Foley, Ala. — (OBA) —  Graham Creek Nature Preserve in Foley is hosting its 2026 Haunted Forest event with the new theme Sinister Circus. The attraction offers a half-mile walk along a darkened wooded trail featuring themed scenes, live scare actors, and theatrical effects. The event is recommended for guests ages 10 and older, though younger visitors may attend at their parents' or guardians' discretion. Tickets are limited, and organizers strongly recommend purchasing in advance.

The Sinister Circus haunted trail will be open on Oct. 17, Oct. 24, Oct. 28, and Oct. 30, 2026. Hours vary by night: Wednesday hours run from 7 to 9 p.m., Friday hours run from 7 to 10 p.m., and Saturday hours run from 7 p.m. to midnight. Graham Creek Nature Preserve is located at 23030 Wolf Bay Dr., Foley.

The event's storyline places guests behind the scenes of a circus gone wrong. The main entrance is closed, the midway is in disarray, and visitors are rerouted through areas the public was never meant to see. Guests will pass through grungy back lots, past carnival games, creepy carnies, and forgotten performers before reaching a freak show at the trail's end.

Guests walking the trail may encounter darkness, uneven terrain, fog, flashing or strobe-style lighting, loud noise, theatrical effects, confined-feeling spaces, and live scare actors. Organizers ask that guests wear closed-toe, comfortable shoes suitable for outdoor walking. The event is rain or shine unless conditions become unsafe. Guests are encouraged to check Graham Creek Nature Preserve's social media for weather-related updates.

Two special event nights have been added to the 2026 season. Oct. 28 is an adults-only night, and guests must present a valid ID to enter. Oct. 23 has been designated "Cowards Night," with fewer jump scares and more mild-mannered clowns for guests who prefer a less intense experience.

For everyone's safety, guests may not touch actors, props, or set pieces, and actors will not intentionally touch guests. All participants must sign a waiver before entering the trail. A food truck, restrooms, and parking are available on site, with portable restrooms at the entrance. Guests using wheelchairs should contact the site in advance to arrange accommodations for the entrance.

Tickets are subject to a no-refund, no-return policy. If the venue or event organizer cancels the event, refunds will be issued within four business days of the event date. For tickets and additional information, visitors can visit Graham Creek Nature Preserve's official website or social media channels.

Graham Creek Nature Preserve is a more than 600-acre natural area owned by the City of Foley. The preserve features 10 miles of trails, two handicap-accessible boardwalks, a kayak launch, four disc golf courses, an archery range, and an outdoor classroom. It was named the Best of Baldwin 2022 Public Park winner.