The Appalachian Mountains have some of the richest history in the United States. From the Native Americans, to the pioneers, to wealthy captains of industry and their mountain houses, people have called the Appalachians home for tens of thousands of years. Naturally, our beloved old mountains provide the perfect home for a person to live a life- and possibly, an afterlife.
North Carolina alone is home to tons of creepy folklores that tell of things going bump in the night, and of spirits wandering across the Blue Ridge.
This Halloween, learn about some of the creepiest and ghoulish places in the North Carolina mountains, and maybe even be brave enough to pay one a visit.
1. The Phantom Hiker of Grandfather Mountain
Just outside of Boone, the famous Grandfather Mountain looms over Banner Elk like a quiet elderly man watching over his land. Purchased by the North Carolina State Park system in 2011, Grandfather Mountain has called hikers and wanderers from across the country to witness the ancient beauty of the Blue Ridge. But, hikers on Grandfather have reported another timeworn, but slightly more supernatural sight on the trails.
Every so often, a hiker will encounter a rugged older man walking the trails. The man wears old-fashioned hiking clothes and always keeps to himself. If approached on the trails, the man will quickly walk ahead of any other soul on the trail, and vanish into thin air. Although the man is often spotted, no one has ever spoken to him. No one knows why the mysterious man still walks the trails of Grandfather. Some think that one of the trails marks his final resting place, while others think that he loved the beauty of Grandfather so much that he stuck around in the afterlife.
2. Ghosts of the Biltmore House
The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is probably one of North Carolina’s most well-known tourist attractions. Built by George Vanderbilt, heir to the famous railroad family, in the late 1800s, the house on the estate is still the largest private home in the United States.
George and his wife Edith lived in the mansion until his death in 1914. After the house was open to the public some years later, people began reporting strange instances at the house. Sometimes, a figure with the appearance of Vanderbilt is seen in one of the sitting rooms or in the library, one of the man’s most beloved rooms. More creepily, people have reported hearing a disembodied whisper repeatedly calling “George.” Most think that this voice is Edith Vanderbilt searching the maze of rooms for her lost love.
3. The Devil’s Tramping Ground
Although this spot is not located directly in the Appalachians, The Devil’s Tramping Ground just might be NC’s most famous and disturbing paranormal spots. If you ever travel to the woods of Chatham County, be wary of stumbling upon the Tramping Ground.
Located a few miles off of a woodland trail, the Tramping Ground is a 40-foot wide circle that is devoid of any life. No grass, trees, flowers, or any plant will grow in the circle. Dogs and animals will turn and run away from the circle, and those who have had the courage to stay the night find themselves mentally distraught. More strangely, objects placed in the circle will be found thrown outside soon after. Legend has it that the devil himself paces around the circle at night and tramples everything in his path, which is why the area is said to be heavy with a malevolent supernatural feeling.
4. Pink Lady of the Grove Park Inn
Not all supernatural entities in NC are malevolent. Take the Pink Lady of the Grove Park Inn in Asheville – a kind entity who is said the be the spirit of a young woman who fell off a balcony in the hotel in the 1920s. Guests at the hotel say that they are often greeted by a pink mist or a woman in an old-fashioned pink ball gown at the hotel. Over the years, people have reported that the woman in pink pays particular attention to children and will play with them during their visits. Guests have even left notes thanking the staff for the kindness of the woman in the pink gown. Employees have become accustomed to the presence of the Pink Lady over the years, as she is now a part of the hotel’s charm.
5. The Phantom Choir of Roan Mountain
Another one of the most historic tales of the Appalachians, the legend of the Phantom Choir of Roan Mountain runs deep in the history of the Blue Ridge. For centuries, hikers that journey to the top of Roan Mountain have claimed to hear a ghostly chorus of voices traveling in the wind. Some believe that the voices are those of angels, others have claimed to hear the voices of demons and tormented souls of hell. Whatever you choose to believe, the singsong voices in the winds of Roan will send chills down your spine.
With a long and eventful history, it’s no wonder that North Carolina is home to so many creepy legends and tales of the afterlife. In the heart of the Appalachians, we’re lucky (or unlucky) to be able to be a part of such creepy history!
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Sources:
northcarolinaghosts.com
http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/devils-stomping-ground
http://www.biltmore.com/visit/biltmore-house-gardens/estate-history
Photo Sources:
http://www.candidslice.com/haunted-biltmore-my-firsthand-paranormal-tour/
biltmore.com
http://www.atlasobscura.com/places/devils-stomping-ground
omnihotels.com