This post was updated on October 12, 2026
Spooky season is officially here. Prepare to face your fears with these haunted houses and trails that promise thrills, chills, and a few surprises along the way:
Markoff’s Haunted Forest
19120 Martinsburg Road, Dickerson, Maryland
Get into the spooky season with a series of spine-chilling adventures at this multisensory experience that features a mile-long haunted trail and, most important, zombies. Kick off your journey into the unknown at the free Markoff’s Midway carnival, featuring bonfires and occasional live performances from fire spinners. Next, navigate a mile-long haunted trail, packed with everything from vampires to clowns to butchers. For an added thrill, hop a wagon ride to Onslaught Mills and explore a town overrun by the undead. Details: Select nights from October 2 to November 8. Free to $80.
Cornstalker’s Trail of Terror
11765 St. Linus Drive, Waldorf, Maryland
Explore more than 40,000 square feet of scares inside the Southern Maryland Blue Crabs‘ stadium. Guests can walk through a haunted barnyard, throw some axes, or get their tarot cards read, all while spooky creatures roam the grounds. Details: Select nights from October 9 to November 1. Tickets range from $25 to $40.
AVFD Station 7 Terror Trail
2380 Davidsonville Road, Davidsonville, Maryland
This family-friendly trail put on by the Arundel Volunteer Fire Department features a “Boo Loop” for kids and a terror trail for those daring enough to take the trek. Guests can search for hidden items throughout the walk with a special Halloween-themed scavenger hunt. Details: Fridays and Saturdays October 9 to 31. Tickets from $10 to $30.
Bennett’s Curse
7875A Eastpoint Mall, Dundalk, Maryland
Experience four haunted experiences back-to-back at this indoor haunted house marathon near Baltimore. Travel through the House of the Demons, Halloween 3D experience, Ravenbrook Asylum, and the Crypt, where you’ll find creatures around every corner. Details: September 25 to November 7. Tickets start at $35 online; cash only on site.
Workhouse Haunt: Dark Encounters
9518 Workhouse Way, Lorton, Virginia
Adventure into the historic Workhouse prison to uncover the mystery of five friends who went missing 30 years ago. Take a break from the scares with some Halloween-themed cocktails and mocktails. Details: October 3 to November 30. Tickets range from $25 to $35.
Laurel’s House of Horror
935 Fairlawn Ave., Laurel, Maryland
Partake in paranormal investigations and escape rooms with horror film themes at this haunted house inside an abandoned movie theater. Spanning some 28,000 square feet, Laurel’s is the largest indoor haunted house attraction in the area, packed with clowns, critters, and chaos. Details: September 19 to November 7. Tickets range from $29.95 to $44.95.
Cox Farms Fields of Fear
15621 Braddock Road, Centreville, Virginia
This farm turned scream machine gives visitors the chance to creep through a haunted corn maze, take a ride on the “dark side hayride,” and walk deep into the woods where spooky figures lurk. After some good scares, head over to the concessions for root beer floats, apple cider doughnuts, and cinnamon-roasted almonds. Details: Fridays and Saturdays, September 25 to November 7, plus Sunday, October 11. Tickets range from $40 to $45 and must be purchased online beforehand.
Factory of Fear
9419 Battle Street, Manassas, Virginia
Arts nonprofit ARTfactory transforms into a four-story haunted house with live actors and an “outbreak” theme. Enter the research laboratory to find a cure for a zombie plague—at your own risk, of course. Details: Select nights October 15 through October 24. Tickets are $25.
Mystery Mansion
7931 Connecticut Avenue, Chevy Chase, Maryland
Find a few experiences at this family-friendly haunted house in the Woman’s Club of Chevy Chase. Visitors can start in the enchanted realm of “Fairytale Isle,” travel through a freaky tunnel for more frights, and then debrief the spookiness around fire pits with live music and treats such as popcorn and cotton candy. Details: October 30, 31 and November 1. Tickets range from $10-$25.
