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12 Scary Places In New York That Will Take Your Halloween To A New Terrifying Level

Explore 12 terrifying haunted attractions in New York that promise to elevate your Halloween experience with spine-chilling thrills.

Published Sep 15, 2016

Written by 

Lea Monroe

When you're tucked away in the upper right hand corner of America, you become familiar with the eerie feelings that come along with the season of fall. By the time Halloween rolls around New Yorkers are more than ready to have the pants scared right off of themselves. We live for this time of year!

With the hope of getting you excited for the upcoming holiday, here's a list of 12 scary places in our state that will take the month of October to a new terrifying level.

WARNING: This is not for the faint of heart! These places will scare you.

1. Night Terrors Haunted Farm - Schoharie

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Night Terrors Haunted Farm/Yelp

You may have had the pleasure of visiting this haunted farm before, but this year Night Terrors is featuring a new attraction that will make you squeal - the Krouse House! For an additional $7.00 you can enter the terrifying world of Doctor Krouse.

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Another popular attraction is the Immersive Airsoft Zombie Hunt, where you'll be able to track down zombies with a team of hunters, an additional $5.00 onto the $18.00 general admission. Other attractions that will get your blood pumping are the Harvest Hayride, Maze Mayhem and Bezerkus Circus!


Interested in getting a better bang for your buck? For $30.00 (the best deal) you'll get general admission and access to the Bezerkus Circus, Krouse House, Maze Mayhem and Zombie Hunt.

For $45.00 you'll receive all of the above, plus you'll be able to get Speedline access to all of the attractions.

Hours: 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. every Friday & Saturday in October.


How to get here: 4193 Route 7 Schoharie, NY 12157

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2. Fright Fest at Six Flags - Queensbury

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Six Flags/YouTube

If you haven't made your annual trip to Great Escape, then don't worry because you still have time! If you aren't familiar with The Great Escape & Splash Water Kingdom, the amusement park turns into your personal haunted kingdom during the fall. Featuring haunted mazes and houses, designated scare zones, costume parties and rides that will make you scream! To find out more information on all the different ticket prices, hours and events, click here!


How to get here: 89 Six Flags Drive Queensbury, NY 12804

3. Headless Horseman Hayrides and Haunted Houses - Ulster Park

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Drew G./Yelp

If you're going to make a point of visiting any of New York's haunted attractions, this is the one to check out. Considered by many to be one of the most haunted houses in the world, the Headless Horseman features 10 different attractions. That's right, ten. From a one-mile long hayride that will make you realize that you've never truly been scared in your life until this very moment, creepy corn mazes and so much more, there's plenty to see and do here. The Headless Horseman will be open the last two weekends in September, as well as every weekend in October.

Prices: Purchase your pass online for $15.90 plus sales tax or buy it onsite for $16.90 plus sales tax.

How to get here: 778 Broadway Route 9W Ulster Park, NY 12487

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4. The Barn of Terror - Lake Katrine

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The Barn Of Terror/Yelp

A local favorite, The Barn of Terror will open up for the season on September 30th, remaining open for every Friday, Saturday and Sunday until October 30th. The barn features eight rooms that are made to shock the living daylights out of you! The terrifying barn has been scaring visitors for 14 years, with each visit taking roughly 1 1/2 - 2 hours.


Prices: $33.00 per person.

How to get here: 25 ThruView Farm Road Lake Katrine, NY 12449

5. House of Horrors & Haunted Catacombs - Cheektowaga

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Timothy B./Yelp

Considered to be the largest and most intense haunted attraction in the Buffalo area, House of Horrors & Haunted Catacombs offers nine attractions in one place. The House of Horrors doesn't accept credit cards, so be sure to either bring cash or buy your tickets online ahead of time!


Prices: Prices range anywhere from $20.00 to $60.00, to find out their exact rates click here!

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How to get here: 3757 Union Road Cheektowaga, NY 14225

6. Dark Matter Scream Works - Rochester

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Dark Matter Scream Works/YouTube

Since it first started scaring visitors back in 2011, this haunted attraction has grown tremendously over the several years it has been up and running. The only indoor scream park that you'll find in the Rochester area, here you'll be able to experience both The Keep and Dark Matter 3D! The Keep will have you exploring an ancient haunted manor if you dare, as well as let you explore the 3D haunted attraction that will take you out of this world.

