Discover OBX Ghost Stories, Haunted Lighthouses & Local Legends
From shipwrecked sailors and mysterious disappearances to eerie whispers in the dunes, Outer Banks North Carolina is home to some of North Carolina’s most haunted legends. Whether you’re planning a Halloween getaway or just love a good ghost story, these spooky places on the Outer Banks (OBX) offer a thrilling glimpse into the area’s rich maritime history and mysterious past.
And be sure to check out the OBX Folklore Map from Dare County - your gateway to Outer Banks legends, ghosts, and folklore!
The Graveyard of the Atlantic – Hatteras Island
Graveyard of the Atlantic
Stretching along the treacherous coastline near Cape Hatteras, this infamous stretch of sea has claimed more than 2,000 shipwrecks over the centuries. Sailors once called it the “Graveyard of the Atlantic”, and many locals believe the spirits of lost mariners still roam the beaches at night.
The region was the battleground of plenty of violent tragedies throughout history such as the American Civil War, World War I, World War II and the terrifying reign of Atlantic pirates. Well over 1,000 shipwrecks have been recorded since the early 1500s with some sources suggesting the number of lost ships reaches as high as 5,000.
Among the better-known “creepy” tales among these losses is that of the Carrol A. Deering which sank in 1921. The Cape Hatteras Coast Guard spotted the ship on January 31, noticing it had run aground with sails fully set and lifeboats missing. It took several days for rescue boats to reach the ship due to rough waters but when they did board the ship, the scene would go down in maritime history as a baffling mystery. The Deering had been entirely abandoned by the crew—personal belongings, navigational equipment, important documents and the ship’s anchors were gone with them. Yet, there was food left out on the stove and disarray in the Captain’s Quarters.
Although there are dozens of theories as to what happened to the 11 crew members on board (ranging from hurricanes, Rum Runners, Russian communists, Pirates, mutiny and even something supernatural potentially related to the Bermuda Triangle), no trace of them has ever been found despite extensive searches and investigations across the Eastern Seaboard by the Coast Guard, FBI and other government agencies. In 1922, the investigation of the “Ghost Ship” was officially closed without a conclusion. Today, the fate of the Deering’s crew remains a mystery.
Today, visitors can explore the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras Village, where haunting artifacts, shipwreck relics, and maritime legends come to life. Wander the nearby beaches at dusk, and you might just feel a chill carried in from the sea. To learn more about the Graveyard of the Atlantic, click here.
Location: Hatteras Village, near the ferry docks
Don’t Miss: Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum exhibits
The Legend of the White Doe – Roanoke Island, Manteo
Roanoke Island
Few Outer Banks ghost stories are as famous—or as tragic—as the Legend of the White Doe. According to local folklore, Virginia Dare, the first English child born in the New World, was transformed into a white doe after her mysterious disappearance with the Lost Colony of Roanoke.
Roanoke Island’s quiet marshes and forest trails still seem to whisper her name. Some claim that under the full moon, you can catch a glimpse of a pale deer moving silently through the trees.
Location: Roanoke Island Festival Park, Manteo
Don’t Miss: Elizabethan Gardens—another spot rumored to be visited by her spirit
The Roanoke Island Inn – Manteo
Roanoke Island
This charming bed and breakfast in downtown Manteo has a long history of unexplained occurrences. Guests report doors opening on their own, lights flickering, and a mysterious “lady in blue” who watches over the inn.
Originally built in the 1860s, the Roanoke Island Inn sits near the waterfront—an area steeped in maritime mystery. Whether you’re a believer or not, staying overnight here makes for one unforgettable (and possibly haunted) Outer Banks experience.
Location: Fernando Street, Manteo
Stay If You Dare: Book a room and see if you encounter the spirit of Miss Estelle, the inn’s legendary caretaker
Currituck Beach Lighthouse – The Haunted North Room, Corolla
Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Corolla
Towering above Corolla Village, the Currituck Beach Lighthouse offers sweeping views of the northern Outer Banks—and a few ghostly tales. The keeper’s house nearby is said to be haunted by the spirit of a young girl named Sadie, who vanished from the nearby shore long ago.
Visitors exploring the lighthouse grounds have reported sudden cold spots, soft voices, and the sensation of being watched. While the lighthouse itself is open seasonally to the public, the North Room remains the source of endless OBX ghost stories.
