If you’ve never been to Pope’s Haunted Farm in Salem, Ala., you’re missing out.
The tucked-in-the-woods attraction offers four frightening features: a haunted barn, haunted hay ride, haunted forest and the brand-new 3D clown maze.
It opens to the public at 7:30 p.m. Friday and will be open every weekend through the month of October.
Pope’s offers a new 3D clown maze this year, but those who have visited in the past won’t want to skip the other attractions just because they’ve been there before.
“Every year we change out the scenes to where it’s a whole other show,” said Troy Pope, owner of Pope’s Haunted Farm. “We never just keep things the same.”
Pope added that there are three new animatronics on the hay ride that rival the quality of what one might find at Disney World or Universal Studios.
Pope said it’s up to parents to decide what their children can handle, but he doesn’t recommend Pope’s Haunted Farm for ages 10 or younger.
“There is blood and guts and gore. That’s what we’re doing,” he said. “It’s not a pumpkin patch, it’s a scary haunted attraction.”
In addition to the haunted attractions, there’s a concession stand selling hot dogs, hamburgers, soda, water and other snacks.
In terms of what to wear, Pope said there are uneven floors in walk-through haunts, so high heels and flip flops are discouraged.
From personal experience, I’d keep in mind that you’ll be sitting on hay bales, walking through muddy areas and being scared by various creepers jumping out of the dark: jeans, a T-shirt/sweatshirt and running shoes will be your best bet for comfort and safety.
