   Devil’s Tramping GroundNorth Carolina Legend and Southern FolkloreA Southern legend and North Carolina mystery: the Devil’s Tramping Ground is a barren circle of ground near Bear Creek, North Carolina, where nothing will grow. Locals say the Devil paces the circle at night, planning his mischief. Hillbilly Dude Says...  I ain't goin' to no bare circle in the woods. Hillbilly Dude Says... I ain't goin' to no bare circle in the woods. OriginStories of the Devil’s Tramping Ground go back at least to the early 1800s in Chatham County, North Carolina. The site is a roughly 40-foot circle where grass and plants refuse to grow, despite the fertile woods surrounding it. Folklore says the Devil himself uses the spot as a nightly meeting ground, walking in circles until dawn.
NotesThe Devil’s Tramping Ground has long been a favorite stop for curious travelers and a story passed from one generation to the next. Some explain it away as poor soil or chemicals in the ground; others insist the mystery has no natural cause. Either way, the site is still talked about as proof that the South’s woods hold secrets beyond our understanding. LegacyToday, the Devil’s Tramping Ground remains a popular spot for ghost-hunters, campers, and storytellers. It appears in local histories, books of folklore, and TV specials about the unexplained. Whether seen as a natural oddity or a supernatural sign, it stands as one of the most enduring legends of Southern folklore. DislaimerWhat you're reading here is old Southern folklore and storytelling - not medical advice, and not meant to guide health, or pregnancy decisions (especially pregnancy decisions!). These tales are part of how folks once made sense of the world, passed down from grandparents and midwives. If you have any medical questions or concerns, talk with a qualified healthcare professional. Learn more on the Folklore hub page. | ...
About Created by The Hillbilly Dude, this site is a growing field guide to culture, speech, memory, and meaning - rooted in Appalachia but reaching across the world. Every slang word, saying, accent and story is gathered from first-hand experience and trusted sources. The goal: preserve authentic voices and share them with writers, learners, and culture lovers everywhere - with a little humor thrown in here and there. Read more... |