Five Spooky Things To Do at Parks this Month

Get your creep on with these five spooktacular attractions across the state this month! Go ahead and embrace your inner ghost-hunter and explore these eerie sites. From tales of mansion-dwelling ghosts, to legends of Revolutionary War witches, to stories of mysterious deaths along the Erie Canal, there’s a hair-raising adventure for everyone. Many of these sites have even been featured on The Haunted History Trail of New York State, where you can find more bone-chilling ghost hunts, haunted houses, and paranormal investigations near you!

Hyde & Shriek! Candlelight Ghost Tours at Hyde Hall State Historic Site

Hyde Hall

October 2 & 3, 9 & 10, 16 & 17, 23 & 24, 30 & 31 at 6:30, 7:00, and 7:30 pm. Register here: https://hyde-hall.square.site/

Do you believe in ghosts? Boasting over 200 years of documented, bone-chilling paranormal activity, Hyde Hall is offering the chance to tour the mansion by candlelight to explore the eerie spots where ghostly apparitions have dwelled for centuries. As you listen to haunted tales, you might even catch a glimpse of a restless soul trapped in the shadows of history.

Hulda’s Night - The Legends of the Rockefeller State Park Preserve

October 22 from 6:00-8:00pm and from 7:00-9:00pm. Groups limited to 25. No children under 10 or dogs. Face coverings required. Please bring a flashlight. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/o/rockefeller-state-par... or call 914-631-1470 (ext. 106).

Celebrate “Hulda’s Night.” Hulda, an elderly woman who died as a patriot in the Revolutionary War, lived within the Preserve. Some say she was a witch, some say she was a healer of Bohemian Origin. Make your way to what is believed to be her home through the dark woods guided only by torch light. On your spooky journey, meet Mother Hulda and hear her story, plus hear other dark legends at Spook Rock

Private Paranormal Investigations at Chittenango Landing Canal Boat Museum (by reservation only)

Chittenango Landing

Any day for a three-hour block between 7:00pm and 12:00am. Groups of 3-6 people. Must register at least a week in advance. Masks required. Email kenny@clcbm.org to make a reservation.

Do you know what goes on at the Erie Canal at night? Discover the eerie and haunting tales of the canal with an experienced paranormal investigator. Keep an ear out for the stories of thieves and murderers that lurked along the towpath at night and the mysterious deaths of two workers surrounding a boiler failure. Necessary equipment to conduct the investigation will be provided, but you are welcome to bring your own.

From Scripture to Seance: The History of Halloween in the Livingston Family at Clermont State Historic Site

October 31 at 2:00pm. Registration, masks, and social distancing required. . Register by calling 518-537-4240.

Join Clermont Historic interpreter Molly Feibel as she looks at how the Livingstons would have celebrated Halloween. From the 1670s, when Halloween was more of a religious observance, to the early 20th century, when seances and parties were all the rage, participants will explore how the Livingstons celebrated Halloween over time.

Ghost Hunts, Guided Tours, and Paranormal Investigations of Casey's Cottage at Mexico Point State Park (by reservation only)

Casey's Cottage

Call for availability and to register. Ghosts hunts and guided tours will consist of groups of 6-10 participants. Contact Diane at 315-529-1589 for hours and for private tours.

Since 1978, there have been reports of unusual experiences at Dr. William Casey’s former carriage house--faint organ music, cries for help, furniture being moved, candles jumping off shelves, and the sense of being watched. Are you brave enough to experience it for yourself?

However you celebrate Halloween at state parks and historic sites, do it safely. Help prevent any new horror stories. Maintain social distancing and wear a face covering. Don’t be a monster. Leave no trace and carry out what you bring in..

Tag PTNY in your outdoor adventures (and any paranormal activity you may experience). You can find us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

Help protect New York’s beloved (even when they're haunted!) parks and historic sites by donating to Parks & Trails New York.



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