Published Jul 4, 2018

9 Hidden Gems To Explore In North Carolina When You Think You’ve Done It All

Discover nine unique and exciting places to visit in North Carolina, ranging from parks and farms to museums and trails.

Published Jul 4, 2018

Written by

Robin Jarvis

Experiences

Updated Aug 12, 2024

The Abandoned Henry River Mill Village In North Carolina Is One Of The Eeriest Places In America

Henry River Mill Village in North Carolina is an abandoned textile village known for its historical significance and paranormal investigations.

Updated Aug 12, 2024

Written by

Carolyn Harmon

What was once a small textile village, the Henry River Mill Village, in Hickory is valuable evidence of the industrial heritage of the surrounding area. This abandoned, eerie place in North Carolina draws visitors every year for historical tours, lodging, and other events. Withstanding so much time, there are bound to be some eager voices hoping for a sympathetic ear, which is why paranormal investigations are so helpful and popular in this village. Whatever draws you into one of the eeriest places in America, you are sure to spot something to remember. Come along as we show you why you definitely must have it on your travel bucket list!

From its erection in 1905 to its proud place in the National Register of Historic Places in 2019, the Henry River Mill Village Historic District has stood the test of time.

Aerial view of a serene landscape with scattered houses surrounded by colorful autumn trees and a winding road. — Henryrivermillvillage.com

And in the end it's the people we remember, as is the case with this unique and valuable remnant. In the early 1900s, the Aderholdt and Rudisill families established the Henry River Manufacturing Co.

A large group of people, including children and adults, poses in front of a brick building with many windows. — Henryrivermillvillage.com

This cotton yarn manufacturer opened up in 1905, with worker houses, a bridge, a two-story boarding house, a power-producing dam, a brick company store, and the original three-story brick mill you see behind the loyal workers who kept the place going. Notice some of the faces belong to children.

The mill burned down in 1977, just after Wade R. Sheppard purchased the property.

Aerial view of a forested area with a partially obscured building near a lake, surrounded by trees and small structures. — Henryrivermillvillage.com

Since the tragic loss of that historic building, driving by the two-story brick company store, it is easy to see why it is now a starring feature of the abandoned, eerie place.

An abandoned building at sunset, with trees and distant structures in a serene landscape. — Henry River Mill Village/Facebook

From 1907-1917, this multipurpose building was the mill office and the upper floor was a school room and a church.

Abandoned brick building with large windows, partially obscured by fog, featuring a faded "Pastries" sign. — Henry River Mill Village/Facebook

And throughout the year, you are invited to go up its stairs and see what remains on the second floor.

A dimly lit staircase leads to a closed door, illuminated by a lantern on the steps. The walls show signs of wear. — Henry River Mill Village/Facebook

Reserve a spot for one of the intimate, hands-on paranormal investigations throughout the village, if you dare.

About 20 of the original 35 mill houses in the residential area remain.

An old, weathered house with boarded windows, surrounded by trees and bathed in warm sunlight during golden hour. — Henry River Mill Village/Facebook

You are welcome to come inside, even in the daytime.

Sunlight streams through large windows, casting shadows on a rustic, empty room with wooden floors and peeling walls. — Henry River Mill Village/Facebook

And if you are very still, you may just hear some echoes from long-ago life in the district.

In addition to paranormal enthusiasts, it has also drawn the attention of movie producers as the 72-acre village was a filming location of "District 12," "The Hunger Games."

A scenic view of a historic stone house surrounded by trees and a grassy area, with sunlight peeking through. — Henry River Mill Village/Facebook

The mill closed in 1971, but its history continues, now offering overnight accommodations, daily historic tours, and special events.

Henry River Mill Village is private property, so you must purchase an admission ticket, which you can do at the Henry River Mill Village website.

After your tour, go for an elegant meal at a historic home in Hickory. Learn all about it by reading The Restaurant In This Century-Old Vintage House In North Carolina Is A Can't Miss.

Are you ready to visit this abandoned, eerie place in Hickory, which we think is one of the best ghost towns in North Carolina? Have you already been here? If so, what was your favorite part? Have you visited any other North Carolina ghost towns? We'd love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

If you’re still in the mood for more Tar Heel State adventures, take a look at this video about Clingmans Dome:

Experiences

Updated Aug 11, 2024

This North Carolina Attraction Is Among The Most Haunted Places In The Nation

The Biltmore Estate in Asheville is renowned for its paranormal activity and historic significance.

Updated Aug 11, 2024

Written by

Robin Jarvis

Is the Biltmore haunted? North Carolina's most prominent and beloved attraction, located in Asheville, receives more than a million visitors every year. This family-owned estate inspires people as the tour allows an escape from everyday life. Since 1895, the family has welcomed guests to its 8,000 sprawling acres with breathtaking views of the mountains and the distinguished house and gardens. Let's take a look at some of the paranormal activity reported in the firsthand accounts of visitors to our beloved Biltmore, one of the most haunted places in North Carolina, and the country for that matter. Let's dive into the Biltmore Estate's dark history.

But first, here is a little background refresher.

