Spooky season in Northeast Pennsylvania promises a wicked good time.
The region’s haunted attractions offer everything from creepy hayrides into dark woods to abandoned mansions overrun with ghastly creatures and restless spirits. No matter what your preference, there’s something for every horror lover in NEPA this fall.
Because of their scary elements, most attractions are not recommended for children younger than 10. Guests must wear masks at each venue, and most attractions have implemented social distancing guidelines in addition to increasing sanitation measures and safety concepts for their actors. For the most up-to-date information, call the venues directly or visit their social media pages.
Hellstead Manor
This indoor haunted attraction is set in a grand house where a failed experiment caused body-altering mutations to those living there. Guests can then journey through the Wretched Woods to meet the land’s earliest settlers, who have devolved into the plants and animals who came before them. The attraction includes free parking, and guests get a complimentary mask upon entry.
Where: 630 Harmony Road, Great Bend Twp.
When: Fridays and Saturdays, 7 to 11p.m., through Oct. 31
Admission: $27
Details: hellsteadmanor.com, 570-396-5871, info@hellsteadmanor.com or Hellstead Manor on Facebook
Hotel of Horror
Journey inside a 200-year-old “abandoned” Poconos resort, the Lake House Hotel, for both the Hotel of Horror and Altered Nightmares attractions. These rain-or-shine, indoor, walk-through haunted house attractions feature live actors and paranormal activity. Because of COVID-19, there will be no Theatre of the Damned, Coffin Coach or concessions this season.
Where: 5105 Cherry Valley Road, Saylorsburg
When: Fridays, 7 to 11p.m.; Saturdays, 6 to 11p.m.; and Sundays, 7 to 10p.m., through Nov 1; also open Sunday, Oct. 11, 7 to 11p.m.
Admission: $25 and up; box office accepts cash only (ATM available); online purchases can be paid for by credit card.
Details: hotelofhorror.com or Hotel of Horror on Facebook
Horror Hall
Guests will need about 20 minutes to complete the quarter-mile walk through this indoor haunted attraction where they will come in contact with hair-raising scenes and ghoulish characters. It is not suitable for children younger than 10.
Where: 11 E. Poplar St., Plymouth Twp.
When: Fridays and Saturdays, 6p.m. to midnight, and Sundays, 6 to 10p.m., through Oct. 31
Admission: $15 general/$19 fast pass
Details: facebook.com/HorrorHall, horrorhall1@gmail.com or plymouthtwpfirerescue@gmail.com
Reaper’s Revenge
This 60-acre scream park offers attractions including the Haunted Hayride, where guests board a wagon and begin their journey into the woods; the Lost Carnival, filled with the souls of sideshow freaks and deranged clowns; the Tunnel of Love, a haunted house experience; and Delirium, an indoor, 3-D maze of multiple dimensions and altered reality. The attraction stays open until all guests have gone through, but they must arrive by 11p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and by 10p.m. on Sundays. Guests must sign a waiver to enter the attraction; download the form at reapersrevenge.net beforehand to avoid longer wait times.
Where: Green Grove Road, Scott Twp.
When: Fridays and Saturdays, 6p.m. to 1a.m., and Sundays, 6 to 11p.m., through Nov. 1
Admission: $40 general/$65 VIP package (general admission with VIP upgrade)/$3 parking; ticket booth accepts cash only; guests can pay with a credit card online.
Details: reapersrevenge.net, Reaper’s Revenge on Facebook and 570-254-8038
Gia Mazur is an award-winning staff writer and beauty obsessive who joined The Times-Tribune’s Lifestyles department in 2015. She’s a product enthusiast who can’t live without an eyelash curler. A proud Virgo, Charlotte Tilbury Matte Revolution Lipstick in Pillow Talk is her go-to. Contact: gmazur@timesshamrock.com; 570-348-9127; @gmazurTT