Location: Corolla Village, Currituck County
Don’t Miss: Whalehead Club next door—also rumored to be haunted
The Whalehead Club – Corolla
Corolla
Built in the 1920s by Edward and Marie Knight, the Whalehead Club in Historic Corolla Park is a stunning example of art nouveau architecture—and one of the most haunted landmarks on the Outer Banks. Located at 1100 Club Road in Corolla is the 21,000 sq. ft. mansion overlooking the Currituck Sound. Originally built by Edward and Marie Knight as a hunting retreat in 1925, the building is revered for its historic Art Nouveau-style architecture. In the 90’s, the building was restored to its original condition after being used for a variety of purposes over the years including a Coast Guard shelter, boys’ correctional school, and rocket fuel testing site. For two decades, it even sat abandoned. Today, the Whalehead Club is open to visitors but despite its beauty and architectural value, many people feel there is something eerie about the building.
Numerous visitors have claimed to smell cigar smoke near the portrait of Edward Knight—a man very well known for enjoying cigars. Another witness claimed that someone grabbed his leg when he was walking on the second floor alone. Once, a young child even ran from the house after claiming a little girl tried to grab him in the basement despite no adult seeing anyone else around. Other reports of strange activity are pots and pans banging together in an empty kitchen and doors slamming shut on their own. Reports of paranormal activity at the building are so common that paranormal research professionals have conducted investigations in the home, several confirming the basement seems to be a hotbed of activity.
Caretakers, staff, and visitors alike have reported eerie footsteps on the grand staircase, piano music playing with no one around, and the scent of a woman’s perfume drifting through empty halls. Some believe Mrs. Knight herself never left her beloved mansion.
Guided tours often include stories of these mysterious happenings, especially around Halloween.
Location: Historic Corolla Park, Corolla
Don’t Miss: The evening ghost tours—keep your camera ready!
The Black Pelican Restaurant – Nags Head
Kitty Hawk
Even a much-loved restaurant like the Black Pelican isn’t safe from eerie tales and a troubled history. The restaurant building itself was once a Lifesaving Station in the late 1800s giving it quite an extensive history. In July of 1884, a dispute unfolded between Station Keeper, James Hobbs, and his young surfmen, T.L. Daniels, that led to Hobbs fatally shooting Daniels with a revolver. Although the details of the dispute range from an account of constant disobedience by Daniels to an account of Daniels disrespecting Hobbs wife, all stories end up with Daniels shot to death on the floor near where the front desk of the restaurant lobby sits today.
Although his body was supposedly buried at sea and Hobbs was cleared of any wrongdoing, Daniels may have never left the building. Workers and diners at the restaurant have claimed seeing blood on the wall, hearing footsteps, witnessing doors closing by themselves and generally getting a creepy feeling, especially at night. Wine bottles and glasses have also reportedly flown off the tables and some witnesses even report seeing the apparition of Daniels himself.
Location: Beach Road, Nags Head
Don’t Miss: Ask your server about the restaurant’s haunted history
The Eagle’s Lodge – Kill Devil Hills
Nags Head
Today, the building at 2706 S. Croatan Hwy. in Nags Head is owned by the Eagles FOE #4506 Aerie Club. Before that, it has been the FireFly Restaurant, Almost Eleven Restaurant, and Mykonos Restaurant and Bar, among others. So why has the building changed hands so many times since it was first built, despite being a large space right on the main bypass? Some say that it’s due to the persistence of pesky ghosts who may inhabit the Lodge.
Throughout the years, locals working in the various restaurants at that site have reported everything from wine bottles and wine glasses flying off the counter on their own to seeing black shadows moving around the building. Some reports even say that guests are sometimes mysteriously locked in the bathrooms—not so great for business.
Location: Kill Devil Hills
Local Tip: Ask longtime residents—they’ll tell you more chilling tales
The Disappearance of Theodosia Burr – Nags Head
Nags Head
The tale of Theodosia Burr involves mystery, art, and a ghostly apparition. The woman in question, Theodosia Burr Alston, was the daughter of Vice President Aaron Burr. From both family money and marriage, Theodosia was wealthy and was said to have been very intelligent and cultured. Unfortunately, she suffered various illnesses and depression causing her to withdraw from her normal social life, especially after the loss of her child.
