Your Guide to the Best Hauntings in the Area

My favorite time of year – fall, Halloween, and all things haunted. Here’s your guide to the best haunted houses, farms, and trails near us. Be warned, some are taking it to a whole new level of immersion. Check them out if you dare and 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.

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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

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.

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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.

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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.

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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”.

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