8 Haunted Houses in New York Every Traveler Needs to Visit This Halloween

There’s something about New York State in October that pulls me toward its haunted houses. Each year, I search for experiences that blend fright with fun, history with heart, and a little bit of local charm. If you’re planning a spooky trip this Halloween, these eight haunted attractions stand out for their creativity and atmosphere.

From bustling Manhattan to peaceful upstate towns, every stop on this list brings something different to the season’s traditions. I’ve visited many of these myself or spoken to people who have, so you can count on these picks being open, up-to-date, and worth checking out.

Whether you love theatrical scares, eerie outdoor trails, or true tales of ghosts, you’ll find something here that fits your travel style and your appetite for chills. So, grab your flashlight and let’s get to know the haunted side of the Empire State together.

1. Pure Terror Scream Park (Monroe, NY)

At Pure Terror Scream Park, the buzz begins the moment you step out of your car and see the glowing entrance. This place sits in Monroe, New York, and is known as one of the state’s largest and most elaborate Halloween destinations. What sets it apart is the sheer number of themed haunted houses and trails all under one roof, each offering different scares and surprises.

Every year, I notice new themes and updates that make the experience feel fresh even for repeat visitors. The attention to detail stands out, with props, costumes, and lighting that build a believable and terrifying world. Pure Terror doesn’t rely on the same old jump scares but offers immersive storytelling and creative illusions to keep guests guessing.

For me, the outdoor setting adds another layer of suspense, especially as the temperature drops and mists settle in. Families and friend groups often compare their favorite houses at the end of the night, debating which was the scariest. If you look for variety and high production value in your haunted adventures, Pure Terror Scream Park won’t let you down.

2. Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Houses (Ulster Park)

There’s a reason Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Houses has become a fall staple for so many in New York. Spanning 65 acres, the site gives you a full evening of activity, from creepy hayrides through shadowy woods to theatrical haunted houses and winding trails. The outdoor elements combine perfectly with the unpredictable autumn weather, making every visit unique.

I find the mix of environments, corn mazes, haunted motels, and eerie diners, keeps things interesting throughout the night. Actors put their all into each role, and local folklore often finds its way into the backstory of the attractions. Even seasoned Halloween fans will find something new or unexpected with each trip.

When the wind picks up and the trees start to rustle, it’s easy to get lost in the atmosphere. The location in Ulster Park, right in the scenic Hudson Valley, provides a beautiful backdrop that contrasts with the spooky fun inside. I always leave with a new story to tell and a chill in my bones.

3. Blood Manor (New York City)

Blood Manor has carved out a name as Manhattan’s go-to haunted house, and it keeps packing in crowds year after year. Tucked right in Tribeca, it transforms city streets into a place of chills with themed spaces like Maggot Invasion and Killer Clowns. You’ll weave through tight, dimly lit corridors with surprises at every turn.

I appreciate how the actors make even short waits outside part of the show, interacting with visitors and snapping photos. Special events like ‘Lights Out Nights’ push the suspense further by plunging guests into near darkness. Every room feels like its own mini-movie set, thanks to detailed props and energetic performers.

If you live in NYC or plan to stay downtown, this spot is both easy to reach and hard to forget. It’s a great pick for those who want a high-energy haunted house experience close to the action of the city. Each visit leaves me with new stories to share and a few lingering goosebumps.

4. Bayville Scream Park (Long Island)

Bayville Scream Park offers more than just a haunted house, it’s a full Halloween destination on Long Island’s north shore. When I first visited, the range of haunted zones caught my attention. Each area has its own unique theme, from creepy pirates to haunted hotels, ensuring that no two scares feel alike.

The park’s festive atmosphere makes it a favorite for families and friend groups looking to make a night of it. Shops and themed eateries line the walkways, so you can grab a snack or browse souvenirs between haunts. There’s always something happening, whether it’s a pop-up show, costumed characters, or new interactive effects.

I enjoy the mix of indoor and outdoor attractions, which creates a lively but approachable energy. Even guests who don’t want the scariest experience can still soak up the fun vibes around the park. For a taste of Long Island’s Halloween spirit, Bayville Scream Park is a must-see each October.

5. Night Terrors Haunted Farm (Schoharie, NY)

Tucked away in Schoharie County, Night Terrors Haunted Farm brings a genuine rural feel to the haunted house experience. I love that the location itself becomes part of the adventure, with barns, fields, and wooded paths all adding to the suspense. As darkness falls, the isolation of the area amplifies every sound and shadow.

The farm offers several themed houses and trails, each drawing on different elements of classic and modern horror. The staff make use of the natural landscape, creating moments where you wonder if the scare ahead is real or staged. I find the slower pace lets each fright linger a little longer, making it a favorite for those who savor suspense.

Traveling to Night Terrors takes a little extra effort, but that remoteness is what makes the experience more intense. Guests often talk about the eerie silence between scares and the authentic rural backdrop. If you want your Halloween chills with a farm-fresh twist, this is a spot you shouldn’t miss in New York State.

6. Double M Haunted Hayrides & Houses (Upstate NY)

Double M Haunted Hayrides & Houses captures the spirit of upstate New York with attractions that mix tradition and creativity. I’m always impressed by how they blend local folklore into the storytelling, making each scene feel rooted in place. The hayride kicks off the night, winding through woods where surprises wait around every curve.

Once you finish the ride, you can explore indoor houses that feature everything from mad scientists to haunted barns. The production values are strong, with immersive sets and actors who know just how to time each scare. Changes each year keep the experience feeling fresh for returning guests.

People often share their favorite moments from both the hayride and the houses, and it’s not unusual to leave with a new appreciation for the region’s ghost stories. If you’re road-tripping through upstate New York this fall, Double M is a classic stop to add to your list. It’s a perfect way to experience Halloween and learn a little local history at the same time.

7. Everhaunt (Angola, near Buffalo)

Everhaunt in Angola, just outside Buffalo, has become a destination for Halloween lovers across Western New York. What draws many here is the sheer variety, haunted houses, escape rooms, live shows, and even virtual reality experiences. It’s a place where you can spend hours exploring different attractions, each offering its own style of scare.

The community spirit is strong, and I’ve seen Everhaunt partner with local charities and host special events throughout the season. Each year, new effects and creative designs keep the experience feeling fresh for guests of all ages. Staff and volunteers go out of their way to make everyone feel welcome and safe while still delivering the frights.

Whether you’re interested in classic haunted rooms or want to test your puzzle-solving skills, Everhaunt lets you customize your night. The attention to detail, from set pieces to costumes, stands out. It’s a must-visit for anyone traveling through Western New York in October and looking for a balance of scares and fun.

8. Rolling Hills Asylum (East Bethany)

Rolling Hills Asylum stands apart from commercial haunted houses by offering a real slice of New York State’s haunted history. This former asylum dates back to the 1800s and comes with decades of ghost stories, mysterious tunnels, and chilling legends. Paranormal investigators flock here for tours and overnight events hoping to catch a glimpse of something unexplained.

During organized tours, guides share true tales from the asylum’s past, blending local history with eerie anecdotes. The setting is authentic, creaking floors, drafty corridors, and rooms that still hold the echoes of their previous residents. I find it easy to get swept up in the atmosphere without the need for theatrical scares.

If you’re looking for a haunt with real history and the potential for genuine chills, Rolling Hills Asylum is a unique addition to any Halloween road trip. It’s the kind of place that sticks with you long after you leave, especially if you’re a fan of ghost lore. New York State’s haunted legacy is alive and well here.