There’s nothing quite like gathering a group of family or friends together on a spooky Halloween outing. Catching the look on Grandpa’s face when Chainsaw Charlie grinds gruesome is priceless. For over 45 years, the scare-masters at the Jaycees have delighted young and old alike. The city’s oldest haunted attraction is scaring up some family frights with the Trail of Terror. Hosted on by the Jacksonville Jaycees, the Trail of Terror is a haunted trail located near the Jacksonville Zoo on the grounds of Paintball Adventures on 11850 Camden Road.
Created in 1970, the attraction was originally called the Hall of Terror and operated every year at many popular locations including Market Square Mall and Adventure Landing until 2005. In 2015, members of the Jacksonville Jaycees resurrected the Jaycees Hall of Terror as the first Trail of Terror located near the Jacksonville Zoo. “Last year was our first year back after a 10 year hiatus”, said Shawn DeVries, the Jacksonville Jaycees President. “This year, we are focusing not only on increased guest screams throughout the trail, but also a waiting experience that the whole family can enjoy whether they go through the trail or not.”
The trail will open October 7th and will run Fridays and Saturdays from 7-11pm through Halloween. Gates open one hour prior to admitting the first group. First group will enter after sundown. Children under the age of 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Zombies and other creatures of the night will keep visitors on their toes throughout the 8-acre trail. The course takes about 20-30 minutes to complete the various scare zones. But be warned: photos are not allowed and people will be asked to turn phones to vibrate or silent.
Other amenities include a full bar with adult beverages, water, and soda. Local food trucks will also be on site to provide a complete dining experience for those who still have the stomachs. Tickets are $13 online and $15 at the door and parking is free. Advance tickets are available at www.jaxterror.com. Guests are encouraged to use the “Skip the Line” admission option.
The Jacksonville Jaycees Trail of Terror is run 100% by volunteers, and all proceeds benefit Jaycee Projects and local nonprofit organizations. The Jaycees support several local charities and organizations such as Habitat for Humanity, Surfers for Autism, Catty Shack Ranch, Rethreaded, Rodeheavers Boys’ Ranch, National Multiple Sclerosis Society, and many more. The Jaycees help raise awareness for these organizations through special events: whether collecting clothing or pop-tabs, raising money through chance drawings or entry fees at events, or getting dirty cleaning trash out of McCoy’s Creek, the Jaycees are very active in the Jacksonville community. The Trail of Terror will help raise the necessary funds to continue hosting events that benefit these non-profit community partners, as well as assisting young professionals in Jacksonville development leadership and business skills.
The Trail of Terror is proud to partner with Paintball Adventures, WBOB, The Beach 102.3, The DeVries Law Firm, P.A., and EU Jacksonville.
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