At Dark Matter you can purchase your tickets on-site with cash or you can buy your tickets ahead of time online. Price of General Admission costs $18.00 or you can pay $24.00 for the Scream Pass that lets you skip the longer lines. To buy tickets and to view their hours and schedule for the season, click here!



How to get here: 2599 East Henrietta Road Rochester, NY 14623

7. The Forest of Fear - Tuxedo Park

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Mika S./Yelp

At the best haunted attraction in the Hudson Valley area, you'll be able to experience seven attractions all in one place. The Forest of Fear has a great mixture of both indoor and outdoor attractions, with gates opening to the public at 7:00 p.m.. From October 7th through the 30th you can visit every Friday, Saturday and Sunday! Parking here is free but a bit limited, so you'll want to make sure to show up early!


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How to get here: 600 Route 17A Tuxedo Park, NY

8. Demon Acres Haunted House & Hayride - Hannibal

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Kenneth McCann/YouTube

Sitting on over 20 acres of land, Demon Acres is considered to be one of the most intense haunted houses in New York. Their chilling hayride has been acknowledged as being one of the best over the years and is an attraction you do not want to miss. One of the best parts about this place is that not only is parking free, but prices are very reasonable so that everyone can have a chance to visit this wonderfully haunting attraction.



So, what are their prices? Tickets can only be purchased on site, but not to worry, they do have an ATM if you need one! To visit the Demon's Den it'll cost you $14.00, to visit the Depths of the Dark Forest it'll be $12.00, but you can also buy a Combo Ticket that will only cost you $25.00. You can also choose to buy the Express Fear Combo Ticket for $45.00 which allows you to skip the lines and includes admission to all of the attractions.



Hours: Open every Friday & Saturday in October from 7:00 p.m. to 11:00 p.m..


How to get here: 341 County Route 36 Hannibal, New York 13074

9. Double M Haunted Hayrides - Ballston Spa

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Double M's Haunted Hayride/Facebook

This is not a place for the faint of heart, and we mean it! The local attraction has been giving visitors goosebumps for over 25 years, featuring a well-known haunted hayride. The hayride lasts roughly a half-hour, with opening night September 24th. The haunted location also features a chilling junkyard that may or may not have a villainous family lurking in the shadows, amongst other creepy attractions.

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10. New York Haunted Hayride - New York City

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Ny H./Yelp

Where are all my readers who watch the television show Shark Tank? This one is for you! Business man Mark Cuban make his largest Shark Tank investment ever when he teamed up with Ten Thirty One Productions, the company that is bringing you this haunted hayride for the second year in a row. A tractor-drawn hay wagon will take you through your nightmares and have you facing all of your darkest fears! The attraction also features a haunted village, also known as Purgatory.


Hours: To view their hours for the month of October, click here.


How to get here: 20 Randall’s Island Connector New York, NY 10035

11. Blood Manor - New York City

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Gatangalie S./Yelp

Open from 6:00 p.m. until 1:00 a.m. on the night of Halloween, this place will have you forgetting that you're right in the heart of New York City. Blood Manor is an attraction that has haunted themed rooms and passageways that will make you wish you were at home tucked away in your bed! This place is so scary it even has emergency exits for those who visit and are too afraid to make it through the entire haunted attraction that covers 5,000 square feet. To buy tickets and to view when you can visit the Blood Manor, click here.


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How to get here: 163 Varick Street New York City, New York 10013

12. Bayville Scream Park - Bayville

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Denise G./Yelp

Possibly the best haunted attraction you can visit on all of Long Island, there's nothing quite like experiencing the thrills of Bayville Scream Park! The park features five attractions that will have you grabbing onto the closest human being you can find out of fear, from zombie pirates to haunted woods. The haunted attractions of Bayville are meant to send chills down your spine, a place that will truly get you excited for Halloween. To view the different ticket prices and hours of operation, click here.



