You’ll find New Hampshire’s abandoned Hill Ghost Town hosting Haunted Hikes Day each October 23rd, where you can explore 3.5 miles of forgotten village relics and paranormal legends. Canterbury Shaker Village offers Ghost Encounters Tours throughout late October at their 694-acre National Historic Landmark, while Maine’s nearby Parsonsfield Seminary runs annual haunting events in its 1832 building. Salisbury Woods operates haunted barn experiences every October weekend, and Littleton’s Jack O’Lanterns Gathering illuminates 500+ carved pumpkins along the Ammonoosuc River. Each location combines authentic history with seasonal thrills worth exploring further.
Key Takeaways
- Hill Ghost Town near Pemigewasset River hosts Haunted Hikes Day on October 23, featuring abandoned village exploration and cemetery tours.
- Canterbury Shaker Village offers Ghost Encounters Tours in late October and early November, exploring 19th-century spiritualism on 694 acres.
- Parsonsfield Seminary in Maine hosts annual “Haunting at Parsonsfield Seminary” events each October with guided tours and paranormal investigations.
- Salisbury Woods operates a Haunted Barn fundraiser every October weekend, featuring immersive 25-minute experiences supporting community organizations.
- Littleton hosts annual Jack O’Lanterns Gathering along Ammonoosuc River with haunted walks, displaying over 500 carved pumpkins each October.
Hill Ghost Town’s Haunted Hiking Trail Experience
Nestled in Merrimack County near the Pemigewasset River, Hill Ghost Town offers one of New Hampshire’s most atmospheric hiking experiences through a village that history literally left behind.
Step into New Hampshire’s past where an entire village vanished beneath the waters of progress and time.
You’ll traverse a 3.5-mile trail with 111 feet of elevation gain, discovering remnants of a community relocated in 1941 for Franklin Dam construction. The path winds through overgrown roads lined with trees, past old sidewalks and foundation markers that whisper stories of displaced families.
Urban legends permeate this eerie landscape, where silence and gloom create perfect conditions for paranormal sightings. Local reports claim spirits roam the abandoned cemetery and village ruins. Along the trail, you’ll encounter the Old Grist Mill Foundation at Needle Brook, where large connecting cellar holes reveal the area’s industrial heritage. Similar to Monson Village, established in 1746 and now a 215-acre historic site, visitors have reported mysterious flashes of light during their explorations.
Featured during the third annual Haunted Hikes Day on October 23, 2024, you’re free to explore cellar holes, fenced fruit trees, and trails shared with snowmobiles before crossing Franklin Dam’s scenic top.
Canterbury Shaker Village Ghost Encounters Tour
While ghost tours often prioritize theatrical scares over substance, Canterbury Shaker Village’s Ghost Encounters Tour delivers an authentic exploration of 19th-century spiritualism through its 45-minute guided experience. You’ll discover how spiritual communication strengthened Shaker communal bonds during the Era of Manifestations, when members documented otherworldly encounters as divine revelations rather than frightening phenomena.
Tours run at 5:00 p.m., 6:00 p.m., and 7:00 p.m. throughout late October and early November, with advance tickets priced at $20 for adults and $10 for children. The event welcomes visitors of all ages to explore these spiritual traditions in an educational setting. The Lakes Region Tourism Association presents this event as part of its regional programming.
The village’s 694-acre National Historic Landmark setting features 25 restored buildings where unexplained footsteps echo through the Dwelling House’s upper floors. Serious paranormal investigation enthusiasts can access special after-hours events equipped with EMF detectors and infrared cameras for documented research opportunities.
Parsonsfield Seminary’s Annual Haunting Event
Just across the Maine border, Parsonsfield Seminary transforms its 42-room historic building into “The Haunting at Parsonsfield Seminary” each October, marking two decades as one of New England’s premier charity haunted house attractions.
You’ll explore the seminary’s historical significance as you traverse four floors with a specialized tour guide. The 1832 building, which served as America’s First Free Will Baptist Seminary, burned mysteriously at midnight in 1853, fueling urban legends that persist today.
Your journey includes:
- Individual room narratives blending authentic paranormal reports with theatrical storytelling
- Three floors plus walk-out basement featuring documented phenomena like footsteps and children’s voices
- Family-friendly atmosphere described as “spooky not scary”
Proceeds support the non-profit “Friends of Par Sem” organization’s preservation efforts at 504 North Road, Parsonsfield, ME. The Festival of Trees runs during the first two weekends in December, from 10am to 3pm, offering a seasonal celebration at the historic site.
