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Near Siler City, North Carolina, is a strange patch of naked ground in the middle of the woods. Now, it's not unusual to see an occasional small bare patch in the woods, but this is a forty-foot circle of ground where only sparse wire grass will grow, surrounded by a narrow circular path where nothing grows. Legend has it that the animals avoid the spot, and that anything you place in the circle will be gone by morning. It's a place of mystery, and like any mystery, it's a place of folktales.
In the 1700s, the first white settlers who discovered the spot believed it was a place where Indians held secret tribal ceremonies. Of course, that might lead you to wonder why the grass hasn't grown back by now - after all it's been a long time since Native Americans lived on the land. One story explains that by saying that it has remained long after the Indians were gone in mute reproof of the wrongs done to the Native peoples and the same Great Spirit that keeps the ground bare also moves objects off the narrow path where Native feet once trod.
Another old legend that blames the Native Americans for the circle, says that a great Indian battle between rival tribes took place in the circle. The area was stained with the blood of the vanquished. In the exact center of the circle, they buried a great chief, Chief Croatan. The survivors of this legendary battle were said to have fled to the coast to avoid more conflict - where they appear in yet another legend, the Lost Colony. When the first colony disappeared from the Carolina coast, they left behind only the mysterious word "Croatan" carved into a tree.
Mystical explanations don't have to settle for local inhabitants. One story says that ancient Celtic Druids traveled to the area in the 1100s and performed powerful magical rituals in the spot to raise energy from the earth. Those who ascribe to this theory say that the area makes visitors nervous only because they do not understand and respect the earth.
Another story holds that it is the devil himself, pacing the ground in a circle who leaves lifelessness in his wake and causes the circle. In more recent years, UFOs, the folklore of the technological age, have been blamed for the circle - likening it to the crop circles in England.
Scientists scoff at all of these tales. They have found a high level of salt in the soil at the Devil's Tramping Ground, as well as above average acidity which causes the spot to be barren. In fact, there are signs that this was an early salt lick for deer. But what makes this spot so salty - and why would it exist in a perfect circle? Scientists have no answer for that, leaving us with a very nice mystery.
Some of those who have attempted to camp at the Devil's Tramping Ground come away with eerie tales of unnatural sounds in the night. Although you can find plenty of signs that no one is removing stuff from the center of the circle, the round path where the devil is said to pace remains clear of brush and debris even today.
You can visit the Devil's Tramping Ground if you will treat the area kindly - it is on private land now but still sees regular pilgrims to the spot. The Devil's Tramping Ground is about 10 miles south of Siler City. From Siler City, take State Road 1106 South for ten miles. This road will intersect with State Road 1100 at Harpers Crossroads; turn right. Nearly two miles down this road, you will see a gravel parking area on the left and if you search, you will find a small path to the Devil's Tramping Ground. Legend has it that it is unlucky to remove anything from the Devil's Tramping Ground but I'm sure the legend wouldn't mind if you picked up a bit of litter here and there. There is plenty of evidence that thrill seekers still camp there, apparently the landowner is pretty generous with his mysterious circle.
So if you want to visit one of North Carolina's most mysterious places, come with an open mind and an appreciation for the history of this unusual spot. And you might want to come in the daytime - no sense taking chances!
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