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Already known for real-deal ghosts and ghouls year-round, North Carolina has plenty of Halloween-season haunts that are sure to send shivers down your spine. From eerie forests filled with lurking shadows to haunted houses where the doomed spirits never rest, here we explore some of the most iconic and hair-raising haunts in North Carolina. Proceed at your own risk.
For more insider tips for ghost hunting, spooky stories and paranormal happenings across the state, check out First in Fright, North Carolina’s own haunted hub.
1 SCarowinds
1 SCarowinds
CharlotteSee on map
When the sun sets, Carowinds transforms into SCarowinds – a terrifying theme park filled with haunted houses, scare zones and roaming monsters. This is the ultimate Halloween destination for thrill-seekers who crave both adrenaline-pumping rides and spine-tingling scares. The park's intense atmosphere and terrifying attractions are designed for teens and adults, making it the perfect haunt for those who want to experience a true roller coaster of emotions.
2 Woods of Terror on Church Street
2 Woods of Terror on Church Street
GreensboroSee on mapThis haunted attraction is known for its intense scares and immersive environment, combining horror movie-quality effects with a bone-chilling atmosphere. From creepy clowns to chainsaw-wielding prowlers, Woods of Terror pulls out all the stops to give you the fright of your life. It’s not recommended for children, but for adults who love a good scare, it’s the ultimate Halloween destination.
3 Lake Hickory Haunts
3 Lake Hickory Haunts
HickorySee on mapPrepare for a night of fright at Lake Hickory Haunts, where the scares come by land and by water. This haunt is a multi-attraction horror experience set on the eerie shores of Lake Hickory. With haunted trails, creepy woods and terrifying water-based scares, Lake Hickory Haunts is designed to immerse you in a world where your worst nightmares come true. Check their calendar for special events such as concerts and photo ops with screen-used scary movie props.
4 The 13th Acre
4 The 13th Acre
MonroeSee on mapAt The 13th Acre, enter with caution, because once you step past the entrance, you’ll only have one chance to turn around. If you miss it, you will have to face your fears along the way. This outdoor haunted trail is packed with creepy surprises, lurking ghouls and terrifying twists that’ll keep you on edge from start to finish. The 13th Acre is known for its creativity and intensity, making it a must-visit for horror fans. But be warned: This haunt is not for children or the faint of heart, and ages 12 and older are recommended. Enter at your own risk!
5 Hollerin Haunts Hayride
5 Hollerin Haunts Hayride
ClintonSee on mapHollerin Haunts Hayride offers three different attractions: the Haunted Hayride, the Darkness and Hell's Acres all guarantee different levels of scared visitors. Hop aboard the hayride and journey through haunted woods filled with ghosts, ghouls and all sorts of creepy characters. It’s a family-friendly event, but don’t let that fool you – there’s plenty of frightful fun to go around. With live actors, special effects and a down-home atmosphere, it’s a Halloween adventure you won’t forget.
6 Hickory Grove Haunted Trail
6 Hickory Grove Haunted Trail
GastoniaSee on mapLocated in the backwoods of South Fork River at Mountain View Golf Center in Gastonia, the Hickory Grove Haunted Trail is a local gem that offers a heart-pounding journey through dark woods filled with all manner of ghastly creatures. This trail is designed to disorient, disturb and downright terrify anyone who dares to walk it. With live actors, special effects and a whole lot of darkness, it’s a spine-tingling experience that’s better suited for older teens and adults.
7 Spookywoods at Kersey Valley
7 Spookywoods at Kersey Valley
ArchdaleSee on mapSpookywoods Haunted Attraction was created in 1985 after several teenagers dared one another to enter an abandoned farmhouse. Spookywoods at Kersey Valley isn’t just a haunted attraction; it’s an entire world of horror spanning an 80-acre farm. With elaborate sets, professional-grade makeup and a cast of characters straight out of your worst nightmares, this haunt has been terrifying visitors for decades. The immersive experience takes you through haunted houses, creepy forests and more, with each twist and turn bringing new horrors. It’s intense, terrifying, and ages 10 and under are not recommended – but if you’re looking for top-tier scares, Spookywoods has you covered.
8 Panic Attack Haunted Attraction
8 Panic Attack Haunted Attraction
NakinaSee on mapPanic Attack Haunted Attraction lives up to its name, delivering a high-octane horror experience that’s not for the faint-hearted. Located in the remote woods of Nakina near the North Carolina border, this haunt plays on your deepest fears with state-of-the-art effects, terrifying storylines and actors who are disturbingly good at what they do. The moment you step inside, you're in for an adrenaline-pumping journey through some of the most frightening scenes imaginable.
9 The Haunted Farm
9 The Haunted Farm
HendersonvilleLocated in rural farmland near Hendersonville, The Haunted Farm sits on a mysterious piece of land – locals tell the story of a deadly feud between the Lively and Tate families years ago. The alleged curses, bloodshed, ghosts and haunts lure visitors to the farm during autumn. Spread across 50 acres of farmland, this haunt features multiple attractions that will have you screaming for mercy. Whether it's the horrifying barn, the haunted woods or the eerie farmstead, each area is packed with live actors ready to give you a full-on terror experience that leaves no stone – or tombstone – unturned.
10 Hotel Haunt
10 Hotel Haunt
AhoskieSee on mapThis haunt takes you through a terrifying tour of a once-glamorous hotel now overrun with restless spirits and otherworldly beings. But beware – not everything you experience might be for show, as this attraction is a truly haunted location. The Garrett Hotel, a historic national landmark with numerous instances of documented paranormal activity, also offers year-round paranormal investigations to those who crave the real thing. This one isn’t for the faint of heart or the kiddos – leave them at home unless you want to deal with nightmares.
11 Backwoods Terror Ranch
11 Backwoods Terror Ranch
FayettevilleSee on mapEach October, Sweet Valley Ranch in Fayetteville becomes Backwoods Terror Ranch. This immersive haunt combines eerie storylines with terrifying live actors to create a experience you won’t forget. With multiple haunted attractions, including the infamous Slaughterhouse, this is where your darkest fears come to life. This one's definitely not for the kiddos – for everyone else, it’s a thrilling dive into the macabre that you won’t want to miss.