A grand castle with a blue roof illuminated at dusk, surrounded by trees and a twilight sky. — TripAdvisor/Michael F

The Biltmore in North Carolina was constructed from 1889 to 1895 by William Henry Vanderbilt II.

In his early twenties, Vanderbilt accompanied his mother to Asheville on a visit. He fell in love with the area, of course, and decided to build a modest summer home.

A man in formal attire holds a book, standing confidently with a slight smile against a dark background. — John Singer Sargent, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

His modest little summer home would reportedly use up much of his Vanderbilt inheritance. He ended up getting married, having a daughter, and living at Biltmore until his death in 1914.

The Biltmore has 178,926 square feet of floor space. That's the equivalent of four acres inside the main house alone.

A grand staircase with ornate iron railings and a chandelier, illuminated by natural light from large windows. — TripAdvisor/LutheranLadySanDiego

Visitors touring the estate have reported many paranormal experiences, ranging from apparitions, cold spots, sensations of being pushed by something otherworldly, and strange smells — among other things.

The staircase is a common place for spotting ghosts and experiencing the haunted activity at the Biltmore Estate.

A spiral staircase with ornate railings, leading upward, framed by warm-toned walls and decorative wall art. — TripAdvisor/LutheranLadySanDiego

Many paranormal enthusiasts believe staircases are spiritual vortexes, attracting ascending (and descending!) spirits. At the Biltmore, visitor accounts of odd occurrences on the stairs soar in firsthand accounts detailed in online reports and comments.

It doesn't help matters that many of the 250 rooms found at the Biltmore have headless mannequins dressed in period clothing.

Two elegant historical dresses displayed in a vintage room with ornate decor and a decorative fireplace. — Flickr/ Amy Meredith

We're sure it only serves to confuse the unconscious mind that sees something that really isn't there.

Many people have reported seeing George Vanderbilt II in his library.

A grand library with ornate wooden shelves, plush red furniture, and a decorative chandelier. — TripAdvisor/GTSSurrey

Apparently, one of Vanderbilt's favorite rooms in the estate was his library. He could be found here admiring and reading books found in his vast collection. He's often seen browsing the books along the shelves, or sitting quietly and reading.

Other firsthand ghost sightings occur in the basement of the mansion.

A rustic kitchen with a wooden table, copper pots hanging above, and a bowl of colorful fruits. — TripAdvisor/Loveeddieable

The servants' quarters, kitchen, gym, and pool are located in the basement. Some visitors have reported seeing the staff busy preparing a meal in the kitchen.

The indoor swimming pool, located in the basement, was a popular spot for visitors to Biltmore in Vanderbilt's day.

An empty indoor pool with a diving board, surrounded by potted plants and soft lighting. — Flickr/ steviep187

Today, however, it's not popular at all. Soaring numbers of firsthand accounts say they had an overwhelming feeling of uneasiness when touring the pool area, the site of the supposed Biltmore Estate pool drowning. Some go on to say they clearly felt pure terror in the presence of someone who may have drowned during one of the parties the Vanderbilts were known to throw.

Speaking of parties...

Close-up of a lit cigar with smoke rising from the tip and ash accumulating at the end. — Flickr/Adam

Some accounts tell of the smell of a fresh cigar burning, with the pungent smoke billowing off the end. But the Biltmore is a smoke-free environment.

Others report the sense of being followed, or watched.

A spacious, elegantly furnished room with large windows, plants, and vintage furniture, featuring a cozy fireplace. — TripAdvisor/JasonTuggle

Clearly, this is something that a servant would do in an attempt to be attentive to any family member or guest. Perhaps a servant or two still linger, watching over the estate and her guests?

And then there is the tale of the orange cat.

Close-up of an orange tabby cat's striped tail on a wooden floor. — Flickr/Janine

Online accounts from witnesses report seeing a headless orange cat wandering the property from time to time. There are no accounts of who the cat belonged to, or how it lost its head.

America's largest private residence is also one of the most haunted places in the country.

A historic mansion with ornate architecture, surrounded by greenery, under a cloudy sky in black and white. — TripAdvisor/LutheranLadySanDiego

The next time someone inquires of you, "Is the Biltmore haunted?" you can inform them that the Biltmore has actually been included on numerous lists of the most haunted places in America, including a report from CBS News. Learn more about the fascinating history of the Biltmore when you watch the video below:

Well, what do you think: Is the Biltmore Estate haunted? Is there a Biltmore Estate dark history? Not everyone is tuned in to their ability to see and experience paranormal activity. Have you ever had a paranormal experience at the Biltmore? We'd love to hear about it in the comments! And for further paranormal adventures, visit Pritchard Park.

For more about the Biltmore, be sure to read Biltmore Estate: The Most Distinguished Private Place.

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9 Hidden Gems To Explore In North Carolina When You Think You’ve Done It All

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The Abandoned Henry River Mill Village In North Carolina Is One Of The Eeriest Places In America

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This North Carolina Attraction Is Among The Most Haunted Places In The Nation

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All Stories

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The Audubon Center in Kansas Where You’ll See Dozens of Bird Species in a Single Afternoon

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The Iconic Trail in Northern California Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime

The Iconic Trail in Southern California Everyone Should Hike Once in Their Lifetime