How to get here: 8 Bayville Avenue Bayville, NY 11709

Looking to experience something that won't have you jumping out of your seat in fear? Then plan a trip to one of these 10 Charming Pumpkin Patches In New York That Are Perfect For Any Fall Day!

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Experiences

I’m a Small Town, Mountain West Girl and My First Trip to NYC Wasn’t What I Expected

Fear kept me back from visiting one of the most fascinating places I've ever explored. Here's what I found when I stepped out of my comfort zone.

Published Oct 14, 2024

Written by 

Courtnie Erickson

New York City. The Big Apple. The City that Never Sleeps. From the countless movies and television shows set in this city, it is a destination that has always mesmerized me and has sat on my bucket list for years. But, it is also a place that I never prioritized visiting because it put me way out of my comfort zone. The thought of visiting created inside me a long list of fears and worries, but when I had the perfect opportunity to go, I couldn't pass it up.

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My Small-Town Roots

You see, I’m a small-town girl, born and raised in the West. While growing up, I moved often, but spent most of my childhood in a remote town in southern Utah with a population of approximately 1,500 people. We had zero stoplights, one grocery store, and dozens of outdoor activities (including two national parks) within minutes of my front door. Several times each month, my family would make a two-hour, round-trip drive to the nearest city for essential household items and groceries. My family knew everyone in town, and everyone knew us.

Not only is the small-town vibe what I know, it is what I love. As you drive down the road, you wave to everyone you pass – even if you don’t know them.  Shopping takes hours because you see multiple neighbors and friends. The slower pace of daily life is comfortable, enjoyable, and less stressful.

An Opportunity to Step Out of My Comfort Zone

I love to travel and explore, but I primarily stick to the West Coast, Hawaii, and the Midwest. I have explored very little of the East Coast. However, when the opportunity came to visit New York City with two of my sisters, I knew I had to go. My wanderlust was strong.

The flights were booked. The hotel room was reserved. Our itinerary was starting to fill up with attraction after attraction. But now, my fears of the city began to play through my mind. I began to worry about the fast pace of the city, figuring out the subway, how to prevent pickpocketers, and even the stress of dealing with rude people. I pictured NYC filled with execs and celebrities — a very different demographic than the many agricultural towns I have called home over the years.  

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Courtnie Erickson/Only In Your State

However, as soon as the skyline came into my view as our taxi drove closer to the heart of the city, I knew it was love at first sight, and each activity, attraction, and bagel made me even more smitten.

What I Found

We spent four days exploring as much of the city as possible. Of course, we explored many popular tourist attractions like Central Park, Rockefeller Square, the Empire State Building, and the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. We enjoyed a Broadway show, sat on the stairs of the Met, and enjoyed a sunset from an observation deck. My sisters and I were on the go from the early morning until the stars came out. I wanted to take it all in.

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Courtnie Erickson/Only In Your State

As we explored, I found absolute beauty.  It was not the natural beauty I grew up admiring at Utah’s national parks. Rather, it was a beauty found only in this concrete jungle. I was not only enchanted by the unique architecture of the skyscrapers and homes but also by the parks and green spaces all throughout the city. Central Park was breathtaking, with hidden gems everywhere you look. And as a runner, I was even a little jealous of the countless individuals I saw jogging around the park.

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I was very nervous about the people I’d meet as New Yorkers are often depicted as unfriendly and cold, opposite of the communities I’ve known throughout my life. However, I found that to be completely false. Whenever we felt a little lost, had questions, or even wondered where we could find the best pizza nearby, someone was always ready to give a hand and recommendation. Our taxi drivers were kind and willing to do whatever was necessary to get us to our destination on time. Even people on the subway were helpful when mechanical issues forced everyone off the train somewhere in Queens.

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Courtnie Erickson/Only In Your State

The talents of people in NYC were unforgettable. From watching a Broadway show to listening to a lone man play the piano in Washington Square, I was constantly impressed. As we walked along Wall Street, near the United Nations, and in many other areas around the city, I’d see people dressed to the nines or in various work uniforms, and I wanted to know their stories — who they were, what they did for a living, what their family life was like. In small towns, you know a lot about people but here, there was so much diversity that the journalistic side of me was just begging to be unleashed. Questions continually popped into my head as I explored.

