FOLEY, Ala. — The big top has gone dark at Graham Creek Nature Preserve, where the Sinister Circus Haunted Forest, the new theme for the preserve’s 2026 Haunted Forest, is now open. The half-mile walking trail through the wooded preserve opened Saturday, Oct. 17, and will welcome guests on select nights through Friday, Oct. 30.
The attraction combines themed scenes, live scare actors and theatrical effects along a darkened path. Tickets are limited, and organizers strongly recommend buying them in advance.
A Circus Gone Wrong
This year’s storyline takes guests behind the scenes of a circus where things have gone badly awry. The main entrance is closed, the midway is in disarray, and visitors are rerouted through parts of the show the public was never meant to see.
Along the way, guests pass through grungy back lots, carnival games, creepy carnies and forgotten performers. The walk builds toward a freak show at the end of the trail.
The half-mile route runs through the preserve’s outdoor wooded terrain, giving the attraction a setting that an indoor haunted house cannot match. Fog, lighting effects and sound help set the mood after dark.
Dates, Hours and Special Nights
The haunted trail is scheduled to open on Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Oct. 28 and Oct. 30. Hours depend on the night of the week:
- Wednesday: 7 to 9 p.m.
- Friday: 7 to 10 p.m.
- Saturday: 7 p.m. to midnight
With opening night already in the books, the remaining scheduled dates are Saturday, Oct. 24; Wednesday, Oct. 28; and Friday, Oct. 30.
Two special event nights have been added for the 2026 season. Wednesday, Oct. 28, is an adults-only night, and guests must show a valid ID to enter.
Friday, Oct. 23, has been designated “Cowards Night,” with fewer jump scares and more mild-mannered clowns for guests who prefer a gentler experience. Because Oct. 23 does not appear among the trail’s other listed dates, guests interested in Cowards Night should confirm the schedule with the preserve before planning a visit.
Who Should Go and What to Expect
The Haunted Forest is recommended for guests ages 10 and older. Younger children may attend at the discretion of their parents or guardians.
Organizers advise that guests on the trail may encounter darkness, uneven terrain, fog, flashing or strobe-style lighting, loud noise, theatrical effects, spaces that feel confined and live scare actors. Families should weigh those conditions when deciding whether the event is a good fit, particularly for younger children or anyone sensitive to strobe effects.
Comfortable, closed-toe shoes suited to outdoor walking are a must. The event is held rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe, and guests are encouraged to check Graham Creek Nature Preserve’s social media for weather-related updates.
Safety Rules and Accessibility
For everyone’s safety, guests may not touch actors, props or set pieces. Actors, in turn, will not intentionally touch guests.
All participants must sign a waiver before entering the trail. Guests using wheelchairs should contact the preserve in advance to arrange accommodations for the entrance.
A food truck, restrooms and parking are available on site, with portable restrooms located at the entrance.
Tickets and Refund Policy
Tickets are limited and are sold subject to a no-refund, no-return policy. If the venue or event organizer cancels the event, refunds will be issued within four business days of the event date.
Tickets and additional information are available through Graham Creek Nature Preserve’s official website and social media channels. Given the limited capacity, buying ahead is the safest way to secure a spot, especially for weekend nights close to Halloween.
Quick Facts
- Event: Sinister Circus Haunted Forest
- Location: Graham Creek Nature Preserve, 23030 Wolf Bay Dr., Foley
- Trail length: About a half-mile
- Recommended age: 10 and older
- Remaining dates: Oct. 24, Oct. 28 (adults only) and Oct. 30
About Graham Creek Nature Preserve
Graham Creek Nature Preserve is a natural area of more than 600 acres owned by the City of Foley. By day, the preserve offers 10 miles of trails, two handicap-accessible boardwalks, a kayak launch, four disc golf courses, an archery range and an outdoor classroom.
The preserve was named the Best of Baldwin 2022 Public Park winner. The Haunted Forest gives visitors a chance to see the property in a very different light, trading daytime hikes and paddling for a fog-filled walk through a circus that has lost its way.
For Baldwin County families looking for a Halloween outing, the Sinister Circus offers an outdoor alternative to traditional haunted houses, with the remaining nights spread across the final week of October.
