5 Ways to Celebrate Halloween at National Parks: Spooky and Fun Adventures

Fall brings crisp air, golden leaves, and for many, a desire for spooky adventures. What better place to enjoy Halloween fun than in America’s stunning national parks? From haunted hikes to eerie night tours, here are some Halloween experiences to look forward to:

1. Ghost Tours and Haunted History

Several national parks offer ghost tours with stories about eerie happenings. Gettysburg National Military Park, for instance, is famous for its haunted battlefield, where visitors claim to hear echoes of soldiers long gone.

2. Nighttime Wildlife Encounters

Halloween in the wilderness offers a chance to experience nocturnal creatures. Take a ranger-led hike through the dark forests of Great Smoky Mountains National Park or Bryce Canyon National Park. You may spot owls, bats, and other creatures that come alive under the moonlight!

3. Stargazing and Astronomy Nights

While the forests are spooky at night, many parks also offer an enchanting alternative: stargazing. Parks like Joshua Tree and Grand Canyon National Park host astronomy nights around Halloween. The clear autumn skies provide the perfect setting to gaze at the stars and enjoy an educational celestial show.

4. Festive Family Events

Looking for something kid-friendly? Some parks, like Yellowstone and Yosemite, host Halloween-themed activities, including pumpkin decorating, costume contests, and educational programs on creepy critters like spiders and snakes.

5. Eerie Landscapes

A national park’s natural beauty can feel eerie under the right conditions. Explore the foggy trails of Shenandoah National Park or the twisted trees in Joshua Tree. Their natural features create an otherworldly atmosphere, perfect for Halloween.

Halloween is the perfect time to explore the mysterious and magical aspects of national parks. Whether you’re chasing ghosts or gazing at the stars, these parks provide a unique backdrop for the spookiest season of the year. If you’re looking for the perfect seasonal gift for your nature-loving friends and family, head over to our National Park Posters collection to find tons of retro, WPA-style artwork made by Colorado-based artist, Rob Decker.