In December 1812, she planned to pay a visit to her beloved father in New York via the schooner Patriot which was departing from Georgetown, SC. Unfortunately, she would never arrive in New York. Many theories exist as to what happened to the Patriot ranging from it being an unfortunate casualty to the War of 1812 to the schooner running aground on the Diamond Shoals. Regardless, Theodosia was never seen again.
Or was she? According to legend, Theodosia may have survived whatever happened at sea and found herself in Nags Head. One day, an elderly couple stumbled across a woman in a white gown clinging to a large portrait. Confused and unable to express what had happened or who she was, the woman was taken in by the couple who cared for her. At one point, she became so ill that the couple requested a house call from an out-of-town doctor. Unable to pay for the visit, they offered the doctor the portrait instead, knowing he was a collector of fine arts who would recognize its value. As he accepted, the sick woman suddenly jumped up, claimed the portrait as her own and ran out into the sea where she was never seen again. The next day, the portrait washed back up on shore.
Another account tells of how “wrecker” Joseph Tillett found the portrait when scavenging a ship that had washed up on the OBX coast. Although there are variations in the folklore as to who first discovered the painting, it eventually was obtained by Dr. William Pool in 1869 who reached out to several members of the Burr and Alston family in an effort to confirm that the portrait’s subject was Theodosia. As such, many also believe that the discovery of this painting confirms one way or another, Theodosia was lost at sea. Today, the portrait is hanging in the Lewis Walpole Library at Yale University.
Regardless of how Theodosia met her untimely end, it seems she is sadly still looking for her lost portrait. Occasionally during misty mornings on the beach in Nags Head, witnesses have claimed to see a woman in a white gown walking along the beach. If you decide to approach her, she will disappear into the mist.
Location: Nags Head Beach near Jennette’s Pier
Don’t Miss: A moonlit walk—locals say that’s when she appears most clearly
Legend of the Goat Man – Nags Head Woods
Nags Head Woods
A long time ago, a lonely man who enjoyed his solitude lived in a small building in Nags Head Woods and spent his time raising goats, earning him the name “Goat Man.” One day, a group of teenagers went back to the old man’s house to antagonize him, as teenagers often did, but since he wasn’t home, they killed his goats instead. As he returned, the man sought revenge and turned his wrath on the teens, chasing after them and throwing an axe their way. Some even say that he took on the form of a half-goat half-man with a human body and a goat head. Although no one is really sure what happened to the man, legend says that till this day, if you talk about him or visit his house, he will chase you, making him a “boogeyman” of sorts.
There is a small, yellow hunting cabin located in Nags Head Woods that is rumored to have once been the home of the Goat Man. Unfortunately, the building is often vandalized and local town officials are considering tearing the structure down.
Some believe he was once a hermit wronged by townsfolk; others claim he’s a guardian spirit of the woods. Either way, this OBX legend isn’t one you’ll forget.
Location: Nags Head Woods Preserve
Don’t Miss: Visit during daylight hours only!
Bodie Island Lighthouse – The Gatekeeper’s Cottage
Nags Head
When a lighthouse is rumored to be named after the dozens of dead corpses that washed ashore, it’s pretty much guaranteed to have some sort of mystery surrounding it. Bodie Island Lighthouse (pronounced “body”) stands at 156-ft. tall and is located on the sound side in Nags Head among the marshland. Visible for a range of up to 19 nautical miles, the lighthouse as it stands today has been a guiding light since it was constructed in 1871 but like many of the local lighthouses, it was not the first structure built. The first structure was abandoned after falling into disrepair and the second was destroyed during the Civil War by the Confederate Army to prevent Union soldiers from utilizing the tower as a lookout. With such a history, one might expect some lingering spirits but like its northern neighbor in Corolla, it’s actually a building on the grounds—the old gatekeeper’s cottage—and not the lighthouse itself that seems to be the source of unexplained phenomena. The cottage, which is now a giftshop, has long been associated with a strange noise. Witnesses have reported hearing a knocking sound in the afternoon around 4:00 PM that appears to be coming from behind the large fireplace that has been bricked over. What, or who, is back there?
