From frightening farms to historic destinations morphed into a haunted haven, see for yourself – if you dare - why PA is known for having some of the scariest haunted houses and attractions in the country. Here are 13 of the most spook-tacular spots for some themed-scares across the state.
1. Field Of Screams
Mountville
America’s #1 haunted attraction is back for its 32nd season and Field of Screams is ready to bring you the most horrifying haunts through four different world-class experiences. Find a seat on the Haunted Hayride, be a guest at the Den of Darkness, dare to enter the Frightmare Asylum, and see what lurks within the Nocturnal Wasteland. Embrace the atmos-fear at the best frightening field in the nation – if you can handle it.
2. Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride
Glen Mills
Featured in CNN Travel and ranked a “Top 5 Best” by America Haunts Group, Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride invites you to experience a touch of the terrifying tale pre-Psycho. Horror enthusiasts can check in to the hotel to witness levitating spirits, pictures that follow you, and realistic frights that won’t help you sleep at night.
If you’re not too spooked after your motel visit, strap in for a 25-minute horror ride on their award-winning Haunted Hayride with all new scenes to spook even the bravest this season. If you prefer to be frightened on foot, venture through Revenge of the Scarecrows Haunted Trail and find yourself weaving through this treacherous corn maze.
3. Pennhurst Asylum
Spring City
Experience one of Pennsylvania’s many legendary haunted houses at Pennhurst Asylum. This haunted house is set within one of the state’s most haunted destinations. This former asylum opened its doors in 1908 and provided accommodations to those that were mentally and physically handicapped. After closing its doors in 1987 and reopening as a seasonal haunted attraction in 2010, it’s another PA haunted attraction that has been recognized nationally as one of the “top haunted houses in the U.S.” by US Today 10Best and HauntWorld.com. Discover the history and haunts of this iconic spooky spot with four spine-tingling experiences.
4. Reaper’s Revenge
Scranton
Find five horrifying attractions when you step foot within Reaper’s Revenge. This haunted attraction near the Poconos will leave your heart racing with experiences like a Haunted Hayride, equipped with bloody-thirsty zombies, the Lost Carnival, where you are part of the entertainment, Delirium, where you’ll take a step into an altered reality, and more frightening features for you to choose from.
5. Haunted Hill View Manor
New Castle
Previously known as the Lawrence County Home for the Aged, which once housed the county’s mentally ill, severely destitute, and elderly residents who didn’t have any known family, the home is now one of the most haunted houses in western PA. During the Halloween season, watch the historical building transform into a nightmare-filled experience as “Scare Manor.” Or, if you’re not into seasonal scares, take a guided evening tour of the Manor to uncover true haunts that lie within the walls.
6. Halloween Nights at Eastern State Penitentiary
Philadelphia
Lingering spirits of former prisoners are said to haunt the cellblocks of Eastern State Penitentiary. As one of Pennsylvania’s most well-known haunted attractions, the nearly 200-year-old National Historic Landmark offers daytime tours, or brave souls can venture into the dark, abandoned cell blocks on night tours or attend one of their iconic Halloween Nights for a themed scare.
7. Haunted Hollow
Rockwood
Experience a new year filled with new fear as you enjoy 12 nights of fright at Haunted Hollow. This haunted attraction near Pittsburgh will have you journeying through the dark hallways of a 19th century farmhouse to the Bruner Burning House, Milford Asylum, HollowWood Haunted Hayride, Toxic Wasteland, and Dead End Cornfield. There’s plenty of attractions to choose from at this Western PA haunted house.
8. The Haunted Acres
Sidman
Embrace acres of terrifying trails at this scary attraction in Pennsylvania. The Haunted Acres is home to customized scares fitting this year’s theme, “A Fear Within.” Follow the lit path and make your way down the trail to see what crafty creatures you encounter. Take advantage of their brand-new Snack and Scares pack as they have teamed up with local businesses to pair your scares with exclusive discounts at select eateries in the area. Now’s your chance to dine, and dance, with the devil!
9. Ravenwood Manor at the Hegarty Mansion
Beccaria
Venture through this Victorian mansion to witness Ravenwood Manor and uncover the chilling secrets within. Watch as every weekend in October the 3.5-story mansion comes to life with haunts and be on the lookout for looming creatures. This scare team is dead serious with what they do.
10. Ghosts and Goblins Tours at Lincoln Caverns
Huntingdon
Every Friday and Saturday in October, take a deep dive into spooky season on a Ghosts and Goblins Tour at Lincoln Caverns. Celebrating their 5th decade of fright with an all-new theme, “Adventures Thru The Abandoned Abyss,” enjoy laughter, screams, madness, and mayhem during this scary tour for all ages.
11. Jason’s Woods
Lancaster
Another one of Pennsylvania’s top haunted attractions to put on your fall bucket list, Jason’s Woods will have you meet unparalleled horror and excitement with five unique and thrilling attractions. Jump on the Horrifying Hayride, experience the Zombie Apocalypse, test your survival skills and get Lost in Jason’s Woods, encounter the Chamber of Horror, find more than just a show at Carnival of Fear, and you can’t forget about the rotating special events and activities in the Midway. See for yourself why Jason’s Woods is one of the best horror attractions in PA.
12. ScareHouse
Pittsburgh
Known to locals as one of the best scary experiences near downtown Pittsburgh, ScareHouse returns with triple the terrors with three exclusive events. Although ScareHouse’s main haunts are on a hiatus this year and are set to return in 2025, you can sign a waiver to experience more than just “boos” in their on-site Basement. Or choose to get scared in the Strip District by escaping a stalker in their Escape Room or reserve a seat at The Chipped Fang, a secret lair for vampires of all kinds and times serving up scares and multiple hand-crafted mocktails.
13. Elysburg Haunted House
Elysburg
Elysburg Haunted House is the only haunted attraction in Pennsylvania that includes haunted pathways through the woods and a walk-through, two-story haunted house and cellar! This haunted house is one of the longest-running and is so scary that “emergency escapes” have been added for those who are too spooked to continue.
To see what other haunted destinations there are in Pennsylvania check out the VISIT PA website. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, X, Pinterest, Instagram, Threads, YouTube, and TikTok to stay up-to-date on even more great trip ideas and places to visit around the state. Don’t forget to sign up for our monthly PA travel e-newsletter so you never miss an update!