A crisp chill settles into the air and a palpable sense of excitement sweeps through Cobb as the season of thrills and spooks arrives. It’s that time of the year when ghosts, ghouls, and all things eerie come to life. From quivering encounters with the unknown to bone-chilling tales of apparitions, Cobb holds an array of attractions that are sure to send shivers down your spine.
So, let’s delve into the depths of the county’s most haunted spots – a journey that will challenge your senses and test your courage. It’s time to get your spook on!
#1 The Kennesaw House
1 Depot St, Marietta, GA 30060
The Kennesaw House, built in 1845, is the most haunted and one of the oldest buildings in Marietta. Used as a morgue and hospital for soldiers during the Civil War, it’s no surprise that this building is said to be home to 700 restless spirits. Now home to the Marietta History Center, many museum visitors report seeing some of these ghosts.
Television documentaries from The History Channel, PBS, and CNN have told the story of visitors who found themselves unexpectedly taken to the basement while riding the elevator. When the doors opened, they found a gruesome scene of a crowded hospital room, men screaming in pain, and blood all around in the basement of the museum. Others have reported seeing an apparition of what appears to be a Civil War-era surgeon dressed in uniform who seems to enjoy riding the elevator.
Children often report seeing a lady in an old-fashioned Antebellum dress which some later identified as the lady in the portrait of the house, Mrs. Fletcher. Whether you encounter ghosts or not, this historic building now houses an excellent museum that is well worth your visit. Admissions, dates, and times can be found here.
#2 Six Flags Over Georgia Fright Fest
275 Riverside Pkwy, Austell, GA 30168
Six Flags Over Georgia’s Fright Fest is one of the most anticipated Halloween events in Cobb. This annual affair takes the exhilaration of the amusement park and drenches it in fright and eerie. As darkness envelops the park, you’ll witness the haunting transformation into a playground of nightmares where screams of terror merge with shrieks of excitement.
Fright Fest is all about surprises, and there’s no shortage of them. Explore meticulously designed haunted houses with various themes including Serial Neighbor and Carnival of Chaos. The scare zones are equally terrifying, with themed areas such as Trolls, Insectuous, Freak Show, and Cannibal Cookout teeming with scare-actors ready to haunt you.
It doesn’t stop at scare zones and haunted houses as there are also live shows, spooky parades, and costume contests. Many rides stay open after dark to provide a whole new level of thrills as you explore the night. A warning for the wary: Fright Fest is recommended for guests 13 and over.
If you dare to join, the event goes until October 31 from 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m., and a one-day ticket + haunted attraction pass starts at $75. See the event guide here.
#3 Escape Woods
628 Sleepy Hollow Rd, Powder Springs, GA 30127
This Halloween season, Escape Woods is taking creepy to the next level with their two chilling adventures: “The Pig Farmer: Cult of the 7 Sins” and “The Hunted: The Hollow Grove Ripper”. These harrowing escape games combine suspense, horror, and a touch of macabre, creating an unforgettable experience for those daring enough to step into the darkness.
Prepare to be thrust into the dark world of serial killers and cults in “The Pig Farmer: Cult of the 7 Sins”. This adults-only adventure sends you and your team on a mission to infiltrate the twisted world of Maliki Jones, known as the Pig Farmer. Your mission is to gather evidence and explore a sinister pig farm, but be warned—what you uncover may haunt you long after you’ve left the woods.
On the other hand, for “The Haunted: The Hollow Grove Ripper”, you and your team play the roles of intrepid podcasters seeking your next sinister tale. Your quest takes you to a disturbing website hinting at a malevolent presence rumored to crave human flesh. You enter the woods knowing what unimaginable horror awaits but you must wonder if the terror you’ve encountered is real or a product of your darkest nightmare.
Will you conquer the unknown or will the shadows that lurk within the woods consume you? The choice is yours but be prepared for an adventure that will redefine your perception of reality. Tickets are $28/person.
#4 Folklore Haunted House
5389 N Main St, Acworth, GA 30101
Folklore Haunted House isn’t just the most terrifying haunt in Atlanta; it’s a paragon of immersive horrors, earning its place as one of the greatest haunted attractions in the USA. This year, they offer two heart-pounding haunted houses: Overload: Final Destination and Winter’s Estate.
Overload: Final Destination defies the boundaries of fear and space, inviting you to unravel the truth behind the ill-fated voyage aboard the intergalactic nightmare. Conversely, the chilling corridors of Winter’s Estate pull you into a tale of terror, mystery, and tragedy as you dare to unlock the secrets that lie within the walls of the manor. But if you’re seeking a respite from frights, the Midway of Mayhem features horror-themed carnival games.
For those who are brave enough to venture even further into the realm of fear, Folklore Haunted House presents a motion-stimulated ride that submerges you in the claustrophobic confines of a real coffin. This unique experience will definitely test your mettle like no other. For more details, such as tickets, dates, and times, click here.
#5 The Statue of Mary Meinert
161 Church St, Marietta, GA 30060
The eeriest grave at St. James Episcