Could you survive a horrifying trail through the Petrified Forest?

This Halloween, experience all the scares of the witching season outside of the main theme parks, as you take a trip into the Petrified Forest!

Watch out for things that go bump in the night at this terrifying independent outdoor scare trail which is located in the Altamonte Springs area of Orlando, around 12 miles north of the city centre along the I-4. Here, at this home-grown Florida attraction, you will find yourself facing two intensely horrifying trails set in a spooky forest site covering around 2 acres, which makes great use of sets and costumed actors to supply plenty of immersive theatrical scares!

This year you will experience all new terrors at ‘Central Florida's premier haunted scare trail’. The first of the two new trails is the Family’s Swamp; a contaminated swamp that, over the generations, has transformed the family that dwell here into the terrifying residents you will meet on the trail. Watch out as you make your way across their land – you might not live to tell the tale! Afterwards the Hunted interactive trail sends you forward in time to experience the aftermath of the ‘2031 Contamination’. Although the contamination is allegedly no longer a threat, you will be issued with a government-approved beacon to ensure your health is maintained. Do you dare to risk infection on this fearsome trail?

For 16 select dates in October and early November (listed below), prepare to be terrified! Tickets cost $15 per head for a single trail and $25 for both. As the trails are rated PG-13, those aged 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. To help give all attendees a personal immersive experience, the organisers try to send people through in groups of 6, so there is a possibility you will be joined by others if your party is small, or if you are in a large group you may have to split into several smaller groups.

If you have younger children, you might be interested in attending the Kids Day event on Saturday 13th October from 9am – midday. There will be plenty of trick or treating in the first few rooms of the trail, along with a fancy dress contest, bouncy castle, arts and crafts, games, prizes and more – it’s bound to be a fun day for those who are too young to attend the evening event!

The organisers of A Petrified Forest also have put aside an evening for those with disabilities and their group. On Wednesday 17th October the evening has been specially-designed for attendees to make their way through the trail at their own pace, and there will be plenty of people on hand to help should you need them!

Are you a budding actor or interested in the behind the scenes workings of the event? If so, then the Interactive Backstage Tour might be of interest! For $10 per person you can meet the cast and crew, see how the sets were created and put all your acting skills to use to be a part of the show! This is also an ideal way for younger or less-brave guests to be a part of the experience without having to actually walk the trails. There are combination tickets that allow you to take part on the backstage tour as well as walk the trails - $23 for one trail and $33 for both.

If you are feeling extra brave then why not dare to attend on the special Total Eclipse nights? These are held on 1st and 2nd November and are not designed for the faint hearted. Note that anyone under the age of 18 needs to have a waiver agreement signed by a parent or guardian before entering the trails. Each group is given just one glowstick to light their way, though if this is lost or taken by one of the terrible creatures on the trail it won’t be returned, and you will be making your way along the path in darkness! If you are easily scared take note, that unlike on regular nights, during Total Eclipse the monsters may touch you. If this night sounds appealing then it’s worth remembering that it will cost a little more than the regular night: $43 for the backstage tour and two trails, $33 for the single and backstage tour, $33 for both trails, $20 for a single trail or $15 for the backstage tour.

After you have regained your composure, why not grab a bite to eat from one of the unique onsite food vendors, or listen to the live band and DJs? There’s plenty of spook-tacular fun to be had in this terrifying forest setting!

There is no onsite parking, so you start your scary experience before arriving, by parking at Adjectives Market (1200 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701) and ride the Terror Trolley to the venue!

The gates open at 7:30pm, but the trails don’t open to guests until sundown. Although the onsite cash-only ticket booth shuts at 10:30, the trails must be vacated by 11pm (on 17th October this is 10pm), so to get the most of your experience, the advice for this attraction is to arrive early and enjoy the food and music on the site as well as the trails. There is an onsite ATM should you need some cash, but if you’d rather arrange your tickets before attending, they can be bought online here, though the online sales close daily at 4pm.

Don’t forget to dress appropriately if you plan to attend A Petrified Forest, as they operate even if it rains – heavy thunderstorms being the exception. As it is also a forest trail with muddy paths you will want to wear sensible footwear. In addition, the organisers recommend wearing inexpensive clothing as it may get dirty or even damaged on branches etc. There is also a no-mask rule, and no large or unwieldy costumes or bags will be allowed on the trails. Remember, don’t accessorise your scary costume with weapons as they are strictly prohibited, and there will be security checks in progress.

Please be aware that the prices quoted are inclusive of taxes but if you buy online, fees are payable, per ticket.

If you intend to go to A Petrified Forest this year, or have been in the past we would love to hear from you!

A Petrified Forest 2018 dates

• October: 5th, 6th, 11th, 12th, 13th, 17th†, 18th, 19th, 20th, 25th, 26th, 27th, 31st
• November: 1st, 2nd, 3rd

† This evening is only open to those with disabilities and their group.

Location: SR 436, 1/4 mile west of 17-92, 1360 E Altamonte Dr, Altamonte Springs, FL 32701