A visit to the High Country in September or October famously means crisp mountain air and brilliant fall colors as far as the eye can see. Did you know it’s also a great place to celebrate the spooky season? Come for the colors, stay for some scares! To help you plan, we’ve rounded up a few of our favorite spooky things to do in and around Boone this fall.
Hot tip: Between App State football and fall foliage getaways, accommodations in the High Country fill up quickly this time of year. Book a stay at Graystone Lodge now so you don’t miss out on all the seasonal excitement!
New River Corn Maze
Weekends starting September 16
Tickets: $7 for adults, $5 for kids, ages 5 and under free
There’s something inherently spooky about a corn maze – nothing like your own imagination to get your heart pumping! The towering corn maze at historic Brown Family Farm features more than a mile of twists and turns alongside the scenic New River.
Ghost Train
Friday and Saturday nights, September 22 – October 28
Tickets from $40, ages 2 and under free
Every autumn, Tweetsie Railroad transforms from a Wild West amusement park by day to a spooky nighttime carnival filled with Halloween-themed attractions for all ages. Little ones can trick-or-treat and attend the Palace Spooktacular Show. Big kids and adults can brave the Freaky Forest and a voyage on the Ghost Train. And everyone will love riding the park’s most popular rides at night – it’s a whole different experience in the dark. Advanced ticket purchase highly recommended; visit the link for train times and pricing.
Terror by the River
Select dates, September 29 – October 31
Tickets: $20 for adults, $15 ages 5 – 12, kids under 5 free
The best haunted trail in the High Country has a new home for 2023. Head to RiverGirl Fishing Co. for thrills, games, a scavenger hunt, escape room and more. And here’s what we love most: They want everyone to have an amazing time, regardless of age or fear tolerance. So be sure to let the staff know which type of monster experience you want, from toned down to “scare the pants off me.”
Spook Out 2023
Saturday, October 7
4:00 – 11:00 p.m.
Tickets: $20
You’re invited to Boone’s biggest costume party, held at the High Country Fairgrounds. This all-ages event features live music, a costume contest (with cash prizes), Halloween market and a MASSIVE dance party with LED walls, confetti, laser shows, fire spinning and more. The ultimate monster mash! See the link for costume contest details and additional event info.
The Sleepy Hollow Adventure
Select dates, October 13 – 22
Tickets: $20
Hickory Ridge History Museum hosts a one-of-a-kind evening adventure that’s part play, part haunted trail and part living history. Think of it as immersive theater, during which you’ll visit mysterious cabins, scary mountainside trails and more. Due to the overtly spooky nature of the event, this one is not recommended for young children.
Boone BOO!
Tuesday, October 31
5:00 – 7:30 p.m.
Free!
Come in costume and trick-or-treat your way through Downtown Boone at this annual family-friendly Halloween event. King Street will be closed to traffic, making room for inflatables, surprise guests and special performances.
Boone is absolutely gorgeous in the fall, and there are so many things to see and do this time of year. Use this list to add a little spooky excitement to your Boone travel plans. Book your stay today!