The Alle-Kiski Valley’s only outdoor haunted attraction is open for its eighth Halloween season.
The Shadows Haunted Attraction in Fawn (next to the Tour-Ed Mine & Museum) offers a haunted walking trail, complete with multiple scares when visitors least expect them.
The Shadows is open Thursdays through Saturdays until Nov. 2.
The quarter of a mile trail, set amid 13 acres owned by the Alle-Kiski Valley Historical Society, is leased annually by The Shadows.
“We do this because it’s fun for the kids, they socialize and it’s great to be a part of the community,” said co-owner and volunteer scare actor Chuck Lynn. “Monies raised go back into the operating costs and we donate to local Pittsburgh-area charities.”
The experience is ideally recommended for ages 10 and up, but all ages are welcome.
Creepy “scare stations,” nestled along the trail, are illuminated by campfires and limited lighting.
Guests can expect to see a hospital, camp, cemetery, shantytown and more.
Visitors should beware, said Lynn, because the scares are unexpected and fright-filled.
“They won’t let me get out of my scare area because of the scare factor,” Lynn said.
“Our scare plan is all about misdirection. Each year, we try and mix up our scares to keep it fresh.”
A crew of more than 50 volunteer actors help to put the fright in the night.
Volunteer actors are not allowed to touch visitors and those unable to complete the trail due to medical, physical or emotional (too scared!) reasons will be escorted out of the attraction by one of the actors.
“We have too much fun here,” said volunteer Grayce McCafferty, 23, of Fawn. “I roam the woods randomly and I’m told I do a good job scaring everyone.”
“We had a group last weekend and they were too scared, so we helped them get out and that only happens a few times a season, but we do work with people,” Lynn said.
Expect to spend about 20 minutes navigating the trail and sensible shoes are recommended for navigating the woods.
Volunteer Dolly Mistrik mans the ticket counter and never tires of seeing the mixed reactions from visitors.
“I see them in line before going in and they are brave and then they come out running, screaming, laughing and sometimes crying,” Mistrik said. “The chainsaw man really gets them too. It’s a unique, scary and fun place.”
