Halloween Happenings: The Clifton Haunted Trail

PHOTOS of Clifton Haunted Trail by Robyn Witschey/Witschey Photography, courtesy of Clifton Haunted Trail organizers; see a gallery of photos below the story.

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Halloween is just around the corner and one of the spookiest outings in Northern Virginia? The Clifton Haunted Trail.

It all started 14 years ago, in 2001, and has continued uninterrupted until 2006, when a powerful storm significantly damaged the main bridge on the trail, organizers say. The trail was re-started in 2009, after the bridge was restored.

Organizers point out that the trail is in an area known for spooky tales. Clifton, a small Civil War-era town, originally known as Devereux Station in the 1800s, saw many battles fought near the town, such as in nearby Bull Run. Could some of the historic homes and commercial residences be haunted? Listen to town residents and you just might hear a story about a ghostly sighting.

This brings us to Bunnyman Bridge. The urban legend goes that a man dressed in a bunny suit terrorizes those who come near the “haunted” railroad overpass, aka Bunnyman Bridge in the Fairfax Station/Clifton area. (To learn more about the Bunny man legend click here: http://www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/branches/vr/bunny/)

This year, if you dare to visit the trail, you just may see the Bunnyman, as well as roving monsters, zombies, witches, vampires, escaped convicts, the demented and deranged, organizers say.

Brave enough to hit the Clifton Haunted Trail? Here’s what you need to know:

• Tickets are available for sale now on the website at www.cliftonhauntedtrail.com $15 for adults / $10 for 12 and under.
• Organizers will also accept credit cards (VISA, MC) this year for ticket purchases only the night of the trail.
• Rain date is set for Sunday, Oct. 25.
• There will be “Monster Movies” under the stars.
• Food vendors this year are Trattoria Villagio and Old Blue BBQ plus other concessions such as hot chocolate, hot cider, soft drinks and baked goodies are available for purchase by cash only, as well as Clifton Haunted Trail T-shirts.
• Sturdy shoes recommended.

Interested in participating in the trail in any way? Organizers are still seeking talent on the trail and teens looking for community service hours to help with set-up and cleanup. Contact Jeff Harper at jeffharper@cox.net and visit our booth Sunday, Oct. 11, at Clifton Day.

More about the Haunted Trail

What: More than two dozen scary skits and scenes along a wooded trail in Buckley Park. Pizza, cider, hot chocolate and baked goodies as well as T-shirts are available for purchase (cash only).

When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 7-10 p.m. It takes 30 to 45 minutes to walk the trail, which is set on 8 acres of woods.

Rated: Recommended “PG-13,” organizers say parental discretion is advised and not recommended for young children or those with severe health or heart conditions.

Where: The trail every year is located in Buckley Park at the end of Chapel Street. Parking is available in the Clifton Flood Plain and at Clifton Elementary School, 7010 Clifton Road. Volunteers will be directing cars.

Who: It takes several hundred volunteers to put together the trail and most are town residents. To get involved or be a sponsor of the Clifton Haunted Trail please contact: Kathy Hertz, CHT Head of Recruitment at ZaraUSA@aol.com

Keep up with the Clifton Haunted Trail on their Web site at www.cliftonhauntedtrail.com, on Facebook and on Instagram at Clifton Haunted Trail.

Do you know about a spooky happening coming up soon in Northern Virginia? Send your information to: maryann.barton@patch.com.