North Carolina is rich with history and with that history comes plenty of ghost stories, haunted locations, and spine-tingling tales. From the mountains of Asheville to the coastal charm of Southport, and all through the Piedmont Triad, there are incredible ghost tours that bring local history and paranormal tales to life.

This guide covers the best ghost tours and haunted walking experiences across North Carolina, organized by region. Whether you’re looking for a family-friendly fun-with-a-little-fright experience or a serious paranormal investigation, you’ll find options perfect for fall adventures and year-round spooky exploration.

If you’re favorite Ghost Tour is missing from this list, please email kodia@triadmomsonmain.com and we’ll get it added in.

Disclaimer: if you’re planning a family outing, do your research to check recommended appropriate ages for these experiences.

Asheville
Charlotte
Greensboro
Raleigh
Winston-Salem
NC Coast
Surrounding NC Cities

Best Ghost Tours in asheville, North Carolina

Asheville Terrors

One of Asheville’s longest-running ghost tour companies, Asheville Terrors offers both fun and genuinely creepy stories about the city’s haunted past.

Address: 22 S Pack Square Asheville, North Carolina
Website: https://ashevilleterrors.com/
Contact: contact@ashevilleterrors.com
Cost: Typically $15-20/person

Details:

Tour length: 60-90 minutes
Tours depart: Multiple times nightly (seasonally)
Group size: Typical 15-25 people per tour
Atmosphere: Mix of humor and genuine scares
Best for: Tweens, teens, and adults who want entertainment with their history

What You’ll Discover:

Haunted hotels (including the Battery Park Hotel—where “murder and mystery checked in”)
Downtown Asheville’s darkest historical moments
Stories of famous Asheville ghosts
Historic death and misadventure tales

Greyline Ghost Tour

A well-established ghost tour company offering themed and seasonal tours.

Address: 20 South Spruce Street, Asheville, NC
Website: https://graylineasheville.com/tours/ghost-tour/
Contact: info@graylineasheville.com

Details:

Tour length: 60 minutes
Style: Professional, theatrical presentation
Group sizes: Medium-sized groups
Seasonality: Most active fall and Halloween season

What to Expect:

Historic downtown walking route
Local paranormal legends
Stories tied to real Asheville history
Professional guides with strong storytelling

Haunted Asheville Ghost Tours

Another Asheville option offering haunted history walks through the city.

Address: 80 Broadway St, Asheville, NC 28801
Website: https://hauntedasheville.com/
Contact: shadowboxent@yahoo.com

Details:
Atmosphere: Mix of educational and spooky
Focus: Local ghost stories and paranormal history
Format: Walking tour (comfortable shoes recommended)
Suitable for: Ages 10+ recommended

Best Ghost Tours in charlotte, North Carolina

Charlotte has the largest selection of ghost tours in the state. Here are the best:

Charlotte City Tours

Address: 380 S College St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Website: https://charlottecitytour.com/
Contact: Charlottecitytours@gmail.com
Description: Join them on an unforgettable journey through the Queen City!

Charlotte Ghost Tours

Address: 101 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Website: https://www.charlottenctours.com/ghost-tours/
Contact: info@charlottenctours.com
Description: Learn about the oldest Charlotte residents who never left on our spooky haunted tours! Choose your adventure and join us for a chilling ghost tour on foot, a Segway PT, or a scooter.

Dark Belmont Walking Tours

Address: 52 Ervin Street Belmont, NC 28012
Website: https://darkbelmont.com/
Contact: darkbelmontwalkingtours@gmail.com
Description: Dark Belmont Walking Tours offers a scary, guided walking experience, exploring the darker side of Belmont, North Carolina. Murder, mayhem, and the macabre lie just beneath the surface of this seemingly sleepy Southern town! Featuring true crime, history, spooky stories, and more, Dark Belmont walks select Thursdays in October, and special dates are announced via their Instagram @walkdarkblemont. Visit darkbelmont.com for more information and to book a tour!

Ghost Walk of Davidson

Address: 416 C South Main Street, Davidson NC 28036
Website: https://www.ghostsofdavidson.com/
Contact: ghostsofdavidson@gmail.com
Description: Learn about town history, ill-fated citizens and locations as you stroll through the most spine-tingling areas of this charming town!

Nightly Spirits

Address: Dandelion Market, Charlotte, NC 28215
Website: https://nightlyspirits.com/
Contact: info@nightlyspirits.com
Description: Your costumed guide will take you on a 1.5-hour journey through the historic Charlotte area. Your walking tour will begin at a haunted bar, where you can purchase a nightcap if you would like, and while you soak up the spirits that lurk behind the bar.