Visitors at dusk sometimes see a flicker of light—perhaps his lantern—moving across the marsh.
Location: Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Nags Head
Local Tip: Visit near sunset for hauntingly peaceful views
The Grey Man of Hatteras – Storm Warnings from Beyond
Buxton
Along the southern beaches of Buxton and Hatteras Island, locals tell of the Grey Man, a ghostly figure said to appear before powerful hurricanes. The legend claims he’s the spirit of a sailor who died in a storm long ago and now warns residents of impending danger.
Many Outer Banks residents say the Grey Man has saved lives, appearing to travelers just before evacuation notices. Keep an eye out for him during hurricane season—he’s known to vanish with the wind.
Location: Buxton, near Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Local Tip: Visit the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse grounds for an atmospheric evening stroll
Ghost Cat of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse
Buxton
Nearly everyone who visits the Outer Banks has made at least one trip down Hatteras Island to see the famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse in Buxton. Sitting near the edge of a narrow island just off a coast fraught with treacherous shoals, the Cape Hatteras Light has served as a beacon of hope and light in the darkest of nights for decades. However, even important landmarks have mysteries and this lighthouse is no different.
Perhaps you’ve visited the lighthouse and encountered a friendly black and white cat. Stray cats and roaming pets are rarely cause for concern, especially when one walks up to rub up against you. You might even get to pet it as it walks by. But then, as you try to pick it up, it vanishes. Now that is a bit concerning. However, many locals believe this sociable ghost was once the pet of a former light keeper who has chosen to still watch over the grounds for the last 100+ years.
The Cora Tree – Frisco
Frisco
Hidden among the live oaks of Frisco, the Cora Tree bears the mysterious name of a woman once accused of witchcraft. According to legend, Cora was condemned for her supposed powers, and after her execution, the words “Cora” appeared on a nearby oak. To this day, the carving remains visible—refusing to fade despite countless attempts to erase it. In the 1700s, a woman named Cora, along with her baby, took residence in a small home near modern-day Snug Harbor Dr. in Frisco. No one knew where she came from and she wasn’t related to anyone on the island so there was a lot of suspicion about the woman early on, especially considering she stayed to herself. After a while, it seemed that Cora was always around when some sort of misfortune struck—misfortune such as fisherman being unable to catch any fish and a cow going dry that she had just touched. Then, things went from bad to worse when Captain Eli Blood, from Salem, MA, and his brig Susan G., ran into trouble in local waters. As he was staying in town, he heard tales of the strange woman and suspected she was a witch.
One day, a body of a young man washed up on the beach. Supposedly, small female-like footprints were leading away from the body and some legends even go so far as to say the numbers “666” were burned into his forehead. Captain Blood captured Cora and subjected her to three tell-tale tests of a potential witch: whether or not she would float in the water, whether or not a knife could cut her hair, and a peculiar exercise of mixing the blood of several men in a bowl for a clarification of guilt. Cora “failed” all three tests and was deemed to be a witch so she and the baby were tied up to a tree to be burned.
Luckily, there was one man there to stop the madness. Captain Tom Smith detested the guilty verdict and demanded that Cora be tried in a proper court of law. However, during this distraction, it is said that the baby suddenly changed, shape-shifting into a black furry cat, and darted away. Upon seeing this, Captain Blood immediately rushed to light the temporary pyre but before he could do so, a large bolt of lightning struck the tree creating lots of smoke and confusion. As the smoke cleared, Blood saw that Cora had vanished. In her place were the letters C O R A scorched deep into the tree. Although Cora was never seen again, the letters are still visible on that same tree today. When a road was eventually installed, the town split the lanes into two parts around the famous tree so they wouldn't have to tear it down.
Visitors to the Cora Tree describe an eerie calm and whispers that echo through the leaves on quiet nights. It’s one of the most enduring supernatural landmarks on the Outer Banks.
Location: Off Highway 12, Frisco Village
Don’t Miss: Visit during dusk for a truly haunting experience
*This legend was featured on Travel Channel’s show Monumental Mysteries. Click here to check it out!
Teach’s Hole – Ocracoke Island
Ocracoke Island
No list of haunted places in the Outer Banks would be complete without Blackbeard the Pirate. The notorious Edward Teach met his end near Ocracoke Island, and locals say his spirit still roams the shore, searching for his severed head.
