsteps, twisting doorknobs and banging in the hallways. Some have even encountered a ghostly woman in period clothing and playful ghost children. Others, however, have stayed in tranquility, learning about the area through historical displays. Will your stay at this friendly inn be otherworldly or more serene?

 

Hear the stories behind the strange

Want to learn more about the lore along the way? Listen to the First in Fright podcast and dive deeper into the histories of these haunts.

Updated July 30, 2024
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