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Follow these stops in order for a quick weekend trip, or enjoy the culture of the small towns and cities you’ll discover along the way. This trail also includes spooky stays you can book to try your luck at spending an evening with things that go bump in the night.
The Omni Grove Park Inn | Brown Mountain Lights | Grandfather Mountain
Demon Dogs | Judaculla Rock | Balsam Mountain Inn
1 The Omni Grove Park Inn
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1 The Omni Grove Park Inn
AshevilleSee on map
This inn is famously haunted by the "Pink Lady," a spectral guest who fell from a balcony in the 1920s. Her ghost, often seen as a pink mist or a woman in a flowing pink gown, is particularly active around Room 545 or when children are nearby. Guests, especially younger visitors, often report playful pranks, cold spots and flickering lights.
2 Brown Mountain Lights
2 Brown Mountain Lights
Burke CountySee on mapPlease note: The Linville Gorge Wilderness area is temporarily closed due to the impact of Hurricane Helene.
The Brown Mountain Lights are mysterious orbs that appear over Brown Mountain. These lights have baffled scientists and sparked ghostly legends, from tales of Cherokee spectral widows to lantern-bearing spirits. Sightings of these unexplained lights continue to captivate and spook visitors. Some say that fall (especially after a rain) is the best time to see them – just look for the lights at several easy-to-find viewing points in the Linville Gorge area.
3 Grandfather Mountain
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3 Grandfather Mountain
LinvilleSee on mapPlease note: Grandfather Mountain State Park is temporarily closed due to the impact of Hurricane Helene. Grandfather Mountain, home to the Mile High Swinging Bridge, is welcoming visitors.
Grandfather Mountain is known for its scenic beauty and eerie tales. Hikers report hearing ghostly whispers and footsteps, and some have seen a spectral hiker on the trails. The mountain's rugged terrain and misty atmosphere contribute to its spooky reputation. While exploring outdoors at Grandfather Mountain, make sure to leave no trace so you don’t end up with unfinished business!
4 Demon Dogs
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4 Demon Dogs
Valle CrucisSee on mapSt. John's Church in Valle Crucis is associated with the legend of the Demon Dogs. Visitors have reported seeing ghostly black dogs with glowing eyes, believed to be harbingers of doom. The chilling sightings add a supernatural element to this historic church.
5 Judaculla Rock
5 Judaculla Rock
CullowheeSee on mapJudaculla Rock is an ancient petroglyph site with mysterious carvings. Cherokee legends say the carvings were made by a giant named Judaculla, and some visitors report feeling an eerie presence when near the rock. The site's enigmatic nature continues to fascinate and spook visitors.
6 Balsam Mountain Inn
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6 Balsam Mountain Inn
BalsamSee on mapThis inn has seen its fair share of beautiful weddings, musicals and meals over its 100-plus years – but its halls also might be haunted by the ghost of a murdered man. Rooms 205 and 207 are said to be the most active, with guests reporting phantom footsteps, twisting doorknobs and banging in the hallways. Some have even encountered a ghostly woman in period clothing and playful ghost children. Others, however, have stayed in tranquility, learning about the area through historical displays. Will your stay at this friendly inn be otherworldly or more serene?
Hear the stories behind the strange
Want to learn more about the lore along the way? Listen to the First in Fright podcast and dive deeper into the histories of these haunts.
