A mishap on a walk that leads to a creepy, empty town deep in the woods is the perfect way to feel like you’re in a horror movie. There are still traces of a lively life in the air, along with the creepy thought that some of the people who used to live there may not have really left—maybe they’re just watching. For people who like scary and exciting things, North Carolina has a number of abandoned towns that are more than just memories and call for a unique day trip.
Lost Cove
The ghost town of Lost Cove is in Yancey County, which is on the border between Tennessee and North Carolina. Moonshining was the main source of income, but a disagreement over the land’s borders caused many of its residents to leave in search of new starts in easier-to-reach places. The last few people who lived there stayed until 1958, leaving behind Lost Cove, a scary place with broken-down houses, buildings, and even a car.
Mortimer
Once a thriving mill town, Mortimer was on the verge of being abandoned when a huge flood forced people to leave their homes. The old mill, tools, and building foundations are all that are left of buildings that used to be full of life in Caldwell County.
Proctor
Proctor was in Swain County on Hazel Creek. When Fontana Lake was made, the town was almost wiped out. The busy mill town was flooded to make power, and it is still famous for a picture of a 700-pound snake that was supposedly pulled from Lake Proctor. This picture is probably not real. Even if you’re afraid of Photoshop, Proctor gives you a creepy walk through the woods that shows you brick foundations and other frightening signs that the people who lived there didn’t want to leave.
Henry River Mill Village
Some people call Henry River “District 12” from The Hunger Games. It is a ghost town that looks like it used to be a manufacturing area. After the mill closed in the 1960s and a fire in 1977, the people who lived there left, leaving the town empty. The village is on the National Register of Historic Places because of the mill houses that are still there. People can go on a walking tour of The Hunger Games or just look around on their own.
Judson
Only when Fontana Lake gets very low does Judson’s presence become clear. Because Fontana Dam was built, this town and the others on the list are now underwater, but they still have foundations, relics, and sounds of life below the water.
Cataloochee
Cataloochee is now known for its beautiful scenery and fun things to do, but deep in its wilderness, it hides remains, sadness, and remnants. The town had problems during the Civil War, forcing people to leave who had lived there before. It had been a busy Cherokee hunting ground and later a pilgrim village. Even though people tried to make Cataloochee prosperous again, logging rules forced the few people who still lived there to leave in the early 1990s. The area is now a national park, but you can still hear the sounds of a once-thriving town.
Brunswick Town
Brunswick Town was a busy trade port and home to the first Royal Governor. It was a strong Colonial Town. But during the Revolutionary War, attacks caused the people who were still living there to leave, which almost destroyed the town. The Church and other buildings that were used during the Civil War still have fighting damage that can be seen. Even though Brunswick Town is more interesting than scary, it has its own energy that draws people who like the historical ruins—some even choose it as a unique place to get married. This particular place on the list is a bit less scary for exploring by yourself.
In conclusion
There are many abandoned ghost towns in North Carolina. Each one gives you a different look into the past. From parks with Wild West themes to colonial villages and underwater communities, these places let you get lost in history. Each ghost town has its own story, which makes them must-see places for people who are interested in mysteries from the past.