Weston · October
Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum
The vast Gothic asylum in Weston offers daytime history tours and famous after-dark ghost hunts. Its long, shadowy corridors make it one of the most talked-about paranormal destinations in the country.
Spooky Season
West Virginia Halloween Events
Haunted asylums, ghostly prisons, creepy trails and family pumpkin festivals — the Mountain State takes spooky season seriously.
Halloween in the Mountains
West Virginia's dramatic old buildings and dark mountain hollows have made it a destination for haunted attractions. Throughout October, historic sites run ghost tours and flashlight walks, farms open corn mazes and haunted hayrides, and towns host trunk-or-treats and costume parades.
Some attractions are genuinely intense and not suited to young children, while others focus on family-friendly fall fun. Check each venue's recommended ages and scare level before you buy tickets, and confirm dates since they change each year.
The Headline Haunts
Moundsville · Oct
West Virginia Penitentiary
This imposing former prison hosts ghost tours and Halloween events that have been featured on national TV. History buffs will also appreciate the daytime tours of the Gothic cellblocks.
Mercer County · Oct
Abandoned Amusement Park Haunts
The region around Princeton is home to one of America's most famous abandoned amusement parks, now a seasonal ticketed haunt. Expect a genuinely creepy walk through a decaying old park.
Statewide · Oct
Haunted Hollows & Trails
Farms and parks across the state turn wooded trails into haunted hayrides and walk-through frights, often paired with bonfires, cider and pumpkin patches for younger visitors.
Ghost Tours & Historic Haunts
History-heavy towns lean into their ghost stories each October. Harpers Ferry offers lantern-lit ghost tours through its Lower Town at the confluence of two rivers, and Berkeley Springs and Wheeling run walking tours through old streets and cemeteries.
In the coalfields, historic coal camps and railroad depots host paranormal-themed evening programs. These tours tend to be more atmospheric than terrifying, making them a good pick for teens and curious adults.
Family-Friendly Fall Fun
Not everything in October has to be scary. Pumpkin patches, corn mazes, hayrides, apple cider and trunk-or-treat events give families a gentler way to celebrate. Many include daytime haunted trails designed for younger kids or a "no-scare" hour.
The West Virginia Pumpkin Festival near Milton and similar harvest events combine crafts, food and giant pumpkin displays for a classic autumn day out.
Haunted Weekends & Event Safety
Haunted attractions typically run weekend evenings through October and get busy as Halloween approaches. Buy tickets online when possible, arrive early and expect long lines on the final weekend before the holiday.
Wear closed-toe shoes for trails and old buildings, and layer up for cool mountain nights. Most attractions are outdoor or semi-outdoor, and mountain weather can surprise you after dark.
Halloween Highlights at a Glance
Trans-Allegheny Asylum
Ghost hunts in Weston.
Oct
WV Penitentiary
Moundsville ghost tours.
Oct
Harpers Ferry Ghost Tours
Lantern-lit history walks.
Oct
Pumpkin Festivals
Harvest fun for families.
Sept–Oct
Haunted Trails
Walk-through frights.
Oct
Town Trick-or-Treats
Costume parades and candy.
Oct 31
Abandoned Places
Legends and local lore.
Year-round
Spooky Weekend Trips
Build a haunted itinerary.
Oct
Find Haunts on the Map
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most famous haunted place in West Virginia?
The Trans-Allegheny Lunatic Asylum in Weston is the best-known, followed by the West Virginia Penitentiary in Moundsville. Both run October ghost events.
Are haunted attractions kid-friendly?
Some are, some aren't. Many venues offer daytime or "lights-on" no-scare sessions for younger children. Check the recommended age before booking.
When do Halloween events run in WV?
Most haunted attractions and ghost tours run weekend evenings throughout October, with special events the last two weekends before Halloween.
Do I need tickets in advance?
Yes, for the popular attractions. Online tickets reduce wait times, and the final October weekends often sell out entirely.
About Discover WV Today
Discover WV Today is an independent guide to West Virginia travel, covering seasonal events, historic places, small towns and outdoor adventures. Learn more about us.