These haunted attractions in North Carolina rank among the best in the US
Two haunted attractions in North Carolina rank among the nation’s best — if you dare to visit them.
The Haunted Farm near Hendersonville and Woods of Terror in Greensboro made it onto the Haunted Attraction Association’s national list of places that are scaring up a good time while keeping people safe.
“The safety of our guests is the number one priority,” former president John Eslich said on the association’s website. “The certification is a symbol of excellence that honors those attractions that are making strides above and beyond to focus on the safety and education of their employees, while developing a world-class haunting experience for guests.”
The Haunted Farm prides itself on thrilling visitors near Hendersonville, a mountain town roughly 25 miles south of Asheville. The attraction lies on land where several people have vanished, according to a legend shared on the farm’s website.
In Greensboro, Woods of Terror also claims to have an unsettling history. The business on its website says a lack of resources during the Great Depression meant people weren’t buried, so their spirits continued to haunt the area.
Nowadays, the attractions list slaughterhouses and haunted trails among the features designed to make visitors scream.
The two businesses are part of the Haunted Attraction Association, which represents the industry. The group in September said it created its recent list — called “Top Haunts” — after evaluating members that have at least 10,000 annual visitors and have been around for more than a decade. Many other criteria are safety related, including having inspections, insurance and employee handbooks.
This year, 45 attractions made it onto the nationwide list, though officials said they didn’t rank the favorites in any particular order.
It isn’t the first time a North Carolina destination has been recognized for fall fun.
This year, Spring Haven Farm in Chapel Hill ranked among the country’s best pumpkin patches.
Also, Stepp’s Hillcrest Orchard in Hendersonville was named a top place for apple picking, McClatchy News reported.