Queen City Ghost Tours

Address: 3125 Eastway Dr, Charlotte, NC 2820
Website: https://queencityghosttours.com/
Contact: qctours.charlotte@yahoo.com
One of Charlotte’s most popular tour companies, known for balancing spooky stories with family-friendly fun.

Details:

Tour style: Non-violent, non-contact scary events
Group sizes: Medium groups (15-25 people)
Age recommendation: 8+ for family tours (some adult-only tours available)
Tour length: 60-90 minutes
Routes: Multiple themes available

What Makes It Great:

Family-conscious approach (no excessive gore or frightening)
Professional, entertaining guides
Mix of history and paranormal tales
Options for different comfort levels

Booking: queencityghosttours.com
Cost: Typically $15-20/person

Queen City Ghosts

Address: The Dunhill Hotel, 237 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28202
Website: https://queencityghosts.com/
Contact: contact@queencityghosts.com
Description: Feel the chill of bootlegging days past as this Charlotte ghost tour visits spooky reveals of Prohibition-era tunnels and secret speakeasies.

Southern Charm Rides

Address: 224 E. 7th Street, Charlotte, NC 28202
Website: https://www.southerncharmrides.com/
Contact: southerncharmrides1@gmail.com
Description: Take an Evening Tour with a Spooky Side! Their open-air golf carts now take you on an evening ride throughout Charlotte’s Fourth Ward areas as their guides give all the chilling details of the area’s popular ghost stories! See the Spirit Square Arts Center, the Old Settlers Cemetery (where many are said to have seen spirits wandering within!), and more from the historic and haunting Fourth Ward of the Queen City!

Southern Grace Distilleries

Address: 130 Dutch Rd, Mount Pleasant, North Carolina 28124
Website: https://www.southerngracedistilleries.com/
Contact: info@southerngracedistilleries.com
Description: At Southern Grace, they love showing off! Come learn about the history of their retired, 1929 prison campus. Or discover how they create their award-winning Conviction Bourbon. You can enjoy a cocktail in their gift shop or pick up a gift made by local artisans.

Best Ghost Tours in Greensboro, North Carolina

Carolina History & Haunts Ghost Tours

Address: 300 W. Washington Street, Greensboro, NC 27401
Website: https://www.carolinahistoryandhaunts.com/
Contact: contactus@carolinahistoryandhaunts.com
A candlelit walking tour through historic Greensboro that combines local history with ghost stories and paranormal tales.

Details:

Tour length: 60-90 minutes
Format: Candlelit walking tour (very atmospheric!)
Group size: Typical 10-20 people
Age recommendation: 10+ (younger kids with parent discretion)
Season: Year-round, with special Halloween-season tours
Meeting point: Downtown Greensboro
Atmosphere: Educational + spooky, not overly scary

What You’ll Experience:

Historic downtown Greensboro stories
Real paranormal accounts from locals
Haunted building histories
Local legends and unexplained mysteries
Beautiful atmospheric candlelit walk

Booking Tips:

Book ahead, especially for October tours
Dress warmly—walking outside with candles in fall/winter
Wear comfortable shoes
Bring a light jacket

Cost: Typically $15-18/person

Gallows, Gunpowder, & Graves of Greensboro Ghost Tour

Address: 447 W Washington Street, Greensboro, NC
Website: https://usghostadventures.com/greensboro-ghost-tour/
Contact: contact@usghostadventures.com
A tour focused on Greensboro’s darker historical moments—executions, battles, and deaths that shaped the city.

Details:

Tour focus: Grim history (well-researched and respectful)
Format: Walking tour through historic Greensboro
Length: 60-90 minutes
Best for: Teens and adults interested in dark history
Age recommendation: 13+ (some content involves death and crime)

What’s Covered:

Greensboro’s execution history
Civil War and battle sites
Murder mysteries and unsolved crimes
Historic graveyards and burial locations
Stories of those who died tragically

Booking: Check local Greensboro tour companies or tourism board
Cost: Typically $12-18/person

Best Ghost Tours in Raleigh & Surrounding Areas

Clayton Ghost Walks

Address: Horne Square, Clayton, NC 27520
Website: https://claytonghostwalks.com/
Contact: Doug Pawlak at Claytonghostwalks@gmail.com
Lantern-lit walks through historic Clayton with stories of hauntings and local legends.

