Discover the Paranormal Piedmont on North Carolina's Haunted Trail

1 The Duke Mansion

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The Duke Mansion, an iconic historical property in Charlotte, is known for its elegant architecture and tale of death-defying love. The story goes that one-time owner Jon Avery fell in love with a writer despite already being married. Hoping to keep their love alive, Avery asked to meet at midnight one year later, promising to be there “dead or alive.” The writer arrived to be greeted by a dark figure in formal dress who mouthed the words, “Dead or alive.” She later learned Mr. Avery had died a week before their rendezvous. His spirit is known to still linger at the mansion.

• Listen to Our First in Fright Paranormal Places Episode

2 The Dunhill Hotel

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The Dunhill Hotel is known for its haunted reputation, particularly involving a man who fell to his death. Guests often report flickering lights, cold spots and the sound of footsteps. Room 906 is especially noted for paranormal activity, making it a must-visit for those interested in ghostly encounters. Despite its ghostly resident, the Dunhill Hotel offers the benefits of a prime Uptown location, with easy access to some of Charlotte's premier fine dining, cultural excursions and entertainment options.

• Go With a Guide: Queen City Ghosts

3 Madison Dry Goods

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This historic store, formerly a funeral home, is reputedly haunted by the spirits of those once prepared for burial there. Visitors have reported hearing disembodied voices, seeing apparitions and feeling cold spots. The eerie atmosphere makes Madison Dry Goods a fascinating, albeit spooky, destination.

• Listen to Our First in Fright Paranormal Places Episode

4 Brookstown Inn

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The Brookstown Inn, once a textile mill, is haunted by the spirits of former workers and a young girl. Guests often hear laughter, and see apparitions, particularly in Rooms 205 and 207. The inn’s rich history and ghostly tales provide a unique and intriguing place to rest among restless spirits.

5 Lydia’s Bridge

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Lydia’s Bridge is infamous for the ghost of a young woman in white, known as Lydia, who perished in a car accident. Drivers report picking up a hitchhiking Lydia who vanishes upon reaching the bridge, making this urban legend one that continues to captivate and spook visitors. Want to learn more about the lore? Our First in Fright Traveling Terrors episode shows how Amy Greer and her late partner, Michael Renegar, believe they may have cracked the real case behind this classic urban legend.

• Listen to Our First in Fright Traveling Terrors Episode

6 The Carolina Theatre

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The Carolina Theatre is haunted by the spirit of a little boy named Christopher, known for moving objects and making noises. Visitors and staff have experienced flickering lights, cold spots and unexplained sounds, adding a spooky dimension to this historic venue.

• Go With a Guide: Carolina History and Haunts Tour

7 The Carolina Inn

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The Carolina Inn is haunted by Dr. William Jacocks, a playful spirit known for his pranks. Guests staying in Room 256 have reported locked doors, moved furniture and flickering lights. The inn’s blend of Southern hospitality and spectral activities makes for a memorable stay.

8 Devil’s Tramping Grounds

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The Devil’s Tramping Grounds is a barren circle where nothing grows and is believed to be a place where the devil himself walks at night. Visitors have reported strange lights, eerie sounds and a sense of unease. This mysterious site continues to intrigue and deliver devilish first-hand experiences like that shared by a group of college students in our First in Fright Unexplained Phenomena episode. The Devil's Tramping Ground is located on private property requiring reservation to enter, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

• Listen to Our First in Fright Unexplained Phenomena Episode

9 Uwharrie National Forest

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Uwharrie National Forest is known for its mysterious occurrences, including sightings of ghostly figures and unexplained lights. The forest’s dense wilderness adds to the eerie ambiance, making it a hotspot for paranormal enthusiasts. Campers and hikers often report feeling watched and hearing strange noises at night, and many claim it to be the home of a hairy hominid. While exploring outdoors at Uwharrie National Forest, make sure to leave no trace so you don't end up with unfinished business!