Falling leaves, bonfires, and flannel shirts are telltale signs that fall is upon us. If you live for the spooky, thrilling, and adventurous fun of the Halloween season, here’s your guide to some of the best-haunted houses in and around northern Virginia. Check them out if you dare! I hope you make it out alive…
SHOCKTOBER AT PAXTON MANSION
Leesburg, VA
Ironic that this used to be my kid’s daycare for many years. Now it’s run by The Arc of Loudoun a wonderful nonprofit organization that helps people with physical and intellectual disabilities. This award-winning haunted house is first on the list as it’s not to be missed.
MARKOFFS HAUNTED FOREST
Dickerson, MD
These folks have been around for 25 years and have perfected their craft. They started (with a haunted bus) to raise money to start a summer camp committed to teaching and building strong leaders through positive outdoor experiences. With several trails to choose from, you can keep going back for more.
MADHAUNTER’S MADHOUSE
Leesburg, VA
New this year to the HH scene is a pop-up haunt presented by ChefScape. It’s only available on select nights starting October 25th so get planning! Rated as Virginia’s top haunt in 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019 by Frightfind.com so be prepared to be scared.
HAUNTED LAURIANNE WOODS
Gainesville, VA
These folks started their haunts simply because of their love for Halloween and all things spooky. Several trails and events to choose from and they only open on select dates starting on October 19th. Admission is free and they accept donations for Haymarket Regional Food Pantry.
HAUNTED HOLLOW VA
Warrenton, VA
This haunted trail takes you in and around a haunted farm that was purchased in 1961. Strange things were happening in and around the farm that didn’t make sense until letters and a diary of a high school student were discovered… read more here.
Tickets are sold at the door
HAUNTED NIGHTMARES
Winchester, VA
Located at High Hill farm, there are activities for the brave and the timid alike. Moonlight hayrides and one of the largest corn mazes in the area are sure to keep the younger kids entertained. For those who want more “excitement,” The Last Ride might just be the ticket. It’s a buried alive simulator where you are inside a casket…let’s hope you can get out.
SCREAMLAND FARMS
Frederick, MD
This is an in-your-face haunt that sends you through different venues sure to make you scream. There’s also Zombie paintball if you’d like to take your fight out on others.
FIELD OF SCREAMS
Olney, MD
The metro area's #1 rated scream park has 5 haunted attractions so there’s plenty to see and do when you get there. Bring a group to enjoy the scares together.
AMERICAN SCREAM
Tysons Corner, VA
And now for something completely different, a Halloween selfie museum dedicated to all things Halloween. Come face to face with characters and creatures and selfie-worthy sets. Someone says – “SCREAM”.
