This fall, Fayetteville once again transforms into a nightmare realm of horror as Backwoods Terror Ranch makes its much-anticipated return. Hosted at Sweet Valley Ranch, this immersive haunted attraction invites thrill-seekers to step into the terrifying world of Dr. Frederick Surgeon, a man whose obsession with immortality and genetic manipulation plunged him into madness. From Oct. 3 through Nov. 1, visitors can brave three heart-stopping haunted attractions that promise to push fear to new limits.
The Legend of Dr. Surgeon
Let’s set the scene with the legend of Dr. Surgeon. The legend begins with Dr. Frederick Surgeon, a once-prominent plastic surgeon in Connecticut during the late 1800s. Known for pushing the boundaries of science, Surgeon’s unorthodox treatments eventually led to his exile from the medical community. Obsessed with eternal youth, he uprooted his family to Fayetteville, where he purchased a sprawling property, now known as Sweet Valley Ranch.
Here, Surgeon’s reputation as a visionary cloaked his darker pursuits: experiments in cross-species gene splicing, not only between animals but also between humans and beasts. As local suspicions mounted, he opened an asylum under the guise of caring for the mentally ill. The screams that echoed from his estate no longer drew concern; after all, who questions the cries of the insane?
But with failed experiments came mounting bodies, and the surgeon needed help concealing the evidence. Enter the Delamorte family, a sadistic clan from Texas who operated the property’s slaughterhouse. Together, Surgeon and the Delamortes wove a tapestry of horror that would haunt Fayetteville for generations.
Today, their legacy is resurrected in three chilling attractions that bring this dark history to life.
Sunnyside Sanctum
The journey into terror begins at Sunnyside Sanctum, once a towering institution intended to be both prison and sanctuary. Originally designed to house society’s most dangerous minds, the asylum eventually collapsed after a violent uprising. Patients seized control, forcing the surviving staff to flee and leaving the asylum in ruin.
Now, the Sanctum stands as a decaying labyrinth where the inmates have created their own twisted society. The air is thick with dread, and the walls seem to whisper warnings to those who dare enter. Each step through its crumbling halls heightens the risk of becoming a permanent resident. With its eerie history and unsettling atmosphere, Sunnyside Sanctum sets the stage for a night of relentless fear.
The Slaughterhouse
From there, guests are thrust into the grisly world of the Slaughterhouse, where the horrors of Surgeon’s failed experiments are laid bare. Once an abattoir for livestock, it became the Delamorte family’s gruesome workshop. Here, Surgeon’s hybrid creations, “huminals,” were butchered and sold alongside regular meat in local markets. But before the final round-up, these creatures revolted, massacring workers and escaping into the nearby woods.
Inside the Slaughterhouse, visitors encounter blood-soaked walls, chilling cries, and gruesome displays that force them to confront the true meaning of inhuman cruelty. The cries of victims echo through the dark corridors, and each room reveals disturbing scenes of torture, dismemberment, and forbidden science. For many, it’s an unforgettable experience, one that may leave them questioning their next meal.
The Dystopian Abyss
The terror culminates in The Dystopian Abyss, an outdoor haunted trail that plunges visitors into a nightmarish wasteland. This attraction blends psychological horror with relentless jump scares, ensuring that no moment feels safe. Tormented monsters lurk in the shadows, stalking guests as they wind their way through the abyss. The trail’s design disorients the senses, making it difficult to distinguish between reality and illusion.
Just when survivors think they’ve escaped, they stumble into Clownville, where sinister jesters with painted grins turn chaos into carnival-style terror. Every corner hides a new scare, and the clowns’ unpredictable antics keep guests constantly on edge. It’s a twisted finale that ensures your heart will still be racing long after you leave.
Backwoods Terror Ranch is open on select nights from Oct. 3 through Nov. 1:
• Oct. 3–4, 10–11, 17–18: 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• Oct. 19 & 26: 7 p.m. to 10 p.m.
• Oct. 24–25, 31 & November 1: 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Ticketing Options:
• General Admission (all three attractions): $40–$55 (depending on night)
• VIP Fast Pass: $60 (includes all three attractions, VIP parking, a souvenir tumbler with unlimited punch refills, and a lighted necklace)
Single Attraction Tickets:
• Slaughterhouse: $12–$15
• Sunnyside Sanctum: $14–$17
• Dystopian Abyss: $22–$25
The ranch is located at 2990 Sunnyside School Road. Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, though fast passes are recommended for peak nights. Purchase online tickets at https://backwoodsterrorranch.com/dates-times/
Why Backwoods Terror Ranch Stands Out
Unlike traditional haunted houses, Backwoods Terror Ranch offers a fully immersive storyline grounded in local lore. Every scream, set piece, and scare actor ties back to the legend of Dr. Surgeon, making the experience more cohesive and engaging than random jump scares. Each attraction is meticulously crafted to appeal to different fears. The variety ensures that no two screams are alike—and that everyone finds themselves tested at some point.
For those seeking a truly bone-chilling experience this Halloween season, Backwoods Terror Ranch delivers. It’s more than just a haunted house—it’s a deep dive into a terrifying legend brought vividly to life. The combination of immersive storytelling, high-quality set design, and dedicated scare actors ensures that each visit is unforgettable.
Whether you’re navigating the lawless halls of Sunnyside Sanctum, braving the gore-soaked Slaughterhouse, or surviving the twisted carnival of Clownville, one thing is certain: at Backwoods Terror Ranch, fear is guaranteed.
Gather your bravest friends, steel your nerves, and step into the nightmare. Just remember—once you enter Dr. Surgeon’s world, there’s no turning back.