There seems to be no end to the unusual things you’ll encounter while hiking through the wilds of the Tar Heel State. From an old airplane crash site to a ghost town, and more, the thrill is ever-present. Set aside some time to follow an old logging road through the Pisgah National Forest to discover an old abandoned bridge in North Carolina, as well as Wildcat Falls.

The Wildcat Falls Trail travels less than a mile into the forest before reaching the Lost Bridge, a concrete bridge that crosses over a 60-foot waterfall.
Google/Gee Cee
The majority of the falls are located above the spot where the bridge crosses, making the view outstanding. You'll feel so close you may think you can reach out and touch the falls (although you technically can't).
AllTrails/Monica Loomis
If you begin your hike near the campground entrance, you'll travel over a small water crossing, so beware that your feet will get wet. And with a recent rain, the water may be moving swiftly, too.
AllTrails/Malcolm Wilbur
Much of the hike follows an old logging road, which is no longer maintained. But parts of the trail traverse the forest on skinnier paths. There's a variety of terrain on this hike.
AllTrails/Wes Hill
The whole trail, which is located just off the Blue Ridge Parkway, is a high-elevation adventure. Get ready for some spectacular peek-a-boo views, like this one!
AllTrails/Courtney Wojcik
All Trails rates this 1.4-mile (total distance) hike as easy and the elevation gain is a mere 124 feet... an unusual stat for a hike along the Parkway.
Google/Frank May
Most people should be able to complete the hike easily in under two hours.
AllTrails/Randall Bowman
Note, there's no swimming hole at the Lost Bridge, but you can dip your toes in that legendary cold Blue Ridge Mountains water in that small water crossing along the trail. As always, be careful of slippery rocks.

Have you hiked to Lost Bridge and the other abandoned bridges in North Carolina yet? If so, let us know your thoughts in the comments! For another abandoned bridge, check out this bridge to nowhere in North Carolina.

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More to Explore

The Creepiest Places in North Carolina

William Suphan | January 29, 2023

What are the most chilling abandoned places in North Carolina?

The most chilling abandoned places in North Carolina include:

  • Family Inn of America in Rowland. A tornado swept through this place and the dilapidated rooms are exposed to the elements.
  • Stonewall Jackson Reform School in Concord. Most of the furniture here is still in place. This is where troubled teens were once abused.
  • Henry River Mill. This ghost town is so chilling that it was used as a backdrop in The Hunger Games.
  • Coast Guard Station on Pea Island. This decaying ruin sits on the dunes and is a favorite for local urban explorers.

Find out more about the most chilling abandoned places in North Carolina. 

What are the scariest places in North Carolina?

The scariest places in North Carolina include:

  • The Devil’s Tramping Ground. There is a circular patch of ground 40 feet in diameter where nothing grows and the land is always bare.
  • Cry Baby Lane. There was once an orphanage nearby that burned down with children inside and their screams are said to still be heard here.
  • Payne Road. Now named Edward’s Road, this area was the site of several violent atrocities and locals have reported all kinds of paranormal activity.
  • Brown Mountain. Travelers claim to see strange glowing shapes here with many rumors as to their origin, including aliens, spirits, and marsh gas.

Discover more about the scariest places in North Carolina. 

What are the creepiest ghost towns in North Carolina?

The creepiest ghost towns in North Carolina include:

  • Mortimer. This was a booming mill town but a massive flood forced everyone to abandon their homes, and the husks of buildings can be found here.
  • Judson. When the Fontana Dam was built, this town became submerged and when the lake is low, the roofs of some buildings stick out of the water.
  • Brunswick Town. This was the site of many battles during the Revolutionary War and the Civil War and the damaged remains can be explored.
  • Cataloochee. There are decaying ruins all over this wilderness that were once part of pilgrim settlements. 

Learn more about the creepiest ghost towns in North Carolina. 

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Wildcat Falls, Lake Logan Rd, Canton, NC 28716, USA