There are so many reasons to love October: cooler weather, leaves changing, and all things haunted. Check out these cool - and maybe a little bit scary - haunted events all over north Alabama.
Athens Haunt Walks
Get ready for a spine-tingling adventure as the Athens Haunt Walk & Wagon Tours return for their 16th season, offering an unforgettable blend of local history, folklore, and ghostly tales. Hosted by Athens-Limestone County Tourism, these tours provide a unique opportunity to explore downtown Athens after dark.
🗓️ Tour Dates & Times
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Walking Tours: Every Tuesday and Thursday in October at 7:00 PM and 7:30 PM.
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Wagon Tours: Select Tuesdays - October 7, 14, and 28 at 6:30 PM.
All tours depart from the Athens-Limestone County Visitor Center at 100 North Beaty Street. Guests are encouraged to arrive 10–15 minutes early.
🎟️ Ticket Information
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Walking Tours: $18 per person (plus fees), with a maximum of 25 attendees per tour.
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Wagon Tours: $45 per person (plus fees), with a maximum of 10 attendees per tour.
Advance tickets are required and can be purchased through Eventbrite.
👣 What to Expect
Each 90-minute walking tour covers approximately one mile through Athens' historic districts, including Beaty, Downtown, Houston, and Athens College. Guides, drawing inspiration from Shane Black’s book The Spirits of Athens, will share tales of haunted locations, such as Founders Hall at Athens State University and the site of the 1893 Marion Street fire. Tours also highlight significant historical events, like the election of George Houston as Alabama's first governor after Reconstruction.
The Wagon Tours, offering a more relaxed experience, also delve into Athens' rich history and eerie legends.
👻 Who Should Attend?
These tours are suitable for adults and children in grades 4 and up. Whether you're a believer in the supernatural or a skeptic, the Athens Haunt Walk & Wagon Tours provide a captivating glimpse into the town's storied past.
🥾 Tips for Tour-Goers
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Wear comfortable footwear, as the walking tours cover about one mile.
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Dress appropriately for the weather, as tours proceed rain or shine.
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Bring a flashlight or use your phone's flashlight feature for added ambiance.
📞 For More Information
For additional details or group reservations, contact the Athens-Limestone County Tourism Office at 256-232-5411
Dare to GoFAR at GoFAR USA Park
his October, embark on a spine-chilling adventure at GoFAR USA Park in Decatur, Alabama, with the return of the Dare to GoFAR Haunted Hayrides. Experience the thrill of a haunted hayride through the eerie Haunted Forest, enjoy s'mores by the campfire, watch a Halloween movie on the big screen, challenge yourself on the rock wall, and test your aim with paintball—all in one night!
🗓️ Event Details
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Dates: Fridays and Saturdays in October, from September 26 to October 25, 2025 GoFAR USA Park
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Gates Open: 6:00 PM
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Hayrides: 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM (Last ride departs at 9:30 PM)
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Location: GoFAR USA Park, 895 S Bethel Rd, Decatur, AL
🎟️ Admission & Activities
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General Admission: $15 per person (children aged 3 and under are free)
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Extra Activity Tickets: $5 each for the climbing wall, paintball, and animal feed
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Additional Offerings: S'mores kits, snacks, drinks, and souvenirs available for purchase on-site
Advance tickets are recommended and can be purchased through the GoFAR USA Park website.
👻 What to Expect
Each night, guests can enjoy a variety of activities:
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Haunted Hayrides: Traverse the Haunted Forest on a spine-tingling hayride.
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Campfires & S'mores: Relax by the fire and enjoy classic s'mores.
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Rock Wall Challenge: Test your climbing skills on the rock wall.
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Paintball Range: Engage in some paintball action.
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Halloween Movie: Watch a spooky movie under the stars.
The event is designed to be family-friendly, offering fun and thrills for all ages.
🧭 Tips for Visitors
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Arrive Early: Gates open at 6:00 PM; it's recommended to arrive early to enjoy all activities.
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Dress Appropriately: Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for outdoor activities.
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Bring Cash: While some activities may accept cards, it's advisable to have cash on hand for purchases.
For more information or to reserve your spot, visit the GoFAR USA Park website or contact the park at (256) 345-0797.
Ghosts of the Old State Bank
While the Old State Bank is currently closed for renovations, we wanted to include the haunted history of this iconic location in Decatur. Renovations are expected to be completed in 2026.
During the Civil War, the Old State Bank was a Union Field Hospital. The vault was a surgery room where many soldiers were taken for amputations and other procedures. As the possible place of death for many Civil War soldiers, it is expected that their spirits might still be lingering around the property. It should be noted that in the gardens of the Old State Bank (at the kitchen building) is an old casket carrier donated by the Decatur City Cemetery. It is where caskets were built and, on occasion, bodies embalmed. It is a must-see on any paranormal pilgrimage.
However, the two most famous ghosts at the Old State Bank are women. Here are their stories according to local legend:
The Lady in Blue
The Lady in Blue is often seen from outside the building in the upstairs windows of the parlor. Many have claimed to see a woman in a pale blue dress from the parking lot just outside the museum. It is thought that she is the wife of the Head Cashier Washington Keyes that lived here nearly 200 years ago when it was opened as the State Bank of Alabama, Decatur Branch. No one is entirely sure why Mrs. Keyes would still be haunting the rooms of her old apartment though many have tried to speculate. Visitors of the museum have often claimed to have felt breezes and gotten cold chills upon stepping into the Master bedroom when on tours. Others claim to feel someone watching them as they walk through the parlor.
