These 4 Halloween events are full of treats!

Nightmare in the Gorge | Oak Hill

Friday-Saturday nights until Oct. 28
Darkness falls early in autumn— especially when you’re deep in the forest, far from the glare of streetlights.
Think you’re brave enough for the wild West Virginia woods? Nightmare in the Gorge raises the intensity with “abandoned” buildings, zip lines … and a creature called the Mad Butcher.
For hardy souls, ACE Adventure Resort’s popular Halloween event won’t disappoint. New characters and settings keep scares fresh for fans, too. So bring your friends and see who can survive the entire course! ACE’s cozy restaurants will stay open, ensuring warmth at the end of the trail.

Merchant Mix and Match Spooktacular | Fayetteville

Oct. 26
Don’t like nocturnal hauntings? Skip the screams and shop instead! Fayetteville’s boutiques and restaurants will pair up for unbeatable deals.
Halloween makes Merchant Mix and Match even better, too. Score discounts along with candy, then watch a costume contest. If you have a unique outfit, dress up and play along, too. There will also be a pumpkin carving contest. Feeling creative? Bring your completed jack-o-lantern to the event for judging.
Merchant Mix and Match lasts from 5-9 p.m.

Lively Amphitheater Pumpkin Festival | Oak Hill

Oct. 28
This small-town event packs a lot of punch— and pumpkins. Starting with a grand illumination and ending with a movie, Oak Hill’s event is perfect for families.
This year’s Lively Amphitheater Pumpkin Festival will feature:

• Jack-o-lantern lighting at Lewis Pumpkin House— starting at dark
• Trick or Treat— 7 p.m.
• Halloween movie— 8 p.m.

Local businesses will bring candy and set up decorated booths. There will also be a pumpkin carving contest. Bring your jack-o-lantern(s) to the Lewis house on Oct. 28 between 9 a.m. and noon. Please leave the top intact. Instead, carve a hole on the bottom so volunteers can insert a candle. Voila— and good luck!

Epic Escape Game | Fayetteville

Believe it or not, you can also spend Halloween indoors! Epic Escape Game in Fayetteville has 3 “locked-door” games that spice up any October evening.
See if you can solve …

• Runaway Train (beginner): You’re riding along the C&O tracks when suddenly, the engineer vanishes. To make matters worse, Thurmond’s tracks are out! Can you stop the train before it crashes?
• Mothman (intermediate): Point Pleasant’s legendary monster has a lair in the New River Gorge … and you’re trapped in it. Try escaping before the Mothman returns for his dinner.
• Brave New World (advanced): A nuclear missile is fueling for its ultimate destination— America. Fortunately, the launch codes are in a New River Gorge cabin. Unfortunately, you don’t have much time to find them.

You and your friends have 60 minutes to complete your chosen scenario. Clues, riddles and props point towards a solution. Can your group solve everything in time?
Happy Halloween! How do you like to celebrate in the New River Gorge?