North Carolina is a beautiful state filled with history, charming small towns, and an abundance of natural wonders. However, there are some places in the Tar Heel State that will make you look twice. From unsolved natural mysteries, hills that don’t follow the rules of gravity, and a cabin covered in mugs, North Carolina is home to some true oddities. Some of these places are downright scary while others are a good time and observation of creative talent. Whether you’re looking to be fascinated, intrigued, or perhaps even spooked, you won’t be disappointed by our list of unique attractions in North Carolina. So without further ado, here are the 12 weirdest places in North Carolina:

1. Devil's Tramping Ground, near Bennett
atlasobscura.com
Our list of the weirdest places in North Carolina actually begins with someplace quite haunted. The Devil’s Tramping Ground is a 40-foot diameter circle completely absent of life. Nothing will grow here. Leave something in the circle, and legend says it will be thrown out the next day. Apparently, the devil needs plenty of room for dancing at night. Learn more about why Devil's Tramping Ground is considered one of the most haunted places in North Carolina.
2. Brown Mountain Lights
dailymail.co.uk
It is aliens, ghosts, or just some type of ‘marsh gas?’ For over 100 years, no one has solved the mystery of the Brown Mountain Lights. Appearing after sunset, the lights change in size, color, and shape. Legends link the lights to ‘ghost maidens’ searching for their loved ones after a great battle of The Cherokee and Catawba. See them for yourself. Check out this footage of the Brown Mountain Lights.
3. Judaculla Rock, Sylva
judacullarock.com
Rooted in Cherokee folklore, this mysterious rock has petroglyphs dating back to 2000 B.C. Native Americans claim it to be the work of a slant-eyed giant named Judaculla. He lived in the area, controlling all the game, and most of the inhabitants. Rather Judaculla’s footprints, a hunting map, or ancient Native American carvings, the rock is quite a mystery and has perplexed archaeologist since first discovered. Ghost stories surround the rock and an unmarked graveyard lies a few hundred feet away. You can see the rock for yourself in Sylva. Learn more about the trail that leads to Judaculla Rock.
4. The Moon-Eyed Structures
northcarolinaghosts.com
These mysterious stone structures can be found throughout the southern Appalachian region and no one knows how they came to be or who built them. One theory is that they were built by the 'moon-eyed' people whose legend starts with the Cherokee Indians. They came into contact with the ‘people’ who had extremely pale, white skin and could not see in the daylight. The moon-eyed people were completely nocturnal and lived in caves underground. Whether or not you believe in the moon-eyed people, its still mysterious how these structures came to be. Do you dare learn more about these strange rock structures?
5. Gravity Hill
waymarking.com
While some non-believers say Gravity Hill is simply an illusion, others adamantly defend the legend and the tragic story of Gravity Hill. It's said that one night on Richfield Road, a young mother and her child were driving and her car stalled. As she got out and attempted to push the car up the hill, a truck came along, hit, and instantly killed both mother and child. Today, put your car in neutral at the bottom, and you will be pushed up the hill. Also, if you put baby powder on your hood, you will see handprints when you get to the top. Learn more about the strange phenomenon of North Carolina's Gravity Hill.
6. Whirligig Park and Museum (formerly Acid Park), Wilson
Flickr / Vee
Between unique urban art, and urban legends, Acid Park is pretty interesting. Legend claims a young woman was driving home on LSD, crashed her car, and died. Her father says in her last moments, he saw what she saw, and he set out to create it with Acid Park. In truth, these "whirligigs" are told to be "driving entertainment" by creator Vollis Simpson, whose daughter is very much alive and well. Oh well, the story does add to the intrigue of this random place. And truth be told, there's no way it's not kind of creepy at night.

