Spooky Strolls: Adding Some Halloween Spirit to Your Next Evening Walk
Fall might very well be my favorite time of year for a walk. I love the smell of fall. I love the sound of fallen leaves rustling under my feet. I love the colors of the trees. I love not sweating to death on the trail. And I love seeing all of the Halloween decorations on my walks through neighborhoods.
If you love the thrills and chills of the Halloween season, why not add a little bit of spooky adventure to your regular walking routine? All it takes is a little imagination—and maybe a little bit of research—to turn your plain old daily walk into a spooky stroll!
Here are some tips for adding some Halloween spirit to your walks this season:
Hike a Haunted Trail
Your favorite trail may have a haunted history that you didn’t even know about! A quick Google search for “haunted trails near me” could lead to creepy stories about ghostly figures that haunt nearby trails. Read up on the eerie legends before you head out on your walk, and it’s sure to made your even stroll much more chilling.
Local parks often plan haunted hikes or evening walks during this time of year, too. So check nearby parks for more information.
Or, if you can’t find any good ghost stories online, find an old cemetery, a historic battlefield, or another historic area to explore on your evening walk.
Join a Ghost Tour
You might be surprised how common ghost tours have become. Again, another quick Google search can help you find guided ghost tours that mix history, legends, and more for a creepy adventure. Not only can you enjoy some good ghost stories in a totally safe group environment, but you might also learn a little bit of fascinating history along the way (if you’re into that kind of thing). And you won’t even notice that you’re cranking up your step count as you go!
Create Your Own Ghostly Stroll
Can’t find any good ghost stories about local trails? No ghost tours offered in the area? You can always set the mood for your own spooky walk! During this time of year, I love listening to eerie audiobooks while I’m out for a walk. It could be a ghostly thriller, a fun, Halloween-themed cozy mystery, a collection of Poe’s short stories, or a supernatural podcast. You can decide to go with something light and fun or something absolutely terrifying—the scare-factor level is up to you!
Just Add Friends
A dark, eerie walk by yourself can be wonderfully haunting—but your Halloween walk could be a lot more fun with friends. Plan an evening walk with family and/or friends—complete with scary stories, costumes, and glow sticks to light your way. Share (age appropriate) scary stories as you go. And end your walk at someone’s house—or a favorite cafe—where everyone can enjoy some hot, spicy apple cider, hot chocolate, or some other warm, cozy treats when you finish.
Visit a Haunted House
If you’re not up for planning your own scary stroll—and you don’t feel like trying a ghost tour—check out a nearby haunted house. It won’t have quite the same atmosphere as an evening walk in the woods—and you probably won’t get the step count that you would on a haunted walk—but you’ll still be able to wander your way through Halloween thrills. And it doesn’t require much research or planning—because someone else already put the work into creating the scary vibe for you.
…Or Just Make It Fun for All Ages
Not into the super-spooky Halloween vibes? Lean into the fun side of the season with a Halloween-themed scavenger hunt for the family. Give everyone a list of Halloween-themed items, and see who can find the most—or just have some fun pointing them out together.
Items to include:
– A Silly Skeleton
– A Ghost
– A Spooky Jack-o’-Lantern
– A Black Cat
– A Bat
– A Spider Web
– An Inflatable Cartoon Character
Be Sure to Stay Safe!
Sure, the darkness of night makes a haunted walk extra scary—but don’t put yourself in actual danger while chasing some Halloween thrills. Wear light-colored clothing (or, better yet, reflective gear). Bring a flashlight or a headlamp—or, to stay true to the creepy vibes, carry a lantern. And, if you’re walking alone, make sure that someone is aware of your route. Because there’s no need to turn your spooky stroll into a real-life horror story.
Whether your Halloween style leans toward playful or downright terrifying, you can enjoy a little bit of spooky seasonal fun by hitting the streets for a haunted stroll. You’ll be taking advantage of the eerie atmosphere of the season while getting some steps in the process!
What are you planning for your own spooky stroll?
