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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 Country Squire Restaurant, Inn & Winery | Battleship North Carolina | The Harvey
Great Dismal Swamp | The Black Pelican Restaurant | Pioneer Theater | Roanoke Island Inn
Bodie Island Lighthouse | Hatteras Lighthouse | Teach’s Hole
1 The Country Squire Restaurant, Inn & Winery
1 The Country Squire Restaurant, Inn & Winery
WarsawSee on map
The Country Squire is famous for its ghostly encounters, particularly the apparition of a woman in white. Guests and staff have experienced phantom footsteps, banging on walls and doorknobs turning on their own. The inn's guestbook is filled with firsthand accounts of these eerie occurrences, adding to its haunted allure.
2 Battleship North Carolina
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2 Battleship North Carolina
WilmingtonSee on mapThis historic battleship is renowned for its ghostly inhabitants. Visitors and staff have reported hearing unexplained footsteps, seeing shadowy figures and experiencing sudden drops in temperature. The hauntings are believed to be the spirits of sailors who served on the ship during World War II.
3 The Harvey
3 The Harvey
New BernSee on mapFrom silverware being moved to apparitions, the Harvey has become a staple of the New Bern community both because of its cozy atmosphere and its paranormal ties. Originally erected in the 1790s, guests frequently report sightings of a spectral woman in Victorian attire, lingering and walking across the second and third floors. These eerie experiences lend an air of the supernatural to this historic inn, making each visit intriguing.
4 Great Dismal Swamp
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4 Great Dismal Swamp
South MillsSee on mapThe Great Dismal Swamp is steeped in eerie legends, including the tale of "The Lady of the Lake." According to local lore, her ghostly figure appears above the swamp’s dark waters, searching for her lost lover who vanished in the treacherous bogs. Visitors have reported hearing her mournful cries and seeing her ethereal form gliding over the misty lake. These spine-chilling encounters, combined with the swamp’s dense wilderness and murky waters, make it a hauntingly intriguing destination.
5 The Black Pelican Restaurant
5 The Black Pelican Restaurant
Kitty HawkSee on mapThis historic restaurant, once a lifesaving station, is rumored to be haunted by the spirit of a former station keeper. Guests have reported seeing his apparition in the dining areas and hearing mysterious footsteps echoing through the building. Stop by and see if you might be unexpectedly joined by a ghostly dining companion.
6 Pioneer Theater
6 Pioneer Theater
ManteoSee on mapOne of the oldest family-owned movie theaters in the country, the Pioneer Theater is believed to be haunted by a former projectionist. Patrons have reported cold drafts, electrical anomalies and the sound of footsteps in the projection room, making this historic cinema a spooky spot for film enthusiasts.
7 The Roanoke Island Inn
7 The Roanoke Island Inn
ManteoSee on mapThis charming inn is said to be haunted by the friendly spirit of Roscoe Jones, a former lighthouse keeper. Visitors often experience flickering lights and sightings of Jones gazing out windows or strolling through the garden, adding a touch of the supernatural to their stay.
8 Bodie Island Lighthouse
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8 Bodie Island Lighthouse
Nags HeadSee on mapThis iconic lighthouse is not just a navigational aid but also a site of eerie legends. Visitors have reported ghostly figures, strange lights and the feeling of being watched as they climb the tower. The haunting tales add an extra layer of intrigue to this coastal landmark.
9 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
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9 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
BuxtonSee on mapThe tallest brick lighthouse in the United States, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is known for its ghostly sightings. Visitors often speak of seeing a shadowy gray man thought to be a phantom keeper and hearing mysterious sounds, especially on stormy nights. It is also home to a mysterious otherworldly cat who has greeted visitors for decades by rubbing against their leg only to then vanish into thin air.
10 Teach’s Hole
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10 Teach’s Hole
OcracokeSee on mapNamed after the infamous pirate Blackbeard, who met his end nearby, Teach’s Hole is said to be haunted by his restless spirit. Local legend tells of eerie lights and ghostly apparitions of Blackbeard searching for his head, making it a chilling spot for those interested in pirate lore. Take a short walk through a maritime forest at Springer's Point and maybe you'll encounter the great and fearsome captain yourself.
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.
