Fall Holiday Happenings
Your Guide to Atlanta’s Haunted Houses and Corn Mazes
By Karin Pendley Koser
Haunted houses are both popular and abundant in the Atlanta and north Georgia area; if you, your friends and family members enjoy the frights and low lights of all that fall brings, read our recommendations for haunted houses and haunted (and non-haunted) corn mazes for those looking for after-dark haints. Some have hard and fast rules for children’s ages and others leave it to parents’ discretion. As a movie industry hub, Georgia has plenty of experienced special effects, costumers and escape room professionals working to ensure your experience at haunted houses is as fear-inducing as possible. Are you ready?Haunted Houses
NETHERWORLD
NETHERWORLD celebrates its 25th anniversary this year and has a national reputation for frightening the heck out of its patrons. While its Escape Rooms and Laser Adventure are open year-round, the Halloween season of terror begins Sept. 24 and lasts until Nov. 13 with 18 days closed. Walk through a spookily dark attraction filled with monsters, live actors (who will never touch you) and amazing special effects. You can bring children as young as 5 years old, though the attraction doesn’t recommend carrying them through the grounds. Everyone admitted must wear a mask and get a temperature check.
“Our 25th anniversary is a huge milestone that we are very proud of. We wouldn’t be where we are without the devoted haunt fans that have made NETHERWORLD a Halloween tradition in the Atlanta area and beyond! We have a ton of new amazingly terrifying stuff for everyone to experience and a lot of classic characters from our history making a triumphant comeback. It will definitely be an unforgettable season of screams,” said Ben Armstrong, NETHERWORLD’s co-creator. Located at 1313 Netherworld Way in Stone Mountain. fearworld.com
Paranoia Haunted House
This indoor haunted house prides itself on helping you face all your phobias with two superspooky attractions to choose from. Experience shocking special effects and horrifying live actors as you walk unguided through its hallways to face your worst fears. Monsters roam around outside for picture taking while you wait in line. Paranoia strongly suggests that guests under 13 come with an adult as the show is intense.
Paranoia opens for the Halloween season at 8 p.m. Oct. 1 and is open every weekend in October and some weekdays. Lines close at 11 p.m. Thursdays and Sundays and midnight Fridays and Saturdays. You can stay all night if you want once you’ve gotten through the ticket line. Located at 2075 Marietta Hwy. in Canton. paranoiahaunt.com
Nightmare’s Gate Haunted House
Voted one of the best haunts in Georgia by its Facebook fans, Nightmare’s Gate certainly lives up to its name. It’s oriented for adults but has no age restrictions if a child wants to go through on his/her own. Its owners bought the old Sparkle’s Skating Rink within walking distance of its current location off Interstate 20. They are readying the second show, Terror Falls, to be held in the new building; owner Craig Newton said it will be a totally immersive experience where attendees go into an Army tent for a briefing about a monster in a swamp they must find. Terror Falls pulls out all the stops with a 16-foot waterfall and 20-foot swinging bridge. Nightmare’s Gate’s original location will host its popular Haunted Hospital show where guests help figure out gruesome medical mysteries and try to escape alive. “Our job is to sell an emotional experience,” said Newton. “The highs and lows in our shows are perfect for first dates and team-building activities.” Located at 3931 Longview Drive in Douglasville. nightmaresgate.com
Containment Haunted House
Containment Haunted House advises its patrons to leave children under 13 at home, though there’s no hard and fast rule. It’s been named one of the Top 3 haunted attractions in the nation by USA Today reader votes. Containment offers both classic horrors embracing the spirit of Halloween and scenes of more modern torture and terror. Features include live actors, cutting-edge special effects, animatronics and interactive monster puppets. The attraction is just 15 minutes from downtown Atlanta and is open Sept. 24 through Oct. 31, with nine days closed. Located at Blairs Bridge Road in Lithia Springs. containmenthauntedhouse.com
Corn Mazes and Pumpkin Patches
Uncle Shuck’s Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch
A longtime staple for north Georgia families and school and Scout groups, Uncle Shuck’s has a large field full of pumpkins ready to select from, farm animals to pet, a kids maze and more. This fall, the attraction offers The Dark Rows on Friday and Saturday nights in October, a haunted trail through some of the most twisted parts of the corn fields. Uncle Shuck’s is open Fridays through Sundays in September and November and seven days a week in October. Wear sturdy shoes and no heels, everyone! Ages 12 and under must be accompanied in the haunted corn maze by a parent. Located at 125 Bannister Road in Dawsonville. uncleshucks.com
Mitcham Farms Corn Maze
During the day, Mitcham Farms Corn Maze is open for walks through the 7-acre Colonel Cob’s Corn Maze that has a different theme each year. Mitcham Farms also features a pumpkin patch, cow train, super slide, corn cannon, hayrides and more. Brave visitors are encouraged to come in the evening to experience the maze after dark for Flashlight Nights on Fridays and Saturdays. Located at 797 W. Macedonia Church Road in Oxford. mitchamfarm.com
Buford Corn Maze and Haunted Forest
This attraction has made improvements which include new activities in its Kids’ CORNer, new lighting, brand new restrooms and a new admission system designed to maintain social distancing and cut down time in line. The corn maze section opens Sept. 4, followed by the Haunted Forest Sept. 24. The theme of the haunted forest changes every year, and it is recommended for children ages 10 to adult. Located at 4470 Bennett Road in Buford. bufordcornmaze.com