For those seeking a more authentic experience, the seminary also hosts paranormal investigation events on October 10th where participants can bring their own ghost-hunting equipment and explore the property’s reportedly haunted spaces.
Salisbury Woods Haunted Barn and Trail Fundraiser
Since 2014, The Salisbury Haunted Woods has transformed a central New Hampshire property into one of the state’s most impactful charity haunted attractions. Located at 19 Franklin Rd in Salisbury, this 501(c)(3) organization operates every Friday and Saturday throughout October. It draws 4,000 annual visitors to its 25-minute experience featuring 20 professionally-crafted scenes.
You’ll encounter creepy clowns, zombies, and chainsaw-wielding performers as you navigate this immersive trail that’s become part of the region’s cultural history. The attraction features both a haunted barn and trail experience that provides multiple settings for spooky entertainment.
Standard admission is $20, with a $10 “Lite Fright Night” on October 31st offering visitor experiences without actors. Main operating hours run 7 pm – 9:30 pm during regular event nights.
The haunted attraction raised $70,000 last year, supporting 21 community organizations.
Wheelchair-accessible facilities and free parking complement the rain-or-shine operation, making this unique fundraising model accessible to all seeking memorable thrills.
Littleton’s Jack O’Lanterns Gathering Along the River
Each October, Littleton transforms its downtown riverfront into a glowing Halloween spectacle that draws visitors from across New England.
On Saturday, October 25, 2025, you’ll discover over 500 hand-carved jack-o’-lanterns illuminating the Ammonoosuc River from 6:00 to 9:00 PM. The pumpkin reflections dancing on the water create an enchanting atmosphere as these river lanterns showcase the community’s artistic creativity.
Your evening includes:
- Haunted Walk starting at the covered bridge ($3 adults, $2 kids), with a kid-friendly version from 6:00-7:00 PM
- Food trucks and vendors operating along River Walk from 5:00-9:00 PM
- Bonfire hosted by Littleton Fire Department at 7:00 PM
This community-driven celebration offers free pumpkin patch activities and entertainment, making it the perfect destination for Halloween enthusiasts seeking authentic New England tradition. The event relies on dedicated volunteers who handle setup and execution, ensuring the riverfront display remains enjoyable and successful. All proceeds benefit Friends of Remich Park to support children’s recreational programming throughout the year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pets Allowed at These Ghost Town Events and Haunted Attractions?
Pet policies vary by attraction—Beans and Screams explicitly bans pets, while Nightmare New England, Haunted Overload, and Fright Kingdom don’t specify animal restrictions. You’ll want to contact venues directly before visiting to confirm their current pet policies.
What Accessibility Accommodations Exist for Visitors With Mobility Challenges?
Wheelchair accessibility and mobility assistance aren’t explicitly advertised at these attractions. You’ll find flat, paved paths at Strawbery Banke’s historic district, but woodland trails and riverwalks may present challenges. Contact venues directly to discuss your specific needs.
Can Visitors Take Photographs During the Nighttime Haunted Tours?
You’ll generally find photography permissions granted during nighttime haunted tours, though nighttime camera policies aren’t explicitly stated. Most events showcase atmospheric settings perfect for photos, but we recommend confirming flash restrictions with specific venues beforehand.
Are There Age Restrictions or Recommendations for Children Attending These Events?
From pint-sized ghouls to brave teens, you’ll find age-appropriate entertainment tailored to every comfort level. Family-friendly activities like Ghosts on the Banke welcome all ages, while intense haunts aren’t recommended for small children—choose your adventure wisely.
What Refund Policies Apply if Weather Conditions Cancel Scheduled Events?
Most events don’t offer refunds for weather cancellations—you’ll typically receive rain checks or rescheduled dates instead. Refund policies vary by venue, so you should review each event’s terms before purchasing tickets to protect your investment.
References
- https://www.visitwhitemountains.com/blog/post/halloween-events-in-the-white-mountains/
- https://www.visitnh.gov/blog/haunted-adventures
- https://www.newhampshirehauntedhouses.com
- https://littletonareachamber.com/annual-events/gathering-of-the-jack-olanterns/
- https://newenglandcuriosities.com
- https://outdoorodyssey.net/2024/11/04/the-old-ghost-town-of-hill-new-hampshire/
- https://nhmuseumtrail.org/new-hampshire-heritage-museum-trail-offers-spooky-season-adventures-across-the-state/
- http://nightmarenewengland.com
- https://nothingbutnewengland.com/new-hampshires-haunted-hikes/
- http://boxingthenet.blogspot.com/2021/09/headed-for-desolation-trail-beautiful.html
