PWC Guide To Haunted Trails, Ghost Stories, And Other Spooky Delights

PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, VA — There are plenty of places around Prince William County to experience all the Halloween frights. Our scary guide includes everything from full moon hikes to haunted trails, some better experienced for adults and others suitable for children.

Here’s what’s going on leading up to Halloween (the 31st is on a Tuesday, so plan accordingly):

• The Death Trail:
  • Select weekends dates from Oct. 13 to 29
  • 16120 Dumfries Rd, Dumfries, VA 22025
  • The Death Trail dates back to 2009, providing a 30 to 40 minute walkthrough. Two escape rooms are also options for $5 more. At the end, guests are provided with a message of hope through Christian faith.
• Family Pumpkin Carving Contest
  • Saturday, Oct. 14
  • Veterans Memorial Park, Woodbridge, VA
  • This event is perfect for expert or novice pumpkin carver. Registration is required, but pumpkins and utensils are provided!
• Murder at Rippon Lodge
  • Saturday, Oct. 14
  • Rippon Lodge, Woodbridge, VA
  • This event is for adults only. The murder mystery tasks guests with solving a murder at the historic Rippon Lodge. Tickets must be purchased in advance.
• Glow in the Dark Week Fitness Classes
  • Monday, Oct. 23 through Friday, Oct. 27
  • Sharron Baucom Dale City Recreation Center
  • Participants should wear white or glow in the dark clothes for these seasonal fitness classes.
• Campfire Ghost Stories of Ben Lomond
  • Friday, Oct. 27
  • Ben Lomond Historic Site, Manassas, VA
  • This event will include spooky stories around the fire at the historic site that is rumored to be haunted. Children five and older are welcome, at their parents' discretion.
• Full Moon Hike
  • Saturday, Oct. 28
  • Neabsco Creek Boardwalk, Woodbridge, VA
  • Enjoy a walk in nature under the Harvest Moon before enjoying a s'more at the fire pit. This slow-paced hike is perfect for all ages.
• Spooky Shoot
  • Saturday, Oct. 28
  • Silver Lake Regional Park, Haymarket, VA
  • This family-friendly event will help participants of all ages embrace archery. Guests are encouraged to come in costume, as long as it doesn't prevent safe shooting.
• Haunted Mini Golf
  • Saturday, Oct. 28 and Sunday, Oct. 29
  • Locust Shade Park, Woodbridge, VA
  • Mini golf is even better when you're surrounded by Halloween decorations.

Experts say some of us are hard-wired to enjoy the full-body experience of being scared, as long as we know we’re in no real danger. Adrenal glands go into overdrive when we’re frightened, triggering a rush of dopamine and endorphins, the “pleasure” hormones.

That’s different from the “bad fear” triggered in dangerous situations, according to Cleveland Clinic psychologist Chivonna Childs.

“There’s also a good side to fear, and that’s what scary movies, true crime and haunted houses tap into,” Childs wrote on a Cleveland Clinic blog. “We understand that there’s an end to those experiences, that the bear’s not gonna get us. We know that going through a haunted house is just for fun, that it’s only people in costumes.

“But it still rings those bells for adrenaline, endorphins and dopamine. You experience the euphoria because you know you’re safe.”