Did you know that North Carolina has over 180 labyrinths in the state ? I have selected 11 of the best that are accessible to the public from around the state, that I think are worth a visit. If you want a full list of labyrinths in the state check out the Worldwide Labyrinth Finder.
Why visit a Labyrinth ?
Labyrinths are ancient and mysterious symbols that have been used for centuries for meditation, contemplation, and spiritual renewal. They are also a lot of fun to explore! If you're looking for a unique and challenging experience, walk a labyrinth with intention - it often leads to self-discovery. Personally, I like to walk labyrinths between dawn and sunrise or at sunset until dusk, but any time of day works. You may not realize it, but there is probably a labyrinth near where you live. Today we explore…
11 Labyrinths to Visit in North Carolina
1. Avondale Presbyterian Church Labyrinth
An 11 circuit medieval labyrinth made of bricks/pavers. It has it’s own entry on Google Maps to locate it easily. The church website also has a page about their labyrinth full of pictures and helpful information.
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Address:
2821 Park Road
Charlotte, North Carolina 28209
2. The Grove Presbyterian Church Labyrinth
Photos courtesy of the church.
This large 11 circuit medieval labyrinth is located behind the church in the field and was designed and built by Vani Brown. It looks great in satellite view.
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Address:
5735 W.T. Harris Blvd.
Charlotte, North Carolina 28215
3. Sardis Baptist Church Labyrinth
Photos are courtesy of the church
Built in 2009, this modified 5 circuit Chartres labyrinth made from bricks/pavers and is open from dawn to dusk. Check the church website for events and the labyrinth page for details about it.
Location: Charlotte, North Carolina
Address:
5811 Sardis Road
Charlotte, North Carolina 28270
4. Millbrook Baptist Church Labyrinth
Photos are courtesy of the church
A medieval style labyrinth located at the back of the property. Look for the trellis and pathway off of the parking lot.
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Address:
1519 E. Millbrook Rd.
Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
5. Hudson Memorial Presbyterian Church Labyrinth
A 7 circuit classical labyrinth made from rocks that is located at the north end of the campus. The church dedicates a page to their labyrinths (they also have an indoor one).
Location: Raleigh, North Carolina
Address:
4921 Six Forks Road
Raleigh, North Carolina 27609
6. Holy Infant Catholic Church Labyrinth
A 7 circuit octagonal labyrinth made as part of an Eagle Scout project. You can read all about the construction and detail of the labyrinth on the church’s dedicated webpage to it.
Location: Durham, North Carolina
Address:
5000 Southpark Drive
Durham, North Carolina 27713
7. Glenn & Wilma Pettyjohn Meditation Garden & Labyrinth (@ the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home)
This 5 circuit labyrinth is located behind the Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home and is easily visible on satellite view of Google Maps. It is open to the public from dawn until dusk. The labyrinth is made of bricks and gravel.
Location: Winston-Salem, North Carolina
Address:
101 Hospice Lane
Winston-Salem, North Carolina 27103
8. Saint Francis United Methodist Church Labyrinth
This 9 circuit Chartres style labyrinth is made from painted concrete. You can find the labyrinth on the northern end of the parking lot, behind the admin building by following the brick pathway. The church website has a page on how to use the labyrinth for walking prayer.
Location: Cary, North Carolina
Address:
2965 Kildaire Farm Road
Cary, North Carolina 27518
9. New Hanover County Arboretum Labyrinth
New Hanover County Arboretum Labyrinth - photo courtesy Jennifer Griffin
A 5 circuit medieval labyrinth that is located in the Memorial Contemplation Garden which is open from dawn to dusk. Plan your trip to the Arboretum on the city website, and use the facility map to locate the labyrinth (K - Memorial Contemplation Garden).
Location: Wilmington, North Carolina
Address:
6206 Oleander Drive
Wilmington, North Carolina 28403
10. First Christian Church Labyrinth
This 11 circuit labyrinth is based off the design of the Sens cathedral in France. It’s made from bricks and crush-in-run gravel. The center features the artwork of a chalice and a bench for sitting. You can get a good view of it from a nearby pathway using Street View.
Location: Greenville, North Carolina
Address:
2810 E. 14th Street
Greenville, North Carolina 27858
11. Lake Junaluska Conference Center Labyrinth
A 7 circuit medieval labyrinth made from bricks in the grass. Learn about the retreat and conference center on their website, with a special section dedicated to places of meditation that includes the labyrinth.
Location: Lake Junaluska, North Carolina
Address:
Chapel Dr.
Lake Junaluska, North Carolina 28745
5 TIPS FOR VISITING A LABYRINTH
Set an intention for your walk so you can walk with purpose. It could be prayer, reflection, meditation, contemplation, or openness.
Be sure to wear comfortable shoes, as you will be doing a lot of walking.
Bring water with you, especially if you are visiting on a hot day.
Take your time and enjoy the experience. There is no need to rush through a labyrinth.
Be respectful of other visitors. This includes not making noise and being respectful if walking with other people.
5 BOOKS TO READ ABOUT LABYRINTH WALKING
I wrote a blog post reviewing the following 5 books, each that deals with walking labyrinths. You can check them out yourself at the Amazon links below or read this blog post: 5 Books about the Spiritual Aspect of Labyrinths to learn a little about what each book teaches.
Walking a Sacred Path: Rediscovering the Labyrinth as a Spiritual Tool by Dr. Lauren Artress 201 pages. AMZN
Labyrinth : Your Path to Self-Discovery by Tony Christie 312 pages. AMZN
Exploring the Labyrinth: A Guide For Healing and Spiritual Growth by Melissa Gayle West 209 pages AMZN
Walking the Labyrinth: A Place to Pray and Seek God by Travis Scholl 240 pages AMZN
Labyrinths from the Outside In: Walking to Spiritual Insight by Rev Dr Donna Schaper and Rev Dr Carole Ann Camp 187 pages AMZN
If you are interested in more spiritual labyrinth aspects I suggest the following websites:
Lauren Artress website - For coaching, workshops and classes.
Veriditas - The nonprofit labyrinth group founded by Lauren Artress
Worldwide Labyrinth Finder - Find a labyrinth to walk near you, or while on vacation
I am a maze artist but I have never made any mazes from North Carolina. If you have suggestions - drop me a note. Otherwise here are some mazes of famous buildings: