The 9 Scariest Haunted Houses in Northern Virginia (2025 Edition)

Northern Virginia doesn’t mess around when it comes to Halloween. Once the leaves start to fall and the nights get longer, our quiet suburbs transform into a playground of screams, shadows, and spine-tingling fun.

Whether you’re into creepy corn mazes, haunted trails in the woods, or century-old mansions filled with ghosts, this year’s lineup is the most terrifying yet. Here’s your ultimate 2025 guide — complete with links, local insider notes, and scare ratings.

1. Fields of Fear – Cox Farms (Centreville)

Dates: Sept 26 – Nov 8, 2025
One of NoVA’s largest Halloween experiences, Fields of Fear turns the already legendary Cox Farms into a multi-attraction scare park. Brave the Cornightmare haunted maze, board the Dark Side Hayride for a trip through pitch-black fields, and test your courage in The Forest: Back 40. Between scares, relax (if you can) at the Firegrounds with live music, carnival-style food, and bonfires.

Local Insider Notes:

Parking: Huge gravel lot, but on peak Saturdays expect long waits — arrive 30–45 minutes early.
Food: Don’t skip the kettle corn and hot cider; they’re famous here.
Scare Intensity: 7/10 — jumpy in spots, but family-friendly teens and up will love it.

2. Madhaunter’s Madhouse (Purcellville)

Dates: Late September – October weekends
Madhaunter’s Madhouse is known for intense scares and quick-fire pacing, designed to keep you off-balance from start to finish. Set along a twisting outdoor trail, it blends detailed sets, jump scares, and an army of relentless actors. The midway offers food, games, and escape rooms for an added challenge.

Local Insider Notes:

Parking: On-site gravel lot, free but fills quickly. Overflow is street parking.
Food: Try the funnel cakes and fried Oreos at the midway.
Scare Intensity: 9/10 — loud, fast, and close-quarters; not for timid visitors.

3. Workhouse Haunt: Twisted Tales of Terror (Lorton)

Dates: Early Oct – early Nov (Fri–Sun)
The historic Workhouse Arts Center becomes Workhouse Haunt each fall, transforming childhood fairy tales into gruesome horror stories. The event combines a haunted trail with a festival atmosphere, featuring roaming performers, DJs, and food trucks.

Local Insider Notes:

Parking: Free paved lot at the Arts Center, but fills on Fridays; carpool if possible.
Food: Rotating food truck lineup — check their Facebook page for the weekend schedule.
Scare Intensity: 6/10 — atmospheric with creepy vibes, but less in-your-face than others.

4. Haunted Nightmares (Winchester)

Dates: September – October weekends
Haunted Nightmares is located inside Hill High Farm and offers movie-quality sets, energetic actors, and constant action. Extras include a “Buried Alive” simulator and themed escape rooms.

Local Insider Notes:

Parking: Plenty of on-site parking, even during busy weekends.
Food: Hill High’s bakery and café have excellent pies — grab one to take home.
Scare Intensity: 8/10 — constant action with tight spaces and loud effects.

5. DarkWood Manor (Luray)

Dates: Oct 4 – Nov 2, 2025
DarkWood Manor is a story-driven Victorian haunted house that changes themes each year. Expect high-quality set design, lighting, and sound that draw you deep into the narrative.

Local Insider Notes:

Parking: Small lot, but nearby street parking is available.
Food: Stop by Gathering Grounds in Luray before or after for coffee and snacks.
Scare Intensity: 8/10 — immersive storytelling plus jump scares.

6. Milltown Haunt (Lovettsville)

Dates: Oct 3 – Nov 2, 2025
Milltown Haunt features three attractions — Thorne House & Barn of Fears, Trickster’s Hollow, and The Void. Extreme and Blackout nights push the fear factor to the max.

Local Insider Notes:

Parking: Free on-site, but space is limited — arrive early for a spot close to the entrance.
Food: Local vendors sometimes set up stands; check their socials before going.
Scare Intensity: 9/10 — especially on Extreme/Blackout nights.

7. Clifton Haunted Trail (Clifton)

Date: Last Saturday in October (TBA)
The Clifton Haunted Trail is a one-night-only walk through the woods with scenes inspired by the Bunnyman legend.

Local Insider Notes:

Parking: Shuttle service from nearby lots — don’t try to park at the trailhead.
Food: Local restaurants in Clifton do brisk business; Trattoria Villagio is a great pre-scare dinner spot.
Scare Intensity: 7/10 — atmospheric and fun, but limited by the one-night-only setup.

8. Haunted Hollow (Warrenton)

Dates: October weekends
Haunted Hollow is an abandoned farm turned haunted attraction with barns, fields, and forest trails.

Local Insider Notes:

Parking: On-site field parking; can get muddy after rain — wear boots.
Food: Hot chocolate and cider sold on-site, plus rotating snack stands.
Scare Intensity: 8/10 — rural setting makes the scares feel real.

9. Factory of Fear: The Horror Hotel (Manassas)

Dates: Oct 17–18 & 24–25, 2025
Factory of Fear is a multi-story haunted hotel where each floor ramps up the fear.

Local Insider Notes:

Parking: Downtown Manassas parking garages are your best bet; a short walk to the venue.
Food: Hit Battle Street Bistro before or after for dinner or drinks.
Scare Intensity: 8/10 — strong on suspense and unsettling visuals.

Pro Tips for Surviving the Season

Buy tickets early — the best haunts sell out fast.
Wear comfortable shoes — you’ll be walking, running, and maybe sprinting.
Check age recommendations — some haunts are 13+ for a reason.
Arrive early — lines can be long, and you’ll want time to explore.