Known as Teach’s Hole, this quiet cove is said to glow faintly on stormy nights. Visitors claim to hear phantom laughter carried across the water—a chilling reminder of the pirate’s final battle.
Location: Springer’s Point Nature Preserve, Ocracoke Island
Don’t Miss: Blackbeard’s Museum & the Ocracoke Lighthouse nearby
The Flaming Ship of Ocracoke
Ocracoke Island
Another well-known story of a ship whose passengers met their fate off the coast of the Outer Banks is that of the “Flaming Ship of Ocracoke.” During the height of religious war between Protestants and Catholics, French troops raided the Middle Rhine region of Germany forcing over 10,000 German Protestants, known as “Palatines,” to migrate to England to escape persecution. Overwhelmed with refugees, the British government began shifting the Palatine immigrants around with some remaining in England, some settling in Ireland and many sent to the New World colonies. This story involves such a migration to North Carolina on one fateful September night. Although the majority of Palatines were known to be very poor, those on this particular voyage to Ocracoke happened to be wealthy and brought jewels and gold coins on their journey with the hopes to start a new life with their family riches.
When the ship neared port around Ocracoke Inlet, the Palatine passengers on board, who had initially concealed their treasure, revealed their wealth in their haste to depart making it evident to the captain, a former pirate, and his crew that they were actually quite wealthy. The captain told the passengers they would actually not depart until the following morning and that night, as the passengers slept, the crew killed everyone on board and raided their belongings. The small crew boarded a lifeboat with their treasure and headed for shore after setting the boat on fire. Within a few minutes, the Captain looked back to make sure the ship was sinking but instead, saw the ship completely engulfed in flames barreling straight towards him and echoing with cries of pain, supposedly steered by the ghosts of the Palatines on board seeking revenge. The boat, weighed down by the gold on board, was unable to escape and collided with the flaming ship.
Other than one or two individuals who supposedly survived by clinging to pieces of the lifeboat, the greedy crew all drowned at sea. Unfortunately, the souls of the Palatines seem to be trapped in a residual loop since legend has it that every year on the night of the first new moon in September, a flaming ship makes three northeast runs from shore to sea before vanishing completely. Some eyewitnesses even report hearing faint moans and screams coming from the ship.
The Outer Banks Podcast-Episode #6-Ghost Stories Of The Outer Banks
Haunted Outer Banks: Legend of the Goatman
Curious about the fall season on the Outer Banks? Click here to learn more.
From Corolla’s haunted lighthouse to the ghostly dunes of Nags Head and the pirate coves of Ocracoke, the Outer Banks is a treasure trove of ghost stories, haunted places, and paranormal legends. Whether you’re visiting in October or any time of year, these sites offer an unforgettable mix of history, mystery, and coastal beauty.
Book your stay today in one of our cozy vacation rentals and explore all the best and brightest that the Outer Banks has to offer. Give our wonderful Guest Services Team a call today at (866) 884-0267 or take a look at our available rentals to get started planning your next historic adventure to the Outer Banks.
And don't forget about our layaway plan, which makes booking your dream vacation easier than ever. So don't wait. We're booking Outer Banks vacation rentals year round and we're excited to help you create memories to last a lifetime. We're here to help make your OBX vacation fun, exciting, and hassle-free. Give us a call today! Be sure to provide accurate information and make any necessary payments.
FIND THE PERFECT VACATION HOME BY CATEGORY:
- Dog-Friendly Rentals
- Oceanfront Rentals
- Rentals with a Private Pool
- New to Seaside
- Group Travel and Event Homes
- Any Day Stays
Or by City:
Explore our website and give us a call to help kick-start your unforgettable Outer Banks vacation today. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok to stay up to date on all of our specials, new & featured homes, and tips & tricks for making the most of your next Outer Banks vacation.
We’ll see you at the beach.
About the Author: Jessie has been coming to the Outer Banks since she was just 5 years old. She loved it here so much that she finally relocated in 2018. Now her mission is to show the world that the Outer Banks is an incredible place that everyone should experience. When she isn't working, you can find Jessie hanging out with her friends, chilling at home with a good book, or discovering a new Outer Banks adventure.
