By Jessica Klinner
There are many small towns in Alabama that we tend to forget until Halloween rolls around, and they become the sites of the scariest haunted houses and mazes in the state! Their remote locations add to the creepy atmosphere and make them all the more terrifying to attend. To continue with the theme of Halloween, let’s take a look at some spooky haunted houses in Alabama to check out this season!
1. Sloss Furnace, Birmingham, Ala.
Sloss Furnace typically operates as a national historic landmark, but during the Halloween season, it becomes the site of the scariest haunted attraction in the Birmingham area. This year, the event will feature an entirely new trail called “Outbreak,” which allows participants to become a part of a zombie apocalypse situation by choosing to play as a survivor or zombie. The event will still feature the original Sloss Furnace Tour and Woods Tour. Sloss Furnace is open every Thursday-Sunday until Halloween. Admission is $20 on weeknights (Thursday, Sunday) and $22 on weekends (Friday, Saturday, and Halloween). If you’re looking for a night of fright, look no further.
2. Atrox Factory, Leeds, Ala.
Atrox, derived from the Latin word meaning “horror,” is the largest indoor haunted attraction in the Southeast. With 4,000 square feet of mind blowing terror, it is sure to scare even the bravest souls who dare to venture into the factory. The horrifying ¼ mile of hallways filled with surprises at every turn will make you realize why it was placed at #14 on Hauntworld’s Americas Best Haunts for 2013. Admission to the factory is $18 (an additional $5 fee during celebrity appearances). Times of operation and celebrity appearances can be found at www.atroxfactory.com.
3. Pope’s Haunted Farm, Salem, Ala.
In it’s 20th season of production, Pope’s Haunted Farm is ready to pull out all the stops this year to make sure you experience the scare of a lifetime. Featuring 3 full-scale events, the farm has something for everyone. Take a walk through the haunted barn, where you’ll face several rooms filled with different terrors. Next, make your way to the haunted forest, an unguided tour of the farm’s darkest woods. Haven’t quite gotten enough scares for the evening? Head over to the haunted hayride where they’re just dying for you to hop aboard. Admission is as follows: $13 for one event, $20 for two, and $25 for all three. Pope’s Haunted Farm is open every weekend until Halloween.
4. Haunted Hearse Tours of Montgomery, Montgomery, Ala.
I’m sure you already know all about the history within the city of Montgomery, but do you know about the haunted history? Make your way down to The Alley on any given night this month to see Montgomery in a way you’ve never seen it before. Hilda the Hearse will guide you through the parts of the city you never guessed would be haunted. Tours depart every hour on the hour until midnight at a cost of $15 per person. Seating is limited to 6 “living” passengers so don’t hesitate!
5. ZooBoo, Montgomery, Ala.
Unlike the other events mentioned in this list, ZooBoo is the only one that offers attractions for all ages. If you’re in for a good scare, get on the horror-filled haunted hayride. Kids (and the faint of heart) can ride on the enjoyable Pumpkin Pull hayride. Along with the hayrides, there are multiple games and attractions for the whole family to enjoy, including bouncy houses and horse trail rides. Admission is $12 (ages 3 and up) and includes a free ride ticket and 10 game tickets. Children ages 2 and under are admitted free of charge. ZooBoo will be open October 17-20 and 24-31.
6. Columbia Manor, Columbia, Ala.
Featured on the BIO channel’s show “My Ghost Story: Caught On Camera,” Columbia Manor is offering 13 nights of terror this Halloween season. Built in 1864, Columbia Manor was home to the families of a former town mayor as well as a former town doctor, both of whom are rumored to haunt the residence. The attraction takes you back in time as the former residents return from the afterlife with some familiar friends. General admission is $10. Columbia Manor will be open Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 7:30 p.m. until various hours leading up to the week of Halloween.
7. Maze of Terror, Titus, Ala.
In its 12th year of operation, the Titus Volunteer Fire Department’s Maze of Terror takes you on a creepy journey through an old farmhouse. The maze features 10 frightening rooms and a new haunted forest attraction guaranteed to make the hairs on your arms stand up. The creators of this year’s maze claim it will “scare the yell out of you!” I guess you’ll just have to see for yourself. The Maze of Terror will be open every Friday and Saturday night until Halloween. Admission is $10.
8. Terrortorium, Oxford, Ala.
The Terrortorium features 13 rooms of horror, including a spinning clown room, chainsaws, and monsters galore! In addition to the haunted house portion of the event, there is also a roller coaster. Formerly housed in Panama City Beach’s Miracle Strip Amusement Park, the Haunted Castle Dark Ride takes riders on a scary roller coaster adventure in total darkness. Think of it as a Halloween version of Space Mountain. Admission to the Terrortorium costs $13 for the haunted house, $7 for the roller coaster, and $17 for both. The dates of operation are October 10-12, 17-19, 24-26, and 28-31 starting at 7 p.m.
9. Haunted House of Horror, Courtland, Ala.
Located in the old Courtland High School, this 40,000 square foot haunt is filled with the latest and greatest scares available in the haunted house industry. Instead of having to wait in line, you’ll start experiencing the haunted house atmosphere upon arrival. The waiting room is filled with scary and fun activities to fill the void while waiting for your group to be called. The mission of the Haunted House of Horrors is to “bring your fears to life” so come prepared to be scared! General admission is $20. The attraction is open Thursdays-Saturdays from now leading up to the week of Halloween.
10. Darkwood Farms, Arab, Ala.
Tucked away in the outskirts of Arab, Alabama sits an old farmhouse filled with terrors from your nightmares. Those brave enough to enter the confines of the haunted farmhouse will be faced with clowns, chainsaws, and much more. With only faintly heard screams to guide them, farmhouse goers will have to find their way out of the pitch black maze. Darkwood Farms is currently open and running every weekend from now leading up until the week of Halloween. Admission is $12, but you can receive $2 off if you bring two canned food items.
[ Edited by Darrell Puckett and Kyle Edwards 10/12/13]