Not all of these tours feature creepily clad actors, but that doesn’t mean that they fall short of frightening.
If you plan on bringing the kids, take note of the age recommendations.
Haunted Hollow VA
Weekends Sept. 29-Oct. 28, dusk to 10:30 p.m.
If you’re in search of a pleasant walk in the park, it’s best to avoid this terror-filled trail on the premises of a haunted farm where diary entries weave Civil War history into the gory lore of the property. This event is recommended for guests ages 13 and up. // 8275 Maple Tree Lane, Warrenton
Alexandria’s Original Ghost and Graveyard Tour
Every night in October, 7:30 p.m.; Additional tours on Fridays and Saturdays at 9 p.m.
As you stroll through the streets of Old Town by lantern light, get freaked out by ghost stories and unsolved mysteries from guides in period costumes. This event is recommended for guests ages 9 and up. // Ramsay House Visitors Center: 221 King Street, Alexandria
Colonial Ghost Tours of Williamsburg
Every night in October at 8, 9 and 10 p.m.
Named one of the top 10 ghost tours in America by U.S. City Traveler, this trek through Williamsburg trades fake-blood-spattered actors and cheesy props for research-based tales of disturbing events through the years. This event is recommended for guests ages 6 and up. // Tours depart from Kimball Theater: 424 W Duke of Gloucester Street, Williamsburg
Ghostwalk 2017
Oct. 20, 6-10 p.m. and Oct. 21, 5-10 p.m.
This 33rd annual Ghostwalk, hosted by the University of Mary Washington’s Historic Preservation Club, takes fear-seekers through a series of spooky sites in downtown Fredericksburg and lets them meet some ghosts along the way. Tours leave every 10 minutes. // James Monroe Museum and Memorial Library: 908 Charles Street, Fredericksburg
Haunted Occoquan Tours
Oct. 23-31, 8 p.m.
For roughly 30 years, Haunted Occoquan Tours have provided tourists and residents with an informative tour of the town’s scariest stories. To date there are at least 20 buildings in the town that are considered haunted. Costumes are welcome, and tours are often led by paranormal specialist Kay Pietrewicz. // Visitors Center: 200 Mill Street, Occoquan
Historic Cemeteries of Brentsville Walking Tour
Oct. 28, 11 a.m., 1 p.m., 3 p.m.
After learning about early American mourning customs, visit two Brentsville cemeteries whose roots are centuries old, including one that served a well-known family and Brentsville tavern owner in the 1800s. // Brentsville Courthouse Historic Centre: 12229 Bristow Road, Bristow
Clifton Haunted Trail
Oct. 28, 7 p.m.
This 8-acre trail through the woods is full of fright, with tales about the legendary Clifton Bunnyman. If hiking isn’t your thing, catch one of their outdoor films. This event is recommended for guests ages 13 and up. // Chapel Street, Clifton
