Terror lurks in Orange County

GOSHEN — Orange County is haunted, with terror lurking in nearly every corner and where ghosts, ghouls and goblins await the brave souls who dare to seek them out.

Think you can handle a little horror? Then visit these spooky places for encounters with the ghastly creatures of the night.

‘Devil’s Field’ at Museum Village

Do you have the nerve to cross the “Devil’s Field?” You’ll have to muster up some courage if you want to brave Pure Terror Scream Park, named one of the scariest parks in America by Hauntworld.com.

Located at Museum Village in Monroe (with its own reputation for ghostly apparitions), the monsters inside the “The Crypt, Phobia, and House of Terror” will shock everyone, even the regular spirits.

If you’re ready for a little heart-stopping fun, find your way to this horror by Nov. 2. Buy your tickets online.

‘Forest of Fear’ in Sterling Forest

Earn some bragging rights if you survive “one of the scariest places in America!” That’s how the Discovery Channel described the Forest of Fear in Sterling Forest. If you want nightmares, go here. How much is your sanity worth? You just may lose it in “The Slaughterhouse.” Make it out of there in one piece and “Blind Panic” will test what’s left of your psyche.

Even scarier, experience a buried coffin simulator on “The Last Ride.” Unless you have nerves of steel, don’t bother going; this experience is major league terror.

You can risk it on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights from Oct. 4 through 27.

Corn maze at Pierson Farm
Pumpkins, corn fields, farm animals and a country store selling farm fresh produce and gifts make Pierson Farm just outside of Middletown seem pretty safe, right? By day, perhaps. You may even want to take the little ones to play in the corn and hay mazes and kiddie attractions, but remember, only the bravest souls should approach this place when night falls and strange creatures haunt the barn.

Navigating a corn maze in darkness when ghosts are on the prowl is a terrifying experience. Inevitably, you’ll run smack into the cemetery where panic takes over.

Fright Nights at this seventh generation farm happen on Oct. 13, 20, 26 and 27 from 7 to 10 p.m.

Ghost tour at Patchett House
Who’s willing to participate in an infrared ghost investigation in a former funeral home? Shivers will run up and down your spine when you take the Candlelit Ghost Tour at Patchett House in Montgomery on Oct. 26th from 7 to 9 p.m. Linda Zimmerman, author of “Back from the Dead,” will be there delivering first-hand accounts of supernatural experiences.

Space is limited, so if you’re 13 or over and you want to risk having a paranormal experience, preregister to join the other souls brave enough to witness this scary one-night event. If fear doesn’t have you running out before it’s over, you’ll be rewarded with a signed copy of Linda’s book of 10 hair-raising ghost stories.

Thaddeus Corn’s house
Rumor has it that even Cornwall has succumbed to evil spirits. Have you heard the story of Corn House? A hostage held in the basement of Thaddeus Corn’s home was there while Thaddeus and his family were murdered. Mysteriously, investigators found the bodies of the dead Corn family, but the hostage was never found. Now the Corn family ghosts faithfully return every Halloween to seek revenge. Are you foolhardy enough to enter this house?

Will they think you did it? Take your chance from 7 to 10 p.m. on Oct. 25 and 26 and from 6 to 9 p.m. on Oct. 31.

Lainway Corn Maze
Some folks are gluttons for punishment. If you’re one of them, head to Lainway Corn Maze in Westtown on Oct. 20 and 27. You’ll come face-to-face with ghosts, zombies and evil scarecrows that haunt the three-acre corn maze from dusk to 10 p.m. Can your heart handle the pressure? Feeling trapped inside the maze with these ghoulies is not for the feint of heart. Don’t be disappointed if you don’t have the courage, the spectacular maze is also open when the monsters are gone from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on weekends through Oct. 26.

Essential information
This story was provided by Orange County Tourism.

For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com, or call 800-762-8687.

Also visit online at www.OrangeTourism.org for other attractions and events.