From eerie buildings to chilling trails, North Carolina has an alluring assortment of urban legends. Of course, you could pay $20 to stroll through gaudy decorations in a formulaic haunted house. But if you’ve seen one, you’ve probably seen them all. Take a trip this Halloween and see what mysterious areas North Carolina has to offer nearby.

Crybaby Lane

In your pursuit of the paranormal, stop by Raleigh’s local legend. What is now “Crybaby Lane” was once the location of a Roman Catholic orphanage in the early 20th century. In 1958, a fire emerged in a dormitory, and the inhabitants burst into flames. By the time the fire department arrived, the building was practically demolished. Months after the remnants were shoveled away, nearby residents complained of a lingering smell of smoke. According to the legend, the sulfur was so suffocating that it would inhibit breathing of those who walked through the field. Local residents would also hear screeching sounds of dying children. Those who visit the spot of the wreckage claim to smell burning woods and hear voices. One may also see a shadow guarding the entrance to the trail. Look closely and you’ll see rubble from the former orphanage.

Location: Crybaby Lane is located on Bilyeu Street off of Western Boulevard. Walk until Bilyeu reaches a dead end at the woods. Crybaby Lane is the small trail that leads to a wide-open field.  

The Devil’s Tramping Ground

One of North Carolina’s most famous spots is the “Devil’s Tramping Ground” in Bear Creek. The devil allegedly tramps around the circle in which nothing has grown in over 100 years. People who spend the night at the circle are never sane again, according to the tale. Visitors feel as if they’re being watched and report of shadow figures in the trees.

Location: 4005 Devils Tramping Ground Road, Bear Creek, NC 27207. One hour drive from campus.

The ghost of Catsburg

The deteriorating Catsburg Country Store sits among abandoned railroad tracks. While the train was in operation, a man wandering down the tracks was struck. If you visit the area at night, one can supposedly see a light appear in the woods. The train’s whistle and engine echoes in the night, though the light never moves. The legend says you can see a headless ghost at night, aimlessly looking for his head along the tracks.

Location: 1072 Old Oxford Road, Durham, NC 27704. It’s a 35-minute drive from campus.

The ghost of the governor’s mansion

According to the legend, the first governor to take residency in the North Carolina Executive Mansion never left. Former Gov, Daniel G. Fowle died in 1891, prior to completing his term. His portrait hangs in the entrance hall in the mansion. Fowle had four children, and the youngest would often climb in bed with him. He ordered an oversized bed to accommodate his son and get adequate rest. Former Gov. Robert Scott (served 1969-1973) chose Fowle’s bedroom as his dwelling. There was one problem; he was too tall for the bed. Scott ordered a new one and decided to relocate Fowle’s old bed. The night it was moved, he and his wife heard a knocking on the wall. Scott speculated that it was Fowle asking for his bed to return to his room. 

Location: 200 N Blount St., Raleigh, NC 27601. Reservations are required for tours.

The ghost of Mordecai

The original portion of the house dates back to 1785. It was built by Joe Lane, who was in instrument in the establishment of Raleigh as the first planned state capitol in the United States. The Mordecai House was named after Moses Mordecai, who married into the Lane family twice. When Mordecai’s wife died, he married her younger sister. The spirit that lurks the home is said to be Mary Willis Mordecai Turk, who died in 1937. She occasionally appears as a floating grey figure and plays the piano. The Mordecai House was featured on the Sci-Fi Channel’s “Ghost Hunters,” where they misinterpreted it as the birthplace of President Andrew Johnson.

Location: 1 Mimosa St., Raleigh, NC 27604

Oakwood Cemetery

You don’t have to believe in ghosts to tread the 102 acres of burial grounds. The cemetery will give you an eerie vibe from the outward appearance alone. If you’re superstitious, visit the sacred area at night and see if there are any lingering spirits.

Location: 701 Oakwood Ave., Raleigh, NC 27601. Historic tours are available upon request.