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7. Bentonville Battlefield, Four Oaks
Gerry Dincher/Flickr
While a popular location for Civil War reenactments, some scenes at Bentonville are reenacted by the dead. As the location of the last major battle in the Civil War, and largest land battle in North Carolina, Bentonville is a unique place to visit. Stories of phantom gunshots, cries from the woods, and distant marching have been reported in the area. With so much death and destruction, it is all but assumed some souls would still linger.
8. The Great Dismal Swamp
Flickr / Stephan Marchetti
What is beautiful by day becomes terrifying at night. This massive swamp encompasses 112,000 acres and runs through both North Carolina and Virginia. With large cypress trees, miles of swampland, and dark water disappearing into the distance, it’s easy to see why this beautiful, mysterious landscape inspired Harriet Beecher Stowe; whose novel focused on the stories of runaway slaves named Maroons inhabiting the area. While popular for water sports during the day, between the ghost stories and the wildlife, you wouldn't want to be left by myself here at night. Do you agree that the Great Dismal Swamp is truly otherworldly?
9. Shangri-la Stone Village, Prospect Hill
roadarch.com
Using rock blasted from his own land, Henry L. Warren set out to create this gnome-sized village after his retirement. Henry would work tirelessly with a cigarette in his mouth and a Coke in his hand. Over nine years, he created the Shangri-La Stone Village which included a theatre, a gym, a hotel, and even a water tower. Sadly, Henry was working on a hospital at the time of his death. This little slice of history remains in good condition and can still be viewed. Just follow the arrowhead path constructed by Henry himself. The Shangri-la Stone Village might be one of North Carolina's strangest attractions.
10. Creation Museum, Taxidermy Hall of Fame, and Antique Tool Museum, Southern Pines
atlasobscura.com
It seems the owners of this Christian bookstore couldn't decide on which 'theme' they were going for, so they did a bit of everything. Home to over 200 realer-than-life animals, that have won national taxidermy awards, this 'museum' is something to see. Read up on...creationism...or browse antique tools. Really, I don't think you'll find much boredom here.
11. Land of Oz Theme Park, Beech Mountain
emeraldmtn.com
The Land of Oz Theme Park was added to Beech Mountain as a unique idea to keep attracting tourism. The park was once bustling, but slowly interest faded and the park eventually was forced to close its doors. Today, the Wizard of Oz theme park sits silently on the side of Beech Mountain. Once a year, the streets of Emerald City light up for the Autumn in Oz Event. Here's more on the magical Land of Oz Theme Park.
12. House of Mugs, Collettsville
Nancy Simas/Google Local
Who doesn't love mugs? Avery Sisk has collected over 25,000 and now proudly displays them in his cabin. You can find this attraction in Colletsvillle off of Old Johns River Road. Learn more about the Collettsville Cup House.

What did you think of our list of the weirdest places in North Carolina? Any place you would add? Tell us in the comments below!

And for a deeper dive into Shangri-La Stone Village, which easily ranks at the top of weirdest places in North Carolina, be sure to check out this feature!

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weirdest places in North Carolina

Beth C. | April 06, 2021

What are the most unique attractions in North Carolina?

When it comes to unique attractions in North Carolina, you'll find there's simply no shortage. From breathtaking beaches to the mountains, North Carolina is brimming with destinations you'll want to see. At the top of the list is the iconic Biltmore Estate. The Biltmore is considered to be the largest privately-owned home in America, and it's located in Asheville. Built by George Vanderbilt, this 8,000-acre estate is one of the most visited destinations on the East Coast. From the sprawling gardens to the lavishly decorated interior, every corner of the Biltmore Estate is bound to impress. Plus, there's even a winery onsite that's become the most-visited winery in the entire country. So how big is the Biltmore mansion? It measures 178,926 square feet and contains no less than 250 rooms. Learn more about planning your visit to the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina.

What are the best day trips in North Carolina?

You could easily spend an entire lifetime exploring all that North Carolina has to offer. Whether you prefer spending time in the great outdoors or wandering galleries and museums, the Tar Heel State is filled with fascinating attractions. And, if you're planning to take a day trip, there are many places that belong on your itinerary. Beyond the Biltmore Estate, you might consider visiting Sliding Rock in North Carolina. Located near the town of Brevard, this natural waterslide has delighted generations of locals and visitors. When the weather is warm enough, folks flock to this unique attraction, where they can slide down the rock into the swimming hole below. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, there are lifeguards on staff to facilitate. Here's more on why Sliding Rock is the best natural waterslide in North Carolina.

Does North Carolina have any hidden gems?

North Carolina is home to countless hidden gems, which can be found in just about every corner of the state. At the top of the list of the best hidden gems in North Carolina is a place known as Lake Glenville. This body of water is 3,500 feet above sea level and surrounded by beautiful mountains. The 1,500-acre reservoir contains some of the cleanest and most pristine water in the entire state. If you're looking for an unforgettable adventure, you can hop on a boat and tour the lake's three waterfalls. Learn more about this little-known lake that's bound to become one of your favorite destinations in North Carolina. Other hidden gems in North Carolina include the Outer Banks Scenic Byway, the Road to Nowhere, and Carova Beach.

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Featured Addresses
4005 Devils Tramping Ground Rd, Bear Creek, NC 27207, USA
Judaculla Rock, Caney Fork, NC 28723, USA
Vollis Simpson Whirligig Park, 301 Goldsboro St S, Wilson, NC 27893, USA
5466 Harper House Rd, Four Oaks, NC 27524, USA
Great Dismal Swamp, North Carolina 27976, USA
Shangri-La Stone Village, 11535 NC-86, Prospect Hill, NC 27314, USA
156 NW Broad St, Southern Pines, NC 28387, USA
Land of Oz, 1 Yellow Brick Rd, Beech Mountain, NC 28604, USA
957 Mountain Brook Rd, Rougemont, NC 27572, USA
2085-2199 Old Johns River Rd, Collettsville, NC 28611, USA