If you’ve been searching for the ultimate way to celebrate spooky season in Fayetteville, look no further than the Stoney Point Trail of Terror. Equal parts fright and fun, this haunted attraction has become one of the area’s most beloved Halloween traditions. Operated by the men and women of the Stoney Point Fire Department alongside dedicated community volunteers, the Trail of Terror combines eerie entertainment with a mission: to raise funds for the department while creating unforgettable memories for everyone who attends.
Whether you come with a group of friends, plan a spooky date night, or dare to face the trail alone, you’ll be treated to a stage show, a live band, and the main event—an indoor haunted trail designed to make you scream, laugh, and cling to the person next to you.
2025 Dates and Special Events
The Trail of Terror is open on select October nights from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m.
• October 3–4 | First Responder/Medical Personnel/Teacher/Military Discount Weekend – $2 off ticket with current ID
• October 10–11
• October 17–18
• October 24–25
• October 31 (Halloween Night!)
In addition to the scares, each evening features live music from local bands:
• October 3-Michael Daughtry
• October 4-Dustin Day
• October 10-Mainstream Menace
• October 11-From the Calm
• October 17-Kevin Regan Band
• October 18-Scroggins Band
• October 24-Machinegun Earl
• October 25-Fear State
• October 31-Scroggins Band
This mix of fright and Fayetteville talent makes the Trail of Terror not just a haunted house but a community festival of fun.
Tickets
• General Admission: $20
• VIP/Speed Pass: $30 (skip the line and head straight to the scares)
• Groups of 20 or more: $15 per person
The Trail of Terror as a fundraiser has evolved throughout the years.
“We initially started with photo sales and turkey shoots in the department’s early days,” explained Cynthia McDonald Buie, event social media coordinator. “But with the rise of smartphones and changing community interests, those fundraisers lost steam. We realized one day that we could start a haunt for the locals. Did we think in 2003 that it would grow to the level it is today? Absolutely not!”
Creating an event of this scale is no small feat. Planning begins almost immediately after the trail closes on its final night. Ideas are refined, scenes evaluated, and even trips to trade shows like Transworld in St. Louis are made to gather inspiration and purchase new animatronics.
The haunt’s makeup team, led by Marcie Hanzal and Beth Collins, is essential to bringing characters to life with airbrushing, prosthetics, costumes, and props. Safety is always the top priority, followed closely by the creativity and scares that make the event unforgettable.
Assistant Fire Chief Brandon Hanzal, one of the masterminds behind the trail, heads a team of firefighters and volunteers who hand-build elaborate sets each year. What began as a simple outdoor path with rubber masks and basic jump scares has evolved into a professional-quality attraction featuring complex scenes, theatrical storytelling, and immersive detail.
Every year, the trail introduces new themes and scenes, but some fan favorites always return. Clowns are back this year.
“It will surprise you how many people are fearful of clowns,” Buie shared. Whether it’s Pennywise, Twisty, or even Ronald McDonald, clowns remain one of the most effective scare tactics.
The Vortex is also back, a spinning tunnel illusion that tricks the senses and makes visitors feel like they’re part of the spinning world. Patrons love it so much that it’s brought back annually.
The team also incorporates pop culture into their scares. When Stranger Things dominated the cultural landscape, the Upside Down made an appearance. When IT returned to theaters, Pennywise was waiting in the shadows.
Guests don’t just wait in line—they’re entertained the whole night. DJs Lieutenant Jim Buie and Paramedic Mark Gooden provide a professional sound-and-light stage show, and live bands keep the crowd energized. Characters often roam the audience to surprise guests before they even enter the trail.
For those needing a break from the screams, Wendell’s famous funnel cakes at the concession trailer are a must-try treat.
The Trail of Terror is more than a seasonal attraction—it’s a fundraiser that directly supports the Stoney Point Fire Department. Funds are used for essential needs, such as turnout gear, air packs, and updated equipment, which keep firefighters ready to serve.
The event also boosts the local economy. With visitors traveling from surrounding states, many make a full night out of their visit, grabbing dinner nearby or exploring Fayetteville’s downtown before or after the trail.
The event wouldn’t be possible without volunteers. Each September, orientation nights attract potential actors and helpers—many of whom are high school students earning community service hours, as well as parents, grandparents, and adults who simply love Halloween.
“Our volunteers are everything,” Buie emphasized. “We could not pull off this event without them.”
Beyond the scares, the Stoney Point Fire Department also gives back with its Annual Trunk or Treat, hosted by the department’s Auxiliary Members. This year, it will take place on Saturday, Oct. 18, from noon to 2 p.m. at the fire station. Families can enjoy free Halloween fun, candy, and a chance to explore the fire trucks.
Ultimately, the Stoney Point Trail of Terror is about more than scares. It’s about shared laughter, adrenaline, and the joy of being part of a community. Visitors leave with stories they’ll tell for years, and the fire department leaves with the support it needs to continue serving Fayetteville.
So if you’re ready to do something scary this October, grab your friends, your courage, and your tickets to the Stoney Point Trail of Terror. Stoney Point Trail of Terror is located at 7221 Stoney Point Road, and tickets can be purchased online at https://www.undeadfd.com/tickets.
With live entertainment, unforgettable scares, and a cause worth supporting, this is one Halloween tradition you don’t want to miss.

(Photo courtesy of Stoney Point Trail of Terror)