Don't Drive Over These 5 Haunted Bridges In North Carolina Or You'll Regret It

Most ghosts appear fully clothed, some, like the Pink Lady, their wardrobe adds just as much to the story as their apparition...yet one North Carolina ghost is a bit different from the rest.

In the early 20th century, a group of young boys decided to take an evening dip in the French Broad River. Back in the day, swimsuits weren't worn as often, and for a group of young boys, it was semi-normal to get down to your skivvies, or really nothing at all, and take a summer swim to cool off. As the boys started swimming, splashing and playing in the river, they failed to realize that due to recent rains and flooding, the strong currents were causing the normally smooth French Broad to push the boys further away from their point of entry. As the sun slowly faded from the sky and darkness approached, the boys realized they were being pulled quickly to dangerous currents and rocks where Craven Street crossed the French Broad, at the same time, they realized one of their swimming companions had gone missing. The boys frantically searched to no avail and eventually authorities were called and a lantern lit search party commenced late into the night. The boy or his body was never recovered, but shortly after and to this day, something strange appears on Craven Street Bridge. It's the ghost of a young, naked boy running across the bridge. When those who spotted him called to him, he would continue to run as if he couldn't hear them, and eventually vanish into thin air. Today, the Craven Street Bridge is said to be haunted by this young boy, and he could very well be one of the only ghosts in the entire south to appear completely nude.

Located on Beaucatcher Mountain in Asheville, Helen's bridge (originally known as Zealandia Bridge) is architecturally beautiful but beyond the beauty lies a dark, haunting legend. After the death of her daughter, an inconsolable and grief-stricken Helen hung herself from the bridge. Over the years, strange occurrences started to happen. It first began with minor car trouble on the bridge, then evolved to people witnessing strange apparitions and even Helen herself. She is said to appear in a white nightgown, and sometimes might even ask you the whereabouts of her child.

Yet, it's not just Helen who haunts this bridge. People have reported witnessing strange and dark apparitions in the dense forest brush. Others have reported unexplainable scratches and bruises after leaving the bridge. One thing is for sure though, to those who go to the bridge seeking Helen, you might not see her, but you will probably have car trouble. Some have car trouble even days after visiting the bridge. The high paranormal activity here has led to several paranormal investigations of the area.

Read our whole article on Helen's Bridge here

Over the years, the Caroleen Broad River Bridge has been the sight of many suicides and deaths. Besides this, two ghosts frequently haunt the bridge, and give the phantom hitchhiker a run for her money. They're said to be the ghosts of two elderly sisters whose car drove off the bridge and were instantly killed. Today, they will ask for a ride, but instead of letting you take them to their destination, they will vanish as soon as you turn your head. Just like with any phantom hitchhiker, they prefer to hitch a ride on a dark and rainy night.

Located in Whiteville, Heartbeat Bridge has a devastating backstory behind the name. Many years ago, a young girl was murdered here, her heart was cut from her body and thrown over the bridge by her killer. Today, if you drive to Heartbeat bridge on a dark night, you might hear something strange as you approach the bridge - the sound of a beating heart. Some have reported the sound is so excruciatingly loud they have to leave the area immediately. Even those who are not easily spooked find much terror and bad energy here.

As Mary Lydia Jones and her date were on their way home from a dance, what should have been an amazing night came to a screeching halt when her date lost control on a sharp curve and crashed the car. Lydia's date died instantly, but she managed to pry herself out of the car. In the pouring rain and adorned in a blood soaked dress, Lydia begged and pleaded for passersby to help, yet she succumbed to her injuries and died shortly after. After the wreck, locals were furious and demanded a bridge be built to prevent anymore wrecks on the curve.

Today, you can visit Lydia's Bridge in Jamestown. Go on a rainy night when there's a full moon, venture to the tunnel and there you will see Lydia trying to flag down a ride. Known as the 'phantom hitchhiker,' stories revolve around Lydia hitching a ride, sitting in the backseat and asking the driver to take her to High Point because her mother will be worried. Once the driver reaches the destination, Lydia will mysteriously vanish. For drivers that have gone to the door, an elderly woman answers and tells them her daughter died in a wreck many years ago.

Learn more about Lydia's Bridge and hear stories from those who have seen her by watching this Youtube video by Alex Nelson below.