Thrills, Chills & Haunted Hills: Where to Get Spooked in the Smokies

October in the Smokies isn’t just about pumpkins and candy - it’s also a time when the mountains take on a mysterious edge. Fog rolls through the hills, the nights grow longer, and stories of ghosts and legends seem to echo a little louder. For thrill-seekers and those who love a good scare, Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg are filled with haunted attractions, eerie adventures, and spine-tingling fun.

Here are some of the best spooky spots to check out this October:

🌵 Ghost Town at SkyLand Ranch

By day, SkyLand Ranch is a family-friendly attraction with sweeping views and friendly animals. But come nightfall in October, it transforms into Ghost Town - complete with haunted hayrides, themed walk-throughs, and live characters that bring the Wild West back from the dead. It’s a unique blend of mountain charm and ghostly adventure.

🎢 Coasts and Goblins at Rocky Top Mountain Coaster

Already one of the longest mountain coasters in the Smokies, Rocky Top gets a spooky makeover in October. Riders race through tunnels and curves lit with eerie lights and haunted décor, with surprises waiting along the track. It’s the perfect mix of thrills and chills for families with older kids and teens who want something a little scarier than trick-or-treating.

👻 Gatlinburg Haunts: Ghost Tour

Step off the Parkway and into Gatlinburg’s haunted past. Guided ghost tours share chilling tales of spirits, tragedies, and unexplained events tied to some of the town’s most historic spots. It’s more atmospheric than jump-scare, making it perfect for visitors who want to mix storytelling, history, and a touch of mystery.

🏚️ Mysterious Mansion

A Gatlinburg staple for over 40 years, Mysterious Mansion is one of the Smokies’ most iconic haunted houses. Dark hallways, winding staircases, and hidden passages create a classic haunted experience full of live actors and surprises. If you’re brave enough, this is a must-visit for true haunted house fans.

🪦 Ripley’s Haunted Adventure

Located right on the Gatlinburg Parkway, Ripley’s Haunted Adventure offers multiple stories of frights inside a 10,000-square-foot haunted house. Live actors, detailed sets, and special effects create a Hollywood-level scare experience that’s a step up in intensity. This one is better suited for teens and adults who want a thrill beyond family-friendly fun.

🔑 Spooky Escape Rooms

For those who love puzzles with their scares, escape rooms across Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg add eerie twists during October. Step into creepy cabins, solve ghostly mysteries, or race against the clock in zombie scenarios. One popular option is Outbreak: Dread the Undead in Pigeon Forge - a walk-through experience where you dodge zombies while trying to survive the outbreak.

✨ Whether you’re chasing jump scares, ghostly tales, or just a thrill to remember, the Smokies deliver a Halloween season unlike any other.

And after a night of heart-pounding fun, you’ll be glad to return to a comfortable place to unwind. With spacious lodges, inviting cabins and cozy condos, Thomas Rentals offers the perfect retreat - where the only thing spooky is the movie you stream in your theater room.

October in the Smokies has something for everyone. Families with little ones will love our guide to safe trick-or-treat events around Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg, while festival-goers can dive into the season’s best fall festivals - from pumpkin patches to bluegrass and everything in between.