🎃 13 Scary Things to Do in the Poconos

The Pocono Mountains might be known for breathtaking scenery, waterfalls, and family resorts—but when the sun sets and the fog rolls in, a darker side of the mountains awakens. Whether you love haunted houses, eerie hikes, or ghostly tales that’ll keep you up all night, the Poconos has plenty of spooky fun waiting for the brave. Here are 13 scary things to do near the Poconos!

1. The Haunting at Waldorf Estate of Fear – Lehighton, PA

Waldorf Estate of Fear offers multiple terrifying experiences including “Terror in the Corn” and “Infection.” You’ll walk through creepy corn fields, meet horror movie villains up close, and experience movie-level scares.

2. Hotel of Horror – Saylorsburg, PA

Housed in a 200 year old building that was once called The Lake House Hotel, this is a popular Halloween attraction in the region. You will find two haunted attractions — “Hotel of Horrors” and “Altered Nightmares” —  both housed in the old Lake House Hotel.

3. Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic – Poconos

Okay, maybe it’s not haunted… but it’s mysteriously good. Experience amazing illusions, audience participation, and tricks that’ll leave you wondering if there’s a ghost behind the curtain. A perfect night for anyone who likes a mix of fun, mystery, and a touch of the impossible.

4. The Old Jail Museum – Jim Thorpe, PA

Step into the real-life 1870 prison that once housed the infamous Molly Maguires. Visitors claim to feel cold spots and see ghostly figures—especially near the gallows where several prisoners were executed.  Be sure to check out the handprint in Cell #17.

5. The Electrifying Jack O Lantern – Gilbert, PA

A fun walk through artistic exhibit featuring thousands of hand carved pumpkins. This is not a scary experience, just a fun must do!

6. The Candle Shoppe of the Pocono Haunted History Tour – Swiftwater, PA

The Candle Shoppe of the Poconos is located in what was once the research laboratory of Doctor William Redwood Fisher who’s research on primates helped develop the vaccines for Smallpox and Yellow Fever.  Take a tour of the laboratory and see the monkey cages and some original "doctor equipment".

7. Devil’s Last Laugh - Lehighton, PA

The name of the place alone is scary.  This haunted attraction has “Walcksville Asylum” and “The Spread” to terrorize your evening.

8. Haunted Poconos Park – Bushkill, PA

If you’re into scary check out the “Playhouse of Horror” but if you just want some seasonal Halloween fun you can enjoy Kid’s Trick or Treat Trail or the Pumpkin Patch for pumpkin picking.

9. Ghost and Graveyards Tour — Jim Thorpe, PA

Take this Haunted Trolley tour to experience the stories of the town of Jim Thorpe — the Jail, haunted houses and graveyard ghosts.

10. Reaper’s Revenge – Scranton, PA

Reaper’s Revenge features five different attractions including a Haunted Hayride that takes you through over 60 acres of trails with creatures and zombies at every turn.

11. Howl O’ween Doggie Parade — Camelback Resort

What’s scarier then dogs? Just kidding… dogs are the best and Camelback thinks so too so on October 18th bring your dog (in costume) for a parade featuring Halloween clad dogs.

12. Halloween Haunt at Dorney Park — Allentown, PA

A short drive from the Poconos Dorney Park decks out the park with lots of Halloween fun.  Haunted mazes, scare zones and of course amusement rides.

13. 13th Hour Haunted House — Wharton, NJ

Voted one of America’s Best Haunted Houses they feature multiple haunted attractions in one location—haunted escape rooms, axe throwing, and 3 haunted attractions that include immersive horror sets that feel straight out of a movie.

👻 Ready to Get Spooked?

The Poconos is full of natural beauty—but also mystery, history, and a few restless spirits. Whether you prefer haunted houses, creepy trails, or a little magic in your fright night, there’s something chilling for everyone.

Looking for a spooky-fun evening that’s thrilling and family-friendly? Catch a performance of Jason Bishop: Straight Up Magic — where magic, illusions, and surprises make the impossible seem real.