13 Best Haunted Houses in Asheville NC

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If you’re a lover of all things haunted and ghoulish, this list of haunted houses in Asheville, NC is for you.

Asheville North Carolina’s rich history includes some chilling mysteries that will have you spooked. They are sure to fulfill all of your Halloween adventure desires. The best haunted houses are the ones that feature true ghost stories about local history.

Stay the night in one of the local haunted hotels, visit downtown Asheville and see landmarks that were the sites of years of terror in the darker side of its history, take a tour and hear all the spooky stories and local legends.

This list of haunts is everything you need to see in Asheville, NC this Halloween season.

Haunted Houses

The Grove Park Inn

The Grove Park Inn is one of Asheville’s premier hotels. George Gershwin, Harry Houdini, F. Scott Fitzgerald, and even President Obama have all stayed at the Grove Park Inn.

This elegant hotel is a popular destination and has been in continuous operation since it opened in 1913, but many people don’t know about the hotel’s Pink Lady.

The Pink Lady’s presence has been said to be seen and felt in the halls of the hotel since the 1920’s when she fell to her death from a fifth-floor balcony.

Biltmore Estate

The Biltmore Estate was built for a member of one of America’s most prominent families, George Vanderbilt.

This historic property is believed to be haunted by the spirit of his wife, Edith Vanderbilt.

It has been said that her spirit wanders the halls whispering “George” repeatedly.

Some people working the grounds have also reported hearing sounds of laughter, glasses clinking, and chatter as if there is a party going on. Now that’s one chilling ghost story!

Pinecrest Bed & Breakfast

Pinecrest is a beautiful historic 5-bedroom home, restored and operating as a bed and breakfast.

Paranormal activity has been reported in the Wible Suite, where a spirit locks the door from the inside when no one is in the room.

Now that sounds like something out of some scary movies!

Reynolds Mansion Bed & Breakfast Inn

This gorgeous home just outside of town is said to be one of the best places in the area to spend time with ghosts.

Maggie Reynold’s spirit has been seen and felt in her bedroom in the Inn.

Doors open and close with no one around and lights flicker randomly in this spooky, but oddly cozy, bed and breakfast. Sounds like a great time, right?

Smith-McDowell House

Reservations are required to enter this old mansion. It’s alleged that this building is inhabited by four ghosts that haunt the various rooms and nooks.

Built in 1840, this was Asheville’s first brick home, and known to early locals as “Buck-House”.

Haunted Places to Visit

Riverside Cemetery

This cemetery is one of Asheville’s most popular landmarks. It is the resting place of many notable residents of Asheville, and has had its fair share of reported paranormal activity.

Before it was a cemetery, it was the site of one of the American Civil War’s final battles. Some have reported hearing multiple gunshots and cannon fire.

There have been reports of spirits of Confederate soldiers marching in formation and disappearing in the distance. Others have said they have heard the restless spirits of children laughing and playing.

Haunted Self-Guided Driving Trail

This spooky self-guided driving trail is a can’t-miss experience. Follow along on the website as it guides you through 22 miles of haunted locations.

Take your time and explore where you dare.

Helen’s Bridge

Helen’s bridge is one of Asheville’s most reportedly haunted locations.

This bridge on a mountain overlooking downtown Asheville is said to be the sight of a very mournful ghost.

Oddly enough, no one seems to really know who “Helen” is, but apparently she’s spooky enough to put this Halloween-ish location on the map.

Battery Park Hotel

This historic building, now renovated and turned into apartments, was once the site of the murder of Helen Clevenger.

The young woman, a 19-year-old NYC college student, was killed by Martin Moore who was later charged and executed for her murder. Thankfully, a hotel employee helped identify the man.

Other notable guests at this historic hotel during the incident were George Washington Vanderbilt and Edith Vanderbilt, the Biltmore estate owners mentioned previously, and F. Scott Fitzgerald and his wife Zelda Fitzgerald.

While the original building isn’t there anymore, there has still been talk of paranormal activity in and around the new building to this day.

Ghost Tours

Asheville Terrors

This 60-minute tour includes 8 stops and all the chilling, gruesome history you can handle.

Opt for the extended tour that lasts 90 minutes and includes 12 stops if you want an even spookier experience.

Phantoms by Foot

Join an expert local guide on a walking tour of Asheville’s most historically-rich and creepy landmarks.

If the words spirits, apparitions, murder, and ghost hunting intrigue you, definitely check out this tour.

Haunted History and Murder Mystery Trolley Ghost Tour

This 75-minute trolley tour takes you through the streets of the Asheville area’s historic district.

It’s sure to share the most interesting ghoulish stories about Asheville’s dark history.

Ghosted: Ghost Comedy Bus Tour

If you’re looking for something a little less intense, enjoy some comic relief and frightful fun on this 60-minute bus tour.

You’ll be laughing most of the time with a few surprises from live actors along the way.

Ghost Hunters of Asheville

If you’re interested in a more hands-on experience, Ghost Hunters of Asheville is the place to go.

They offer the only interactive ghost tour in the area, including equipment and training before the tour begins.

There are three different tour locations including downtown Asheville, the historic Montford neighborhood, and Black Mountain. You can choose between private or group tours.