Scare parks and haunted farms in Orange County are a scream

GOSHEN — Award-winning haunted farms and scare parks are open for the fall season.
“Don’t be afraid,” recommends Amanda Dana, Director of Orange County Tourism. “Sometimes there’s nothing more fun than a good scare. Test your bravery at one of Orange County’s haunted attractions this season. Afterward, cozy up at quaint B&B and sleep like a baby.”
Top Halloween season attractions include:
Serephina: The Haunted Trail at Palaia Winery, 10 Sweet Clover Road, Highland Mills
According to legend, the Palaia Winery estate was once home to Longhurst Covenant, a boarding school for orphaned children that burned to the ground in 1892. Many suspect the fire was started by the newest addition to the home, Seraphina Harriden.
Take a tour and meet the lost souls that wander the grounds. Appropriate for ages 10 and older.
Tours occur on every Friday night in October from 6 to 10 p.m.
www.eventbrite.com/seraphina
TerrorDome Haunted Scream Park, 84 Lakeside Road, Newburgh
This scream park features a walk-through haunted wood full of chainsaw wielding madmen. Visit Clown Alley, the Barn of Terror, Zombie Tag and Backwoods. Recommended for ages 12 and older.
Open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through Oct. 28.
www.terrordome.com.
Pure Terror Scream Park, Museum Village, 299 Museum Village Road, Monroe
Pure Terror holds the Guinness World Record for the longest haunted attraction in the world, featuring six haunted walk-through attractions including The Crypt, The Coven, Terror Under the Big Top, and Legends of Horror.
It’s promoted as “one of the scariest haunted houses,” featuring “movie quality sets” and “Hollywood custom-created and designed costuming.” Recommended for ages 12 and older.
Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays through Nov. 3 (and Thursdays beginning Oct. 18).
www.pureterror.com.
Fright Nights, Pierson’s Farm, Route 211 West, Middletown
At Pierson’s, visitors will navigate through a small corn maze, into a barn and then through a graveyard and larger corn maze for petrifying fun. Families can settle down from a night of fright at the petting zoo.
Open Fridays and Saturdays from Oct. 13 – 27.
www.piersonsfarm.com.
"It Was Dark Back Then," Knox’s Headquarters Historic Site, 289 Forge Hill Road, Vails Gate
On the eerie night-cloaked grounds of the historic Knox’s Headquarters, the 1754 Ellison home serves as a stage for this 45-minute macabre presentation about ghosts and strange happenings.
In the spirit of 18th century Gothic literature, costumed interpreters from the New Windsor Cantonment and Knox’s Headquarters State Historic Sites tell a haunting a haunting tale while touring the historic site.
Saturday, Oct. 20, only.
Reservations required. 845-561-1765 ext. 22.
www.nysparks.com.
• A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, and events can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com or call 845-615-3860.