Details:

Format: Lantern-lit walking tour (very atmospheric!)
Town: Historic Clayton, NC (near Raleigh)
Duration: 60-75 minutes
Age recommendation: 8+ (younger kids okay with parents)
Atmosphere: Educational + spooky, not overly scary
Guides: Local historians and tour professionals

What to Expect:

Historic Clayton building tours
Local ghost stories tied to real history
Paranormal accounts from residents
Candlelit/lantern-lit experience

Booking: Check Clayton Chamber of Commerce or local tourism info
Cost: Typically $12-15/person

Haunted Hillsoborough Tours

Address: Nash and Kollock St
Website: www.hauntedhillsborough.com
Contact: Barney Caton @ hauntedhillsborough@gmail.com or 336-538-3117
Walking tours through historic Hillsborough with paranormal stories.

Details:

Focus: Haunted buildings and local legends
Location: Historic downtown Hillsborough
Format: Walking tour
Duration: 60 minutes

Raleigh Walking Tours

Address: 200 N Blount Street, Raleigh, NC 27601
Website: https://www.raleighwalkingtour.com/raleigh-ghost-tours
Contact: raleighwalkingtours@gmail.com
Description: Join them for a spine-chilling Walking Tour, where you’ll explore eerie tales and ghostly legends in Raleigh!

The Great Raleigh Trolley

Address: 1610 Automotive Way, Raleigh, NC 27604
Website: https://www.greatraleightrolley.com/
Contact: info@greatraleightrolley.com
Description: Take a terrifying tour of Raleigh’s paranormal past and learn the dark secrets hidden in the Capital City. Far scarier than a traditional haunted tour, because all the ghost stories are based on real-life history that’s been passed down through the generations.

Tobacco Road Tours

Address: 300 Fayetteville St, Raleigh, NC 27601
Website: https://tobaccoroadtours.com/
Contact: tobaccoroadtours@gmail.com
Description: The purpose of fun is to have some! Join them!

Triangle Walking Tours

Address: 901 Poplar St, Durham, NC 27703
Website: https://www.trianglewalkingtours.com/
Contact: trianglewalkingtour@gmail.com
Description: Explore the sights of Triangle. Book a sightseeing tour!

Best Ghost Tours in Winston-Salem, North Carolina

Carolina History & Haunts Ghost Tours

Address: Summit St NW & W 5th St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Website: https://www.carolinahistoryandhaunts.com/
Contact: contactus@carolinahistoryandhaunts.com
Description: Carolina History & Haunts is a candlelit historical ghost walking tour in Charlotte, Greensboro, & Winston-Salem, North Carolina.

Old Salem Night Watchmen Tours

Address: 900 Old Salem Rd, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Website: https://www.visitwinstonsalem.com/event/old-salem-night-watchmen-tours
Contact: ttaylor@oldsalem.org or jupper@oldsalem.org
One of the Triad’s most unique ghost tour experiences, set in the historic Old Salem living history museum.

Details:

Tour format: Role-played by costumed “night watchmen” from the 1700s-1800s
Location: Historic Old Salem (a living history museum)
Duration: 60 minutes
Age recommendation: 10+ (kids 8-9 with parent okay)
Season: Seasonal (typically spring-fall)
Group sizes: Typically 15-25 people per tour
Atmosphere: Immersive, theatrical, historical

What You Experience:

Dressed guides in period costume
Stories from old Salem’s history
Paranormal tales from residents
Ghost stories tied to real historical events
Walk through beautiful restored 18th-century buildings

Why It’s Special:

Authentic historical setting (not in a modern downtown)
Professional theatrical presentation
Educational about Old Salem’s actual history
Great for families and history lovers
The period costumes add real atmosphere

Booking: oldsalem.org or call for tour schedules
Cost: Typically $15-18/person (may vary with Old Salem admission)

Pro Tip: Arrive early to explore Old Salem’s shops and museums before your tour!

Whispers, Wraiths, & Widows: Winston-Salem Walking Dead Ghost Tour

Address: S Main St, Winston-Salem, NC 27101
Website: https://usghostadventures.com/winston-salem-ghost-tour/
Contact: contact@usghostadventures.com
Another Winston-Salem paranormal experience focusing on ghost stories of the city.

Details:

Best for: Adults and older teens interested in paranormal stories
Format: Walking tour
Focus: Local paranormal tales and hauntings
Duration: 60-90 minutes

Best Ghost Tours on the Carolina Coast

Old South Tour Company

A 60-minute lantern-led walking tour through historic Southport’s haunted locations.

Details:

Location: Southport, NC (about 2 hours from Wilmington, 3+ from Triad)
Format: Lantern-led walking tour
Duration: 60 minutes
Atmosphere: Charming, atmospheric, not overly scary
Group sizes: Medium groups
Best for: Families and anyone wanting a coastal ghost tour

What You’ll See:

Historic Southport buildings and streets
Local hauntings and paranormal stories
Coastal history tied to ghost tales
Beautiful historic downtown setting

Special Note: Southport is a charming coastal town perfect for a weekend trip combining ghost tours with beach time and other attractions.

