Charlotte: Ghost Walking Tour Uptown & Old Settlers’ Cemetery

Summary

Charlotte ghost stories by lantern light in Uptown’s oldest corners

You’ll walk through Uptown Charlotte by lantern light, hearing ghost stories from a local guide as you pass haunted houses in Fourth Ward and step inside Old Settlers’ Cemetery. Expect eerie silences, strange details about old hospitals and gold mines, and moments that’ll make you glance over your shoulder — even if you don’t believe in ghosts when you start.

What’s the experience like?

First thing I noticed was the way the streetlights flickered against the brick buildings — you don’t really expect that kind of hush in Uptown Charlotte, but it was there. Our guide, Marcus, held up this old lantern (not sure if it was for effect or just tradition) and asked if we believed in ghosts. I didn’t answer out loud. He grinned anyway and led us off toward Fourth Ward, telling us about the first public hospital in North Carolina. The air felt thicker there, maybe from the stories or maybe just the humidity — hard to say.

We stopped outside a house with green shutters where, apparently, someone still hears footsteps at night even though nobody’s lived there for years. Marcus had this way of pausing right before the punchline — he’d let the silence hang for a second too long so you’d start to wonder if something was actually moving behind you. I caught a whiff of honeysuckle from someone’s garden and tried not to look over my shoulder. It’s weird how your imagination runs wild on these ghost walking tours; I guess that’s half the fun.

The part that stuck with me most was Old Settlers’ Cemetery. The iron gates creaked when we went in (I swear they did), and suddenly it felt colder — probably just my mind playing tricks again. Marcus told us about gold mines and secret tunnels under Charlotte, and pointed out names on gravestones like he knew them personally. At one point he laughed about how people used to sneak into the cemetery at night on dares; I’m honestly not sure I’d have done it even as a teenager. We lingered there longer than I expected, listening to distant traffic and our own footsteps crunching gravel.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Historic and haunted Charlotte walking tour

• Walk through Charlotte's 4th Ward
• Visit first public hospital and old NC medical college
• Hear stories of gold mines and tunnels
• See haunted houses in Charlotte
• Enter Old Settlers’ Cemetery
• Listen to spooky cemetery history

Top questions

How long is the Charlotte ghost walking tour?

The tour lasts approximately 90 minutes.

Is this ghost tour suitable for children?

Yes, children can join but must be accompanied by an adult.

Does the tour include Old Settlers’ Cemetery?

Yes, entry into Old Settlers’ Cemetery is included as part of the route.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible.

What main sites are visited during this Charlotte ghost tour?

The tour covers Fourth Ward and Old Settlers’ Cemetery along with several historic landmarks.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are permitted throughout the experience.

What happens if there is bad weather?

If canceled due to poor weather, you can choose an alternative date or receive a refund.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the starting point.

What’s included

Your evening includes guidance from a professional storyteller who leads you through Uptown Charlotte’s Fourth Ward and inside Old Settlers’ Cemetery; all routes are wheelchair accessible so everyone can join in — just bring yourself (and maybe an open mind).