Here’s The Ultimate Terrifying North Carolina Road Trip – And It Will Haunt Your Dreams

North Carolina is filled with history and haunts. The spooky legends of our state have been passed down through generations. We hear these stories and sometimes we want to experience them for ourselves. If you’re looking for a long weekend road trip that is something different, this haunted road trip is perfect for those who love a thrill!

While the road trip takes you throughout the state, I’ll also be suggesting several haunted hotels to keep your stay (and trip) extra scary. Ready for a whole lotta spooks?

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/

1. Blackbeard's Stomping Grounds Flickr / Greg Duckworth II One of the most feared pirates in the world called North Carolina home. You can explore Blackbeard's old stomping grounds at his house and then fully experience the history at Teach's Hole. Rumor has it Blackbeard never really left this place. You might get a glimpse at his ghost!



Suggested haunted hotel - Not too far from Bath you'll find the Harvey Mansion Historic Inn in New Bern. The Inn, and its ghosts, date back to the 1800s. 2. North Carolina State Capitol Building Flickr / Allen Forest Built in 1840, the Capitol Building in Raleigh continues to be one of the best preserved pieces of history in the state. But all that history comes with some haunts too. Between the ghosts of enraged politicians and a possible murder, politics aren't the only scary subject here.



Almost all the night watchman have reported extremely bizarre encounters of the 'ghostly' kind. While it's not a place where the ghosts will jump right out, a little exploring will fill you with a haunting energy.



Suggested haunted hotel - The Carolina Inn, where former resident, Dr. William Jackocks, refuses to let the past go...especially Suite 252. 3. The Devil's Tramping Ground Flickr / Jason Horne The Devil's Tramping Ground is a mysterious circle in the woods where nothing will grow. If you leave something in the 'circle' it will have mysteriously vanished by the next day. Apparently, the Devil needs plenty of room to dance at night. This place is eerie, creepy, and deeply rooted in urban legend.



Suggested haunted hotel - The Devil's Tramping Ground, if you dare! 4. Gravity Hill Youtube Gravity Hill is located on Richfield Road. The 'hill' literally defies the laws of gravity. Legend has it a young mother and her child were killed on this road when an oncoming vehicle failed to see the woman attempting to push her stalled car up the hill. Today, your car is the one she pushes up the mysterious hill. Don't forget the baby powder. If you put it on the back your car - you'll see handprints!



Suggested haunted hotel - Keep driving! The next destination is best experienced at night! 5. Payne/Edwards Road Youtube This road in Rural Hall is terrifying at night - and for good reason. The 'real' Payne Road (Edwards Road) hides a very dark past. There are several different stories on the 'legend' of this road, but all involve gruesome murder and souls lost in terrible ways. A drive down this road at night is extremely frightening. Stop at the 'bridge' for your best chance of a ghostly encounter.



Suggested haunted hotel - The Historic Brookstown Inn, Winston-Salem, where a number of paranormal occurrences have happened to both guests and employees. 6. Brown Mountain Lights Daily Mail The Brown Mountain Lights are the one 'haunted' thing you can literally see with your own two eyes. At night, orbs of light appear in the distance, sometimes with a 'beat' accompaniment. Many have speculated the source of the lights, but fact or fiction, there's no denying they're incredibly eerie to witness.



Suggested haunted hotel - read below! 7. Grove Park Inn Flickr / steviep187 The Grove Park Inn is an extremely beautiful hotel, perfect for a weekend getaway. But your mountain escape comes included with North Carolina's most famous ghost, the Pink Lady of the Grove Park Inn. A woman who fell to her death in the hotel (some speculate pushed, others speculate suicide). Her spirit has never left the hotel. Luckily, she is a playful ghost. Your paranormal chances are high here! 8. Biltmore Estate Flickr / Smart Destinations Biltmore Estate is a beautiful day trip...but its former residents never really left their 'castle' of a home (can you blame them?). George Vanderbilt's spirit is said to still linger in his favorite room, the library. Edith can't let go of the amazing pool parties she once threw - ghostly splashing and laughing can be heard from what is perhaps the most haunted room in the house, the indoor pool.



Suggested haunted hotel - Asheville Seasons Bed and Breakfast. This quaint B&B is haunted by a former resident named Grace. Sometimes her 'ghost dog' will make an appearance. Other guests have reported Grace crawling into bed with them. A ghost who likes to cuddle? Interesting enough way to end one whirlwind of a crazy trip!

Well, that was scary! North Carolina has so many haunted, creepy destinations that you can certainly add a few in spontaneously while on this trip. Click here for map, addresses and routes.

What did you think of our list? What would you add? Do you have any personal ghost stories to share about North Carolina? Tell us in the comments!