Booking: Contact Southport tourism board or tour companies directly
Cost: Typically $12-18/person

Best Ghost Tours in Surrounding Areas of North Carolina

Candlelight Ghost Tours of Wilkes

Address: 100 East Main Street, Wilkesboro, NC 28697
Website: https://wilkesheritagemuseum.com/candlelight-ghost-tours?utm_source=Haunted.Tours&utm_medium=website&utm_campaign=HauntedHouseMedia
Contact: (336) 667-3171
Description: The Candlelight Ghost Tours is a program operated as a fundraiser by and for the Wilkes Heritage Museum. Folklore and ghost tales abound in this area, passed down from one generation to the next. Join them and walk amid the history as they regale you with stories of the past – well, maybe some folks aren’t as “past” as you’d think. You might just hear the footsteps of the long dead Tom “Dooley” Dula in the jail cell he once occupied or you might spy the earthbound spirit of the little girl killed by runaway horses. It’s all here, just waiting for you.

Downtown Fayetteville Tours

Address: 472 Hay St, Fayetteville, NC 28301
Website: https://downtownfayetteville.fearticket.com/
Contact: downtownfaytours910@gmail.com
Description: Embark on a captivating adventure with Downtown Fayetteville Tours, where every street corner is rich with stories and every building echoes the memories of generations past. Join them for an immersive experience that uncovers the vibrant history of this remarkable city.

Haunting Tales – Lexington’s Ghost Tour

Address: 106 E Washington St, Lexington, VA 24450
Website: http://ghosttourlexingtonva.com/
Contact: clineunits@aol.com
Description: Walk through dark streets and alley ways and in the very footsteps of Stonewall Jackson, Robert E. Lee and his beloved horse, Traveler, as you listen to entertaining, enlightening, and eerie tales told to you by their professional tour guides.

Historic Mount Airy Ghost Tours

Address: 200 North Main Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030
Website: https://www.northcarolinamuseum.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=50&Itemid=91
Contact: 336-786-4478 or mamrh@northcarolinamuseum.org
Description: Join them for an exciting 90 minute, lantern-lit walking tour through Mount Airy’s streets and its historic past. You will hear about 13 of their “less mortal” friends and some of Mount Airy’s resting places. Tours begin at the Mount Airy Museum of Regional History, 301 N. Main Street. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your camera and umbrella, if needed.

Salisbury Ghost Walk

Address: 130 W Innes Street, Salisbury, NC 28144
Website: https://www.salisburyghostwalk.com/
Contact: salisburyghostwalk@yahoo.com
Description: The Salisbury Ghost Walk began in 2010 and covers a six-block area in downtown Historic Salisbury, North Carolina. The stories are well researched and reveal findings from present-day investigations.

Stokes County Paranormal

Address: 502 Main St, Danbury, NC 27016
Website: Stokesarts.org
Contacts: Email: stokescountyparanormal@gmail.com Ticketing Phone #: (336)593-3799 Stokes County Paranormal Phone#: (336)701-1753
Description: Stokes County Paranormal is a mother-daughter duo searching for remnants of the past. They seek out, research, investigate, and document paranormal events in an effort to connect the unexplained to documented history. With 20+ years of experience, they have been to many notable locations along the East Coast, as well as uncovering the haunts of our hometown, Danbury, NC. S.C.P. offers the Danbury Ghost Tours every October, a family-friendly event that takes you on a guided tour of the most haunted locations in Danbury. They also offer public and private Paranormal Experience Investigations (16+) year round at their Danbury Locations.

US Ghost Adventures

Address: Nationwide
Website: https://usghostadventures.com/
Contact: guestrelations@usghostadventures.com
Description: Experience the thrill of ghost hunting in over 100 cities across the US. Book a tour, stay overnight in a haunted house, or shop for ghost-themed souvenirs and equipment.

PLANNING YOUR NC GHOST TOUR ADVENTURE

Best Time to Visit

Fall (September-October): Peak season for ghost tours. Tours run most frequently, special Halloween themes available, beautiful weather, and authentic spooky atmosphere.
Halloween Weekend: Most tours have extended schedules. Book early—tours fill up fast!
Year-Round: Many tours operate throughout the year, though frequency may decrease in winter.

