The 6 scariest haunted houses in Virginia

Explore the spookiest haunted houses in Virginia, from the chilling halls of Terror Manor to the eerie trails of Amelia Frightfest.

As the leaves turn to vibrant hues of orange and red, Virginians are gearing up for a seasonal tradition that sends chills down spines and makes hearts race. Haunted attractions are popping up across the commonwealth, inviting thrill-seekers to experience everything from immersive horror trails to spine-tingling haunted houses.

For those brave enough to confront their fears, these six chilling haunted houses in Virginia promise a memorable experience that blends adrenaline and entertainment.

1. Fear Forest

Location: 6340 Oak Shade Rd., Harrisonburg, VA 22801

For an unforgettable experience, Fear Forest in Harrisonburg invites visitors to confront their deepest anxieties. Celebrating its 19th season, Fear Forest features a walking trail filled with terrifying scenes, sounds, and animatronics. This year, the venue includes three attractions: the original Fear Forest, the corn-filled Fear Crops, and the spine-chilling Fear Factory.

Fear Forest opens for the season on Oct. 4, with tickets priced at $30 for admission to all three attractions. The venue promises a full Halloween-themed experience, complete with a lighted parking area, food concessions, and a bonfire for guests to warm up after their thrilling encounters.

Special events throughout the season include a “No Scare Night” for families, where guests can explore attractions without actors or animatronics. On Halloween night, visitors are encouraged to dress in costume for a festive celebration. Fear Forest also offers a VIP option for those wanting to skip the lines.

Photo courtesy of Fear Forest.

2. Terror Manor

Location: 805 Norfolk Ave SE, Roanoke, VA 24016

Terror Manor claims to be Roanoke’s largest and most terrifying haunted house! Nestled in the heart of the city, this spine-chilling attraction boasts over 40 meticulously designed rooms, each promising an extended experience of sheer terror. Guests will encounter a variety of frights, from unexpected jump scares to immersive environments that will leave them on edge. But the thrills don’t stop there—Terror Manor also hosts seasonal haunted events, ensuring a unique experience for every visit. Whether it’s the spine-tingling “Santa’s Slay” in December or a romantic scare at “TerrorTines” in February, there’s something to excite horror fans year-round.

The excitement continues with exclusive events like blackout nights, where patrons navigate the darkness with only their senses guiding them, and celebrity guest appearances that add an extra layer of thrill. The manor is open weekends from Sept. 20 to Oct. 31. 

3. Amelia Frightfest

Location: 16441 Five Forks Rd., Amelia Court House, VA 23002

For a spine-tingling experience, Amelia Frightfest beckons those brave enough to explore its haunted trail. Combining classic haunted house elements with a modern focus on high-quality gore and makeup, this attraction spans a 0.8-mile hike through Amelia’s most haunted woods. “We aren’t the reason you don’t sleep at night; we are the reason you go to therapy!” proclaims the event’s promotional materials.

Amelia Frightfest runs on select dates in September and October, with ticket prices set at $25. With its mix of immersive scares and well-crafted environments, the trail promises a memorable journey through dark woods filled with unexpected frights.

Photo courtesy of ACE Productions.

4. St. Albans Sanatorium

Location: 6248 University Park Dr., Radford, VA 24141

Perched high on a ridge overlooking the New River, the St. Albans Sanatorium offers a unique blend of history and horror. Originally opened in 1892 as a Lutheran boys’ preparatory school, it became a sanatorium in 1916. Following years of abandonment, passionate citizens halted demolition plans to preserve the site, which now hosts historical and paranormal tours year-round, alongside its haunted house event.

This year, St. Albans is open from Sept. 27 to Nov. 2. General admission tickets are $20 cash and $20.85 credit or debit. Line jump tickets are also available for expedited entry. Guests are advised to leave personal items in their vehicles, as backpacks, costumes, or props are not permitted. St. Albans emphasizes a no-touching policy for the safety of both visitors and actors, with any disorderly conduct resulting in expulsion without a refund.

Photo courtesy of St. Albans Sanatorium.

5. RED VEIN Haunted House

Location: 13580 Ashland Rd., Ashland, VA 23005

Opened in 2016, the RED VEIN Haunted House at Hanover Vegetable Farm has quickly become a local favorite. Founded by Ryan Sligh and a team of passionate artists, RED VEIN offers an immersive storyline combined with realistic sets and extreme scares. Designed for guests aged 13 and older, it includes both indoor and outdoor elements.

General admission tickets range from $22.99 to $24.99 online and are $25 at the box office. Each ticket grants access to four haunted attractions, providing a multi-faceted experience for those looking to maximize their night of fright. RED VEIN also hosts food trucks and live entertainment, adding to the overall festive atmosphere.

6. Hexed Haunted Attraction

Location: 2059 Burkette Rd., Elliston, VA 24087

As the leaves turn to vibrant hues of orange and red, thrill-seekers are flocking to the Hexed Haunted Attraction in Virginia, renowned as the best and most terrifying haunt in the state. With six bone-chilling attractions included in one ticket price, guests can immerse themselves in a world of horror. The eerie Witch House and the sinister Hexed Penitentiary are just two of the highlights designed to provoke screams and shivers. Open from Sept. 27 to Nov. 2, Hexed operates nightly from 7-10:30 p.m., with visitors required to be in the parking lot by 10:30 p.m.

Hexed also caters to younger audiences with kid-friendly necklaces, allowing families to enjoy a low-scare experience while still embracing the Halloween spirit. “Our goal is to celebrate the harvest season with some fun scares,” a representative stated. With fog, flashing lights, and surprises lurking around every corner, Hexed ensures that all who exit leave wanting more.

Photo courtesy of Hexed Haunted Attraction.

This article first appeared on Good Info News Wire and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.