FRIGHT NIGHTS. The real trick may be deciding among scare tactics: At Markoff's Haunted Forest (Oct. 26-31) in Dickerson, Md. (near Barnesville), for example, dozens of chainsaw-bearing, blood-dripping folks are set to scare willing victims. Once you've made it down one of two trails through the deep, dark forest, there are gentler spooks (like a haunted bus, outdoor movie and funnel cake "intestines"). Near Richmond, meanwhile, "survivors" of the Creepy Hollow Hayride and Scream Forest will relax with carnival games and a blazing bonfire.
Outdoor fright fests generally not suitable for kids under 10. Markoff's: $15 Tuesday-Thursday, $20 Friday -Sunday. Open dusk until 10:30 p.m. 50 minutes from the Beltway in Dickerson, Md. 301-216-1248, www.calleva.org. Creepy Hollow: $13. 804-752-6992, www.creepyhollowhayride.com. About two hours from the Beltway in Glen Allen, Va.
-- Anne McDonough
