Halloween is a time of spooky fun for all ages to enjoy. Sadly, many commercial events have left the fun out of the holiday focusing on fear, gore, and horror. Many families with small children and some adults look for alternative ways to celebrate with a few good natured frights.
This is why we at York River State Park are so proud of our Ghost Trails Hayrides. Kids of all ages love a hayride through the woods at night. The traditional jack-o-lanterns, scary scarecrows, and other decor await our visitors. Our friends group provides hot cider, chocolate, and marshmallows for roasting over the campfire before and between rides.
The hallmark of the Ghost Trails is the series of re-created scenes of stories based on historic events. One such tale is of Rebbecca Die who was accused of and drowned by dunking for being a witch. Witch Duck(originally Witch Dunk) Road in Virginia Beach was named for her execution. But, Rebbecca grew up on Taskinas Plantation; as the park was known in the colonial period.
Along with this, we re-tell the story of the sacking of Richard Clarke’s Plantation, how pirates infiltrated a legitimate wharf on the York, the light at the West Point railroad, and how a bell saved a man from being buried alive. More details of these stories can be found by clicking here. Theseand other scenes are portrayed by park staff, friends members, and local school students. Some faces, trail routes, and stories change through the years. But, our tradition is avoid senseless, violent scare tactics. Instead, we seek to entertain with stories to make our visitors wonder with fun and ……. FEAR!