Ocracoke

It almost seems appropriate that the most isolated town in North Carolina is also the most haunted. This small sliver of land, only accessible by ferry, boat, or plane, has retained its original solitude. However, something much darker lurks beneath the live oaks, marshland, tide forests, and beautiful beaches. Ocracoke's lingering history, from Blackbeard and his pirates to generations of families who have lived on the island, has created quite a hotbed for paranormal activity, some of which is primarily unknown to others. The southernmost island on the Cape Hatteras National Seashore is Ocracoke.

The island is only 9.6 miles long and has only a few major roads, one of which is the two-lane NC 12. When you step off the ferry, you realize you've arrived on an otherworldly, isolated island. You watch the ferry depart and slowly feel the energy of the island's history engulf you. You've come to the right place if you want a little less island exploration and a little more paranormal discovery. Apart from pirates, Ocracoke has 81 cemeteries. The harsh realities of the coastal landscape have washed away some markers. On Lighthouse Road, there's a cottage where the headstones of two toddlers are barely standing but serve as a sacred reminder of the hauntings and histories of this place. Families of the deceased have today marked certain gravestones with "No Trespassing" signs to discourage tourists from attempting to recreate their own paranormal experience. So, it is with Fannie Pearl McWilliams' headstone.

After landing, you'll take a one-of-a-kind drive through the dunes into downtown Ocracoke. Park your car and keep track of where you put your keys; you won't need them for a while. There are more golf carts than cars driving through town, and with a plethora of rental options available, you can explore the uncrowded beaches in open-air off-road vehicles.