Slightly Haunted Hike at Lake Norman State Park: A Spooky Walk on the Wild Side!
What to expect.
Whooooo's ready for a Halloween adventure in the woods?
Grab your flashlights, lace up those hiking shoes, and prepare to discover what goes bump (and hoot, and rustle) in the night!
Lake Norman State Park's Slightly Haunted Hike is bringing a little Halloween magic to the great outdoors on Friday, October 23, 2026.
And don't worry. The emphasis here is definitely on slightly haunted.
Instead of chainsaw-wielding monsters or jump scares, you'll be searching for the real creatures of the night. Think mysterious sounds, hidden nocturnal animals, and a few surprises lurking among the trees.
Things That Go Hoot in the Night
When the sun goes down, the forest comes alive in ways we don't always notice during the day.
Armed with flashlights, hikers will explore the woods, search for hidden nocturnal animals, and listen for the eerie (but completely natural!) sounds of nighttime wildlife.
It's part Halloween adventure, part nature discovery, and a fun opportunity to experience Lake Norman State Park after dark.
Want a little expert guidance? A ranger-led hike is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM. Prefer to explore at your own pace? The park also offers a self-guided option.
Costumes, Candy & Creepy-Crawly Fun
Halloween costumes are welcome, so your little ghosts, witches, superheroes, and woodland creatures can get into the spirit.
And because no Halloween adventure is complete without a little something sweet, candy will be handed out at the end of the hike.
The walk is described as less than a mile, making it an approachable outdoor adventure for families comfortable walking on natural trails after dark.
It's a different kind of Halloween outing—one where the spooky soundtrack comes courtesy of Mother Nature.
And honestly? She's pretty good at it.
LKN Life Tip: Bring a flashlight for everyone, wear sturdy closed-toe shoes, and choose a costume that's easy to walk in. The ranger-led hike begins at 6:30 PM,
Event details and updates: North Carolina State Parks — Slightly Haunted Hike
Common Questions
When is Lake Norman State Park's Slightly Haunted Hike?
Friday, October 23, 2026, with a ranger-led hike beginning at 6:30 PM.
Where does the hike take place?
The official event lists the Lake Norman State Park Lakeshore Trailhead on Shortleaf Drive in Statesville, NC. Another park-distributed listing identifies the boat launch at 182 Boat Launch Drive. Confirm the meeting location with the park before attending.
Is the Slightly Haunted Hike free?
Yes. The event is advertised as free.
Is this a scary haunted trail?
Not in the traditional haunted-house sense! The focus is on discovering nocturnal wildlife and listening to nighttime forest sounds, with a little Halloween fun mixed in.
Is this a guided hike?
You can explore on your own or join the ranger-led hike, which the official event description says begins at 6:30 PM.
How long is the hike?
A park-distributed event description says the walk is less than one mile.
Should we bring flashlights?
Yes! Flashlights are part of the nighttime wildlife-searching experience.
Can kids wear Halloween costumes?
Absolutely! Costumes are welcome. Choose something comfortable for walking outdoors after dark.
Will there be trick-or-treating?
Candy will be handed out at the end of the hike, but this isn't advertised as a traditional trick-or-treat trail.
Do we need to register?
The official event page does not specify an advance registration requirement.
What should we wear?
Sturdy walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended. Remember that you'll be exploring wooded trails after sunset.
Who can I contact with questions?
Contact park staff at 704-528-6350 or event contact Frances Cassarino at frances.cassarino@ncparks.gov.