Whether you’re a believer in all things paranormal or simply a history buff, you’ll want to pay a visit to this haunted rock cliff in North Carolina. Known as Paint Rock, this more than 100-foot-tall rock cliff contains ancient pictographs believed to be as much as 5,000 years old. But that’s not all: Paint Rock is reportedly one of the most haunted places in North Carolina.

Nestled along a deep horseshoe bend in the French Broad River there's an enormous rock cliff that's splintered in all directions.
Google Maps/Alex Vega
Known as Paint Rock, it contains ancient pictographs, some of the earliest forms of written communication. Pictographs are symbols that convey words - and Paint Rock is famous for the symbols found on its' facade.
HMDB/Stanley and Terrie Howard
But finding Paint Rock is another story. The historic marker seen in the image above is placed 5.5 miles away from the site, which is 7.8 miles northwest of Hot Springs. It's actually located on Paint Rock Road, just short of the Tennessee border and right before the bridge pictured below.
Google Maps/Jeff D
For those in search of the pictographs: good luck. Paint rock is three times as long as it is tall - and it technically has more than one side.
Google Maps

Related Stories

One Of The Most Haunted Cemeteries In North Carolina Is Also The Most Beautiful

One Of The Most Haunted Cemeteries In North Carolina Is Also The Most Beautiful

 This Is The Absolute Best Town In North Carolina To Visit During The Halloween Season

This Is The Absolute Best Town In North Carolina To Visit During The Halloween Season

 The Story Behind North Carolina's Most Haunted House Is Beyond Terrifying

The Story Behind North Carolina's Most Haunted House Is Beyond Terrifying
Moreover, photos of the pictographs are hard to obtain because the symbols are simply hard to find on such a large surface. Most accounts place them high up the rock face.
NC Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
This photo shows one of the ancient pictographs found just right of the center of the image.
Paint Rock is a majestic sight to behold. In addition to the one-lane road at the base of the cliff, there's also a trail running between the road and the cliff.
Google Maps/Darlene oranglas
The history of this location and its importance to the Native Americans that once inhabited the area combined with the likely confrontations that occurred with settlers could be part of why this spot has so many paranormal vibes and the activity runs high.
Google Maps/Darlene oranglas
Plus there is actual ghost lore circulating about Paint Rock and its two water channels: Paint Rock Creek and the French Broad River.
Google Maps/Ghoste Mane
As legend has it, in days gone by nefarious beautiful maidens would lure men into the waters along Paint Rock only to drown them.
Google Maps/Brian Konutko
Some people, especially those who are keenly empathetic, get weird vibes when visiting Paint Rock. Others hear the sounds of disembodied souls or see orbs. Perhaps these are the imprints of past lives that lived and died here at Paint Rock.

Will you be adding this historic and haunted rock cliff in North Carolina to your bucket list anytime soon? Here’s more for ancient history lovers and a haunted road trip for those who love chasing ghosts!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Related Articles

Explore North Carolina

Featured Addresses
Paint Rock, NC 28743, USA