A forgotten village that was formerly thriving on moonshine and logging is located close to the border of North Carolina and Tennessee, nestled in a secluded valley alongside the Nolichucky River. One of the most intriguing and enigmatic abandoned locations in North Carolina is called “The Lost Cove.” In this location, time appears to have stopped and nature has taken back the things that humanity once left behind. If you have the courage, check out some of the following reasons to visit the Lost Cove.
The Background
In search of a remote and productive place, a group of pioneers landed in the late 1800s at The Lost Cove. They constructed a general shop, a school, a church, and a small settlement of log dwellings. In addition, they kept livestock, farmed crops, and went fishing and hunting in the nearby woods. Except for sporadic visits by traders and tourists, the Lost Cove was self-sufficient and cut off from the outside world.
Due to its remote location, The Lost Cove was ideal for moonshining—the illicit manufacture and distribution of alcoholic beverages. The river and the train tracks were utilized by bootleggers to move their goods during Prohibition, and the Lost Cove developed into a hub for them. The moonshine from The Lost Cove was well-known for its strength and quality, drawing patrons from a great distance. The moonshining industry also caused problems, as competing gangs and federal agents often invaded Lost Cove.
The demise of the local timber industry in the 1950s marked the beginning of Lost Cove’s deterioration. Many of the citizens left their houses and possessions behind as they relocated in search of employment elsewhere. The remote location of The Lost Cove started to work against it because there were no roads or electricity, which made living hazardous and challenging. The community of Lost Cove was deserted when the final occupants departed in the late 1960s.
What’s Left
Only a few buildings remain in the ghost town that is now Lost Cove. Situated on a hill with a view of the valley are the most notable ones: the church, the school, and the cemetery. The church is a modest wooden structure including a bell and a steeple. The school is a one-room cottage featuring a blackboard and a fireplace. A little area of ground with a few gravestones—some of which are from the 1800s—makes up the cemetery.
The remaining parts of the settlement are dispersed around the valley level, where the train tracks and the river cross. There are multiple log cabins, some of which still have beds, tables, chairs, and other furniture in them. The general store, the post office, the barns, and the moonshine stills are all still standing. While some of the buildings and cabins are covered in trees and vines, others have burned down or collapsed.
The Journey
Because The Lost Cove is situated in a harsh and isolated environment, getting to it is difficult. The only ways to get to the village are via hiking, biking, or kayaking; there are no roads or paths that lead there. The hike, which is roughly ten miles in total, passes through lush forests, crosses a river, and climbs difficult slopes. The bike route follows the railroad tracks, which are occasionally obstructed by fallen trees or boulders. The journey is approximately 15 kilometers round way. The kayak excursion takes around 20 miles total round trip, and it involves quick and risky upstream and downstream paddling on the river.
Because The Lost Cove is a mysterious and dangerous area, it’s also not for the weak of heart. It is supposed that the ghosts of the people who once lived there, who are offended by the arrival of strangers, haunt the Lost Cove. Particularly at night, some tourists claim to have heard music, laughter, footsteps, and voices throughout the village. Others have reported seeing lights, shadows, and apparitions in the structures and cabins. The Lost Cove’s charm and mystery are increased by tales of lost riches, undiscovered mysteries, and unsolved murders.
For those who are interested in history and adventure, The Lost Cove is a destination that provides a singular and exhilarating experience. You can explore the ruins of a vanished community and get a sense of what life was like there by traveling to this area, which instantly takes you to a different era. It’s a place that tests your physical and mental limits and leaves you with breathtaking sights and priceless memories. That is a location you will always remember.
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