However, I did fully unleash one unique side of me — my foodie side. In small towns, the mom-and-pop cafes and restaurants feel like sitting at your grandma's table, but the options are limited. Here, I ate bagels the size of my head, pizza perfectly baked and with astounding flavors, and cheesecake that I'm pretty sure came from heaven. My taste buds were in overdrive throughout my entire visit.

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Courtnie Erickson/Only In Your State

As I flew across the country at the end of my trip, I realized that while small towns will always have a piece of my heart, there’s now a small corner filled with a love of something new — something completely unlike the places I’ve called home. Fear kept me back all of these years from crossing off one of the most fascinating places on my bucket list. It kept me from finding beauty I had never seen before and flavors that I find myself still craving. I sure love my small towns, but I’m forever grateful I stepped out of my comfort zone to explore. NYC was certainly not what I expected — it was better.

Has your travels ever caused you to step out of your comfort zone? What did you find along the way? We’d love to hear your thoughts!

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Experiences

The Best Apple Cider Donuts in New York Comes From This Farm

Discover the best apple cider donuts in New York at Wallkill View Farm Market. Enjoy fresh, homemade treats and fun fall activities for the whole family.

Published Oct 8, 2024

Written by 

Jasmine Vieau

Have you ever wondered where to find the best apple cider donuts in New York? As autumn unfolds and the leaves begin to change, the hunt for that perfect seasonal treat begins. If you’re craving a warm, delicious donut, Wallkill View Farm Market is the place to go. Here, homemade apple cider donuts are made fresh daily, making it a must-visit for anyone who loves this quintessential fall favorite.

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Wallkill View Farm Market, located in the scenic Hudson Valley, has been a beloved family-owned business since 1960. The Ferrante family has spent generations perfecting their mouthwatering apple cider donuts, which keep people coming back year after year. These donuts are made with local apple cider, giving them a soft, fluffy texture and that signature taste of fall with every bite.

Available in three tasty varieties - plain, powdered sugar, and cinnamon sugar - Wallkill View’s apple cider donuts are crafted with fresh, high-quality ingredients. You can really taste the apples and warm spices throughout. They’re the perfect treat to enjoy on a crisp fall day, surrounded by the vibrant colors of the season.

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DepthofField/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

But there’s more to Wallkill View Farm Market than just donuts; it’s a full fall experience. When autumn arrives, the farm is brimming with activities for all ages. Stroll through the pick-your-own pumpkin patch to find the perfect pumpkin for your Halloween display, or get lost in the twists and turns of the corn maze. For the kids, there’s the Peter Pumpkin Jump, a fun, bouncy attraction that’s bound to be a hit.

As you explore the farm, don’t miss the wide selection of freshly baked goods at the market. Along with their famous donuts, you’ll find pies, muffins, and other seasonal treats. For a true fall experience, grab a cup of hot mulled apple cider or freshly brewed coffee to enjoy alongside your donut.

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Philip Rozenski/iStock / Getty Images Plus via Getty Images

Wallkill View Farm Market is conveniently located near the New York State Thruway, making it easy to reach for a day of fall fun. The farm, market, and garden center are open every day, so you can visit at your convenience. Stop by 15 Route 299 West, New Paltz, NY, 12561, and be sure to check the website of Wallkill View Farm Market for the latest hours and events. For up-to-date information, you can also visit the Facebook Page Wallkill View Farm Market.

If you’re searching for the best apple cider donuts in New York, Wallkill View Farm Market should be at the top of your list. Their dedication to quality, delicious flavors, and a family-friendly atmosphere make this farm a fall destination worth visiting. Gather your friends and family, and head to Wallkill View Farm Market for a taste of fall you’ll be craving all season long.

As soon as I feel the first hint of fall in the air, I begin making a list of places to visit and fun activities to do in New York during the fall season. What are some of your favorite fall activities? Is there a specific fall attraction that you must visit every autumn? Tell me all about it! Not sure where to start? Check out this charming small town in New York that’s perfect for a fall day trip.

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