The Lady in Black or the Weeping Woman
The Weeping Woman, also known as the Lady in Black, is most often seen downstairs in the lobby of the Old State Bank. The reflection of a woman wearing black mourning attire has been seen, even photographed, in the large ornate mirror next to one of the mantles. There have been claims of hearing a woman crying, doors opening and closing, dishes being broken, and even lights turning on and off. Her apparition has been seen from the corner of many visitors’ eyes. She appears to be the most active ghost in the building. Legend says that she had two sons; one fought for the North and one for the South. She was called to the Union hospital one day to find out that her Union son had died. While she was there, she was told of her Confederate son’s death also. It is this tragedy that is believed to hold her to the Old State Bank grounds. She searches for and weeps for the end of her two sons.
Huntsville Train Depot
Even though the Huntsville Train Depot is no longer open to the public, its storied past still sends shivers down the spines of history buffs and paranormal enthusiasts alike. Built in the late 19th century, the depot was once a bustling hub for passengers and freight, but over the years, tales of unexplained footsteps, mysterious voices, and ghostly figures on the platform have persisted. Visitors and locals say the old waiting rooms and ticket counters still echo with the spirits of travelers long gone, making it a must-know location for anyone exploring haunted sites in North Alabama.
Huntsville Ghost Walks
This October, step into the shadows of Huntsville’s storied past with the Huntsville Ghost Walks, a guided tour series that blends local history with spine-chilling tales. Starting Friday, September 5, 2025, these walking tours offer a unique glimpse into the Rocket City's haunted heritage.
🕯️ Tour Details
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Dates & Times:
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September: Fridays and Saturdays at 6:00 PM
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October: Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays at 6:00 PM
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Starting Point: Harrison Brothers Hardware Store, 124 South Side Square, Huntsville, AL
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Duration: Approximately 1.5 hours
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Ticket Prices:
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Adults: $13
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Children (12 & under): $8
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Reservations: Required
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Contact: (256) 783-2065 or (256) 509-3940 Huntsville Ghost Walk
🏚️ Choose Your Haunted Path
Embark on one of three distinct tours, each delving into different facets of Huntsville's eerie past:
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Twickenham Historic District: Wander through antebellum homes and hear tales of spirits from the Civil War era.
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Old Town Historic District: Explore the origins of Huntsville and uncover stories of early settlers and their spectral encounters.
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Haunted Downtown: Discover the darker side of the city's commercial heart, with tales of untimely deaths and lingering souls.
🧭 What to Expect
Guided by knowledgeable storytellers, each tour offers a unique experience, with different guides sharing their own renditions of Huntsville's haunted history. The routes cover approximately 1.5 miles, so comfortable footwear is recommended. While the tours are designed to be family-friendly, some stories may be intense for younger children.
🎟️ How to Book
Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Huntsville Ghost Walk website. Given the popularity of these tours, it's advisable to reserve your spot early to ensure availability.
(from www.huntsvilleghostwalk.com)
Southern Ghost Girls Tours and Paranormal Investigations
This fall, delve into the haunted history of North Alabama with Southern Ghost Girls Tours. Led by experienced paranormal investigators, these tours offer a unique opportunity to explore some of the region's most storied locations.
🕯️ Upcoming Events
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October 10, 2025: Haunted Halloween Ghost Hunt at The Lowry House, Huntsville, AL. Tickets are priced at $45.00. southernghostgirls.com
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October 24 & 25, 2025: Ghost Hunt in Huntsville, AL. Tickets are available through their official website. Facebook
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November 15, 2025: Fall Season Interactive Ghost Hunt at The Lowry House, Huntsville, AL. Tickets are priced at $49.87. Eventbrite
🧭 What to Expect
Each tour provides participants with authentic paranormal investigation equipment, allowing you to experience the thrill of a real ghost hunt. While these events are designed to be family-friendly, it's recommended that parents use discretion when bringing young children. A liability waiver is required before participation. Rocket City Mom
🎟️ How to Book
Tickets can be purchased through the Southern Ghost Girls official website. Given the popularity of these events, it's advisable to reserve your spot early.
Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll
Step back in time and immerse yourself in Huntsville's rich history at the Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll, a cherished fall tradition that brings the past to life.
🗓️ Event Details
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Date: Sunday, October 19, 2025
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Time: 1:30 PM – 4:30 PM
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Location: 203 Maple Hill Drive, Huntsville, AL (at California St. and McClung Ave.)
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Admission: Free (donations appreciated)
🧭 What to Expect
The Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll is one of America's largest living history events, featuring over 75 costumed characters portraying notable figures from Huntsville's past. As you stroll through the cemetery, you'll encounter historical reenactments, live music, special exhibits, and an antique auto display. A scavenger hunt adds an interactive element for visitors of all ages. Huntsville
🧳 Tips for Attendees
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What to Bring: Comfortable walking shoes, sunscreen, and water.
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Family-Friendly: The event is educational and suitable for all ages.
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Parking: Available near the cemetery; consider arriving early to secure a spot.
Don't miss this unique opportunity to experience Huntsville's history in a memorable and engaging way. Whether you're a local or visiting, the Maple Hill Cemetery Stroll offers a fascinating glimpse into the past.
Dead Children's Playground
Just behind Maple Hill Cemetery in Huntsville lies a small playground shrouded in eerie tales known locally as the Dead Children’s Playground. According to legend, the spirits of children buried in the nearby cemetery are said to come out and play after dark. Visitors have reported seeing swings move on their own, faint laughter carried on the wind, and other unexplainable happenings.
Whether you’re a believer in the supernatural or just intrigued by Huntsville’s haunted history, the Dead Children’s Playground remains one of the city’s most chilling and talked-about local legends.
You can read about this story and more at We Are Huntsville's 5 Huntsville Ghost Stories blog.
