By Theresa Faughnan, an Asheville writer with a love of coffee, comedy, and a heart of compassion. This is a contributor-submitted Voices piece. Want to join the conversation? We invite you to write for us. Learn how to share your voice here.

Western North Carolina has its fair share of spooky stories and urban legends. As the air gets crisper and the leaves start to change, let’s dive into some of these haunted tales.

Helen’s Bridge

Helen’s Bridge is attached to the Zealandia Mansion. There are several variations of the story behind the bridge and how the haunted female spirit came to be there, but the most consistent one is that Helen’s daughter died in a fire. Overtaken by grief, Helen then hung herself from this bridge. Her spirit is rumoured to still remain nearby. Many have walked to and/or driven under the bridge. Some have reported that once visiting, when attempting to leave, their vehicles would not start. The bridge was constructed in 1909 and still stands today. There is an active road underneath the bridge, so use caution when going to check it out.

Brown Mountain Lights

Closest to Morganton and Lenoir, mysterious lights are often said to appear above the ridge frequently. As with many urban legends, several different variations of the causes have been speculated. The Cherokee natives believe the lights are torches of the ghosts of grieving maidens. Others speculate aliens. Several people have theorized that it is just a reflection of car and train lights.

Highland Hospital was originally known as "Dr. Carroll's Sanatorium," after psychiatrist Dr. Robert S. Carroll. | Photo courtesy of Theresa Faughnan

Highland Hospital

Though no longer standing, this hospital was used to treat psychiatric conditions. The women’s ward of the hospital was burned down, killing 9 women. The most famous of the 9 was Zelda Fitzgerald, wife of famous author F. Scott Fitzgerald. There are now several shopping complexes nearby and it is rumoured that people can still hear and feel the presence of spirits.