We hit up Matt Markoff, professional spookster and one of the three brothers behind the infamous Markoff’s Haunted Forest, to find out how scary it really is. Long story short, I might be sitting this one out.
1) What is the best time to go?
Earlier in the month is best. It gets crowded, especially on Saturdays late in the month. We recommend people come earlier in the evening, regardless of their Trail time. The Cursed Village has huge bonfires and lots of activity, so it tends to get super crowded after 8:30 p.m. One tip: buy tickets in advance online to be sure you get the night you want.
2) How do you keep it fresh every year?
Our team works year-round, and we're always brainstorming and coming up with new ideas. This year, we've done a complete reno of The Town, a full-scale ghost town up in a remote corner of the property. It's gonna be awesome! New characters, improved lighting, and spectacular effects.
3) On a scale of 1-10, how scary is it? I don’t love being spooked, is there anything I should avoid?
I mean, it's scary and we don't recommend bringing kids under age 12. I give it a 9 out of 10. The Trail has you out in the middle of the woods, bumping into creepers and wackos along the path. The Town's a different kind of scare: really close quarters with no avoidance options.
People who don't like to get scared should hang out and join the party in the Cursed Village. It's free to enter, and you can buy food and drinks, throw some axes, and get your face painted. It's a good place to wait for the Trail-walkers!
3 Questions With Markoff’s Haunted Forest on why its so Spooky

Kaela Cote-Stemmermann

The Trail at Markoff’s Haunted Forest. Enter if you dare. (Julie Clendenin/Markoff's Haunted Forest)
Share article
3 Questions With
3 Questions About Lucy the DC Pig, Navy Yard’s Unofficial Mascot
But imagine deciding to bring a mini potbelly pig into your city life!

How to Recycle Paint In the DMV
How can you get rid of old paint in the DMV? We chatted with paint recycling expert Brett Rodgers from Paintcare to find out.

What It's Like To Travel With DC's Alliance Française
We chatted with Alliance Française, a local non-profit providing D.C. residents with all the expertise on French culture, from wine and f...

What to Know About DC's New Loggia Townes Development
These new luxury townhomes bring new high-end housing to the Cleveland Park neighborhood.

A DC Developer Takes Us Inside Kite House at The Parks
Developer Jonathon Quince discusses Kite House, a new condo building in Takoma, D.C. Kite House is situated on the original site of the W...

The Inside Scoop on DC’s New Go-go Museum
After being in the works for almost a decade, D.C. is finally getting a go-go museum, and it’s going to be just as organic and celebrator...

What Goes Into Building a New DC High School
This fall, D.C. will open its first new neighborhood high school in decades. Harold McCray, the new principal of MacArthur High School in...

The Man Behind DC’s Finest Dining
Ever wonder what it’s like to be a top D.C. chef? Danny Lledó, the chef and owner of Xiquet in Glover Park, tells us what makes the D.C....

The latest in DC
News Site NOTUS Blocked from Rebranding as The Star for Now
NOTUS was sued by the owner of The Washington Star for trademark infringement.
Your Guide to D.C. in June 2026
June is slam-packed with activities (not to mention an election!). Here’s the best things to do in D.C. this month.
Is Everyone Dropping Out of Trump’s Great American State Fair Concerts?
Vanilla Ice is still in.
Trump’s Name Must be Removed from Kennedy Center, Judge Orders
U.S. District Judge Christopher Cooper said the Kennedy Center’s board acted unlawfully by renaming the center without congressional appr...
The Washington Star Is Suing The Star In a Very Confusing Media Battle
The plaintiffs say Washington is a one-star town.
The Best Beaches Within 3 Hours of DC
From family-friendly boardwalks to beachside party towns, here are the best beach getaways from D.C.
As D.C. Weighs Budget Cuts, Families Fear Loss of Youth Mental Health Support
Under the proposed budget, D.C.'s sole mental health crisis team for kids would be shuttered — part of a broader slate of cuts that would...
Transcript: City Cast DC's Interview with Janeese Lewis George
You know, I think a lot of the things that we had when I was a young person, are a lot of the things we need to just reinvest back in.


