If you’re from North Carolina, then you likely have heard of the Lost Colony of Roanoke, Sir Walter Raleigh’s attempt to found the first European settlement in the New World. It all but vanished and is the center of much folklore and speculation to this day. That all being said, have you ever heard of a Lost Colony of western North Carolina? Sit back and read all about a colony of Native Americans that disappeared and whose exit from our world is tied to a waterfall that reportedly has a secret door to another dimension.

The dreamy mountains of North Carolina are said to transport folks to another world but none of us really consider that could literally be true.
Google/Robert
But there's a tale that circulates in the Brevard area that tells another story.
It begins with the 85-foot Connestee Falls, an enormous roaring waterfall that somehow shields a secret door.
Google/Christina McMahon
In the first quarter of the 18th century, the British were exploring the area and came upon a small, established settlement of Native Americans.
Google/Carol Peters
When they returned some 50 years later, there was no trace of the colony.
Google/Roosevelt Leggett
The whole village was gone, every last part of it.
Legend in these parts says the Native Americans stumbled upon a secret door near or behind the waterfall and that the door led to another realm.
Google/Carol Peters
So they picked up every bit of their village and moved it, piece by piece, to the other world. Seen here, an opening in the rock near the falls.

But if you believe the entire folklore surrounding the Lost Colony of western North Carolina, then you'll believe that when one of the members of that Native American village refused to go, the opening in the rock sealed itself over. Did it? Did a new opening form?
Unfortunately, Connestee Falls and its sister falls, Batson Creek Falls, are found within the gated community of Connestee Falls near Brevard.
Google/Lisa H
Unless you know someone who lives there, you won't be exploring this secret door to another realm!
Wikipedia/Jrichar3

Did you know North Carolina has TWO Lost Colonies? Have you been lucky enough to visit Connestee Falls (the waterfall) and have you seen the opening in the rock? Let us know!

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.

Related Articles

Explore North Carolina