This Haunting Road Trip Through North Carolina’s Ghost Towns Is One You Won’t Forget
North Carolina has plenty of amazing, eerie, and haunting ghost towns. Between dark pasts and memories of now left in the form of ruins – the explorer in all of us would love a few days to venture into the abandoned parts of North Carolina. Luckily, we’ve constructed a whole map that routes you through the most infamous ghost towns in North Carolina.
This road trip takes you through all of North Carolina’s historic, haunted, and creepy abandoned places. Stop along the way and plan other sites to see, or spread the trip out – one to the coast and another through the mountains. The road trip starts you at Brunswick Town and ends at the haunting, submerged ghost town of Judson. Buckle up; it’s going to be a scary ride!
We’re aware that these uncertain times are limiting many aspects of life as we all practice social and physical distancing. While we’re continuing to feature destinations that make our state wonderful, we don’t expect or encourage you to go check them out immediately. We believe that supporting local attractions is important now more than ever and we hope our articles inspire your future adventures! And on that note, please nominate your favorite local business that could use some love right now: https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/nominate/
The trip starts you in the Colonial Ghost town turned Civil War fort Brunswick Town / Fort Anderson. Once a thriving Colonial Town home to the first Royal Governor and popular trading port, Brunswick Town fell victim to attacks during the Revolutionary War. Many of the residents fled for safety or to more prosperous cities like Wilmington and New Bern.
Today, you can walk through the structural remains of St. Phillips Church and even see indentations where cannon balls struck the church during the Civil War. Read all about Brunswick Town and learn the full history
here.
While Henry River is now known as Hunger Game's District 12, this ghost town is an eerie reminder of an industrial past. The village had its own mill, dam, and water source, and even began to get walkways and a company store. After the mill shut down in the 1960s and eventually burned in 1977, many residents moved on to more prosperous cities and towns. When you walk through Henry River and it seems as if all the residents simply left overnight. The remains of buildings, walkways, houses...it's eerie for sure. You can choose to take a Hunger Games walking tour or explore by yourself.
Mortimer is a bit hard to find, and you might find the third destination on your list leads you down bumpy roads. This thriving mill town was destroyed by a flood of epic proportions. All surviving residents fled the town. On your stop, you'll see many skeletons of remaining buildings - like the old mill, machines, and building foundations.
Located in Yancey County on the TN/NC border, Lost Cove might be the most creepy stop on your list. You'll need a good four-wheel drive or SUV to access the remains. During its heyday, moonshining dominated the town's income, but when a boundary dispute arose, many residents left Lost Cove. The last few remained until 1958. Today, Lost Cove is a haunting place filled with the decayed remains of houses, buildings, and even a car. Bring your camera for this one!
Visiting Catalooche is a nice break from the decayed, because it's filled with beautiful scenery and recreational activities. But behind the beauty there's despair, decay and displacement. Once a thriving Cherokee hunting ground turned pilgrim settlement, over the years, the settlers found much prosperity due to fertile grounds. During the Civil War, all able men left to fight. The town was raided by Union soldiers and many residents were forced to flee in fear of their life. After the war, remaining residents returned to try and establish prosperity. Catalooche became a successful logging town and by the early 20th century, 95% of households were estimated to be selling or making moonshine. By the early 90s, the few remaining residents were forced to move or sell their land due to a strict enforcement of logging laws. You can explore this gorgeous national park and also look at the remains of a church, barns, and even a few houses hidden behind the dense greenery.
Proctor is infamous for a larger-than-life snake pulled from Lake Proctor, but you won't have to worry about too many (prob. fake) jungle-sized snakes here. Located in Swain County on Hazel Creek, Proctor nearly vanished due to the creation of Fontana Lake. The mill town was submerged and flooded to provide electricity. Proctor is an eerie place to take a stroll through the woods. You'll see brick foundations and haunting remains. It's as if the people never wanted to leave - and that energy is very present here.
While Judson is rarely, if ever, visible, Fontana Lake displaced many residents who called the area home. All in all, it's almost as if this gorgeous lake is one giant ghost town. From the
Road To Nowhere or even witnessing the remains of Judson when the lake is low, this beautiful place is full of haunting energy.
Now you’ve experienced some seriously abandoned ghost towns in North Carolina. They are gorgeous, haunting, and always memorable. Have you been to any of these destinations before?
Address: Henry River, Icard Township, NC 28602, USA
Address: Mortimer, NC 28611, USA
Address: Lost Cove, NC 28714, USA
Address: Cataloochee, NC 28785, USA
Address: Proctor, NC 28771, USA
Address: Fontana Lake, North Carolina, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center
Ghost Towns In North Carolina
May 28, 2020
Beth C.
What are the most haunted places in North Carolina?
North Carolina has an extensive history, and it stands to reason that many places throughout the state would be considered haunted. Many of the most haunted places in North Carolina are also some of the oldest places. If you’re looking to experience something paranormal, you might visit the County Squire and Liberty Hall, the Omni Grove Park Inn, the Biltmore Hotel, the Battleship North Carolina, or the Duke Mansion. Curious to learn more about the most haunted places in North Carolina? Be sure to check out our road trip to North Carolina’s spookiest spots. Be warned, though, this tour isn’t for the faint of heart!
Are there haunted battlefields in North Carolina?
It’s no secret that North Carolina experienced its fair share of tragedy during the years of the Civil War. Tragically, lives were lost on both sides of the war. Therefore, it’s not altogether surprising that North Carolina would also be home to some allegedly haunted battlefields. One of the most notorious is the Bentonville Battlefield. Visit by day and you’ll learn about the fascinating history of this battlefield. Reports indicate all kinds of paranormal activity, including phantom gunfire heard late at night. There is also a plantation home on the property which is said to be haunted by the ghost of a young girl who passed away during the war due to tuberculosis.
Can I go ghost hunting in North Carolina?
From the Appalachians to Winston-Salem, North Carolina is chock-full of haunted attractions. If you’re feeling curious — and brave — enough to embark on a paranormal investigation, you’ll find plenty of opportunities. One of these adventures is the Ghost Walk of Old Wilmington, which takes tour-goers on a thorough adventure through the town’s most tragic and haunted places. Tours vary by night, but you’re bound to leave with a newfound appreciation for Wilmington’s complicated history. One the most notorious ghosts is also a friendly one; apparently, he leaves dimes in everyone’s pockets.
Emory was born and raised in North Carolina. She enjoys writing, photography, filmmaking, travel, wine and cheese. You can find more of her work on emoryrakestraw.com
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