See the ghost of the Indian maid at Jump Off Rock

In the foothills of North Carolina lies Jump Off Rock, a photogenic spot offering beautiful scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The Native American legend that has been passed down for more than 300 years tells a tragic story of love and loss. According to the legend, a young Cherokee Indian chief fell in love with an Indian maiden, whom he often met on top of the rock ledge overlooking the valley. When the chief was called to war, the maiden promised she would wait for his return. When word came that the tribe’s chief had been killed in battle, she climbed to the edge of their favorite rock and jumped off to her death below. On moonlit nights, it’s said you can see her ghost at the overlook. You can visit the spot at the end of Laurel Park Highway year-round to get close to the storied legend and to hike any of the three trails at Jump Off Rock.