North Carolina is full of haunted history. But ghosts aren’t strictly limited to haunted houses or estates. Some restless spirits seem to inhabit other unexpected places, like an alley, a highway, or a bridge. Once you know a little more about what to look for, you’ll find that North Carolina’s spirits roam all around the state. For those unafraid of a potential paranormal encounter, we present you with some of the most haunted roads in North Carolina. So brace yourself, and expect the unexpected when it comes to this eerily haunted places in North Carolina.

1. Heartbeat Bridge, Whiteville
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Several years ago, an innocent young girl was murdered here. In a gruesome turn of events, her heart was said to have been cut from her body and thrown off the bridge by her killer. Today, the heartbeat persists. Even those not easily spooked find much discomfort here. As you approach the bridge, you'll begin to hear the sound of a beating heart in your ears. You might think it is just your own until the sound becomes excruciatingly loud. Several sources claim they were forced to leave the bridge due to the torment of sound.
2. Gravity Hill, Richfield
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While some non-believers say Gravity Hill is simply an illusion, others adamantly defend the legend and the tragic story of Gravity Hill. It's said that one night on Richfield Road, a young mother and her child were driving and her car stalled. As she got out and attempted to push the car up the hill, a truck came along, hit, and instantly killed both mother and child. Today, put your car in neutral at the bottom, and you will be pushed up the hill. Also, if you put baby powder on your hood, you will see handprints when you get to the top. When it comes to North Carolina's haunted roads, Gravity Hill is at the top of the list.
3. Helen's Bridge, Asheville
Flickr / Richard Butner
Located at Beaucatcher Mountain in Asheville, Helen's Bridge is rooted in legend and unexplainable occurrences. After her daughter died in a fire, the inconsolable and grief-stricken Helen hung herself from the bridge. She is said to be seen in a long gown asking the whereabouts of her child. The strangest part is that there are multiple reports of car trouble at the bridge. Whether it's a battery dying on the bridge, or something happening to the car days after, people who have visited Helen's bridge have found looming car issues during or soon after their visit. It's not just Helen, but strange and dark apparitions cited around the area. The high volume of paranormal activity around this bridge fuels much of the legend. People have described seeing monster-like figures lurking behind the dense brush. Even slaps, punches, and scratches have been reported. What is really going on here?

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4. The Demon Dog of Valle Crucis
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All ghosts aside, Valle Crucis is home to something extra terrifying. A ‘demon dog’ that chases after your car and keeps up no matter how fast you drive. Legend says if you drive past St. John's Episcopal Church, located high up in Valle Crucis, the dog will leap from behind a gravestone and chase your car. People have reported seeing the demon dog, and in demon dog fashion, it has large glowing eyes and yellow teeth.
5. Lydia's Bridge, Jamestown
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Everyone knows the story of the phantom hitchhiker named Lydia Jones. Intriguingly, the poor young girl who died in the 1920s on the way to her prom might not be named Lydia after all. Sources claim the infamous ghost who tries to hitch a ride could be named Annie L. Jackson. Either way, drive past Lydia's Bridge on a dark, rainy night, and you might find yourself giving a ride to someone from the afterlife.
6. Payne Road (Edwards Road) Rural Hall
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Growing up near Rural Hall, I've had personal experiences with Payne Road. It was tradition to drive down the spooky, dark road on an October night. Nearly every version you hear about the legend of the infamous Edward Payne is somewhat different. From sacrificing slaves in a satanic ritual, murdering his daughter for falling in love with a slave then murdering his whole family, or murdering his wife and baby girl, there is something extremely eerie about Payne Road and I don't suggest you drive down it by yourself.
7. Chicken Alley, Asheville
Flickr / mikecarrick
Chicken Alley is a small, narrow alley in downtown Asheville. But late at night, you might see a strange, dark apparition lurking there. The ghost is said to be Dr. Jamie Smith, a physician in Asheville, who was stabbed in the heart after accidentally walking into a bar brawl at Broadway's Tavern. Spotted for over 100 years, the doctor stays true to his style. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, with a long, black coat. You can even hear the tip of his cane tapping against the street.

Do you have any ghost stories, or know of any more haunted roads in North Carolina? Tell us in the comments below! For related content, you might be curious to check out this road trip to North Carolina’s ghost towns.

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Haunted Roads in North Carolina

Beth C. | August 03, 2020

What are the scariest haunted attractions in North Carolina?

After reading the above article outlining the most haunted roads in North Carolina, it probably won't surprise you to learn that the Tar Heel State is chock-full of terrifying attractions, whether they're historic or man-made. If you're looking for thrilling haunted parks in North Carolina, you'll want to check out Clayton Fear Farm, the Original Hollywood Horror Show, Panic Point, Kersey Valley Spookywoods, and the Woods of Terror. If you're looking for a spooky thrill, these man-made haunted attractions promise loads of fun (and terror).

Can I visit any abandoned places in North Carolina?

There are countless abandoned places in North Carolina, and maybe of them can be visited. One of the most famous abandoned places in North Carolina is Portsmouth Village near Ocracoke. This tidal village was established in 1753 by the North Carolina Colonial Assembly and was once a bustling port town. However, hurricane after hurricane demolished the landscape and eventually caused all residents to leave by 1971. Today, visiting Portsmouth Village, you'll notice abandoned buildings that nature is slowly reclaiming. You can learn more about experiencing this abandoned village in North Carolina.

What haunted hiking trails in North Carolina can I take?

While it's predictable to spot ghosts on eerie roads or in historic buildings, it's far less common to witness an apparition on a hiking trail. Yet here in North Carolina, it's entirely possible. Simply head to the Goldmine Loop Trail, a three-mile hike with a fascinating history. The trail meanders past beautiful scenery, but it's the abandoned tunnel that is the true cause of intrigue. The infamous Road To Nowhere speaks of promises unkept and families who were forced to leave. Today, there's something troubling about being near the bridge, and many report feeling a sense of uncertainty and despair upon arrival. You can read more about the complicated history of this haunted North Carolina hike.

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Featured Addresses
Whiteville, NC 28472, USA
Richfield, NC, USA
Asheville, NC, USA
Valle Crucis, NC 28679, USA
Jamestown, NC, USA
Rural Hall, NC, USA