What to Bring & Wear

Essential Items:

Comfortable walking shoes — Most tours are 60-90 minutes on foot
Jacket or sweater — Evening tours are cooler, especially fall/winter
Flashlight or phone light — Helpful for reading historical markers and navigating
Bug spray — For outdoor tours (spring/summer/fall)
Umbrella or rain jacket — Many tours run rain or shine

What NOT to Bring:

Strollers (most tours aren’t stroller-friendly)
Very young children (age recommendations vary)
Pets (except service animals)

Family-Friendly Tips

For Younger Kids (Ages 8-10):

Choose family-friendly tours that balance history with light scares
Tours like Carolina History & Haunts and Queen City Ghost Tours are best
Ask the tour operator about age-appropriateness before booking
Position yourself near the guide for reassurance
Let kids know in advance they’re going to hear spooky stories (so they’re prepared)

For Tweens/Teens (Ages 11+):

Most tours are appropriate (just avoid the “extremely graphic horror” tours)
Teens enjoy learning local history alongside paranormal tales
Let them lead the tour experience

For Adults:

Some tour companies offer adult-only tours with more mature content
Ask about these special tours when booking

Booking Tips

Book in advance — Especially for October tours. Fall weekends sell out fast.
Check tour company websites — Most have schedules, pricing, and review information.
Read reviews — Check Google, Yelp, or TripAdvisor for recent reviews.
Confirm age requirements — Different tours have different recommendations.
Ask about cancellation policies — In case of bad weather or schedule changes.
Arrive early — Tours typically depart promptly; be there 10-15 minutes early.

FAQs About Ghost Tours in the Triad

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Are ghost tours appropriate for young children?
A: Most tours recommend ages 8-10+, but it varies. Carolina History & Haunts and Queen City Ghost Tours are most family-friendly. Always ask before booking.

Q: Do ghost tours run year-round?
A: Most tours run year-round but have more frequent tours during fall/October. Check individual companies for winter schedules.

Q: What if it rains?
A: Most tours run rain or shine. Bring an umbrella or rain jacket.

Q: How much do ghost tours cost?
A: Typical range is $12-20/person, depending on location and tour length.

Q: Are tours wheelchair accessible?
A: Most walking tours have limited accessibility. Call ahead to ask about specific routes.

Q: Can I book a private group tour?
A: Many tour companies offer private group rates. Contact them directly for pricing.

Q: What if I don’t believe in ghosts?
A: Ghost tours are as much about local history and storytelling as paranormal experiences. The history itself is fascinating!

Q: Do I need to reserve in advance?
A: Highly recommended, especially for fall/October tours. Walk-ups may not be accommodated if tours are full.

Q: Are the stories true or made up?
A: Most stories are rooted in documented local legends, eyewitness accounts, or historical events. Your guide will often let you decide what to believe.

DAY TRIP IDEAS: COMBINING GHOST TOURS WITH OTHER ACTIVITIES

Asheville Trip (2 hours from Greensboro)

Morning: Biltmore Estate or Blue Ridge Parkway
Lunch: Asheville’s vibrant restaurant scene
Afternoon: Local shops and galleries
Evening: Ghost tour

Charlotte Trip (1 hour from Triad)

Morning: Explore historic downtown or museums
Lunch: Charlotte dining
Afternoon: Shopping or additional attractions
Evening: Ghost tour (multiple options available)

Old Salem/Winston-Salem (20 minutes from Greensboro)

Afternoon: Explore Old Salem museum and historic sites
Late afternoon: Browse shops and grab dinner
Evening: Old Salem Night Watchmen Tour

Coastal Weekend (Southport)

Drive: 2-3 hours from Greensboro
Afternoon: Beach time
Evening: Ghost tour in charming Southport
Next day: Explore Southport, visit nearby attractions

TRIAD AREA RESOURCES

Looking for more spooky fall fun near the Triad?

Haunted Houses in the Triad — Haunted attractions perfect for October
Fall Activities for Families — Seasonal fun beyond the scares
Best Day Trips from Greensboro — Explore NC beyond your backyard
Fall Festivals in North Carolina — Family-friendly seasonal celebrations

BOTTOM LINE

North Carolina is packed with ghost stories, paranormal history, and incredible haunted tours. Whether you want a fun, family-friendly experience like Carolina History & Haunts in Greensboro or Old Salem Night Watchmen Tours in Winston-Salem, or you’re ready to travel to Asheville or Charlotte for a more immersive experience, there’s a ghost tour perfect for you.

Fall is the best season for ghost tours in North Carolina—the weather is beautiful, the atmosphere is perfectly spooky, and tours run frequently. Just remember to book early, wear comfortable shoes, and bring a jacket.

Happy haunting! 👻

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Have you been on a NC ghost tour? Share your favorite spooky experience in the comments!