Let's face it, Syracuse knows how to do fall right — we've got the foliage, pumpkin patches and apple-picking to prove it. And for those looking for a thrill this season, we've got that covered too.

Not only is Central New York recognized as the region that sparked the supernatural movement back in the mid-1800s, but fortunately for those who like to be scared stiff, acres of rolling hills, thick forests and miles of cornfields are right on the edge of the city — and nothing sets the scare stage quite like being out in the middle of nowhere. Explore all the spine-tingling attractions fit for fall in Syracuse and get spooked at these thrilling, top-rated haunted houses, hayrides and attractions in the Central New York area.

Frightmare Farms

When: Every Friday & Saturday in October, 7 - 10 p.m.

Where: 4816 NY-49, Fulton, NY 13069 (30-minute drive from Syracuse)

Haunted houses, labyrinths and trails, oh my! This haunted scream park just north of the city of Syracuse is the perfect setting for a frightful evening. Countdown to Halloween with their creepy fear facts on Facebook and explore one of upstate New York's top haunt destinations and their new sensory inclusive attraction Blood Moon Rising, if you dare.

The Fright Nights (previously Fright Nights at The Fair)

When: Every Friday, Saturday (7 p.m. - 12 a.m.) & Sunday (7 - 11 p.m.) in October

Where: 1 LePage Place, Syracuse, NY 13206

Recognized by USA Today as one of The Best 20 Haunted Attractions in the Northeast, The Fright Nights is a top spot to get spooked in Syracuse. Visitors can experience their five attractions, including The Devil's Dungeon Slide to Hell, Jurassic Dark, Burgen Manor, Lady Lamson's Cursed Voyage, and Penny's Playhouse, where evil clowns await. Bring your friends as you're warned to "never, ever come alone" while you encounter these new and horrifying attractions.

Cayo Industrial Horror Realm

When: Every Friday, Saturday & Sunday in October, 6:30 - 10:30 p.m.

Where: 530 Harbor Way, Rome, NY 13440 (45-minute drive from Syracuse)

Located just 45 minutes east of Syracuse in Rome, NY, this disturbing attraction is worth the drive. Explore their newest pandemic-themed attraction, Conspiracy 20-20, and walk through the creepy warehouse of horror with original content designed to invoke fear and intrigue. Intrigued? Voted a top attraction on Google, visitors encourage you to explore this eerie maze of terror and its disturbing showcase.

Demon Acres

When: Every Friday (7 - 11 p.m.) & Saturday (6:30 - 11 p.m.) in October

Where: 341 County Route 36, Hannibal, NY 13074 (35-minute drive from Syracuse)

Situated on 25 rural acres northwest of Syracuse, Demon Acres features four terrifying experiences, including the Depths of the Dark Forest, voted one of the best haunted hayrides in the Syracuse, NY area by scarycuse.com. Feeling brave? Experience the Demon's Den Haunted House with high tech special effects and Hollywood-quality sets. Or try to escape the terror of the Jail Break attraction, where you're handcuffed and herded onto a bus that drops you at a prison in the midst of a riot. If you're still looking for more, check out their Insane Asylum Escape Rooms — a disturbing attraction that puts you inside the cell of the killer himself. 

13^th Hour Rising Haunted Hayride

When: Fridays & Saturdays October 4 - 26 & Sunday, October 13, 7 - 10 p.m.

Where: 84 Merritt Road, Fulton, NY 13069 (30-minute drive from Syracuse)

If you're afraid of clowns, run for the hills (but not the ones on this property). Voted the #1 top overall attraction by New York Haunted Houses, 13^th Hour Rising is an award-winning haunted hayride experience just north of Syracuse. Visitors are thrusted into the deep woods as they journey through a dark ride complete with shadowy figures and distant screams. The attraction is also home to "The Passage" — a twisted mind maze that leaves visitors in the dark, literally. Bring your friends and family to experience the terror this October and don't worry, EMTs are onsite in case your heart pops out of your chest.

Haunted History Trail of New York State

When: Year-round

Where: Across New York state, with several locations throughout Syracuse

Haunted inns, ghost hunts, creepy locations and even guided tours, the official Haunted History Trail of New York State is a ghost lover's dream come true. Map out your own spine-tingling trip through Syracuse and Onondaga County's historic haunts — an abandoned munitions plant that unexpectedly exploded, killing more than 50 men; the historic Landmark Theatre where a young woman fell to her death and whose spirit is said to still be haunting the venue; the Erie Canal Museum where rumors of ghosts galore wander the 150-year-old halls, including a woman who was killed where the model canal boat now sits. Outline your own itinerary to experience a handful of haunted spots in the greater Syracuse area, no matter what time of the spooky season you want to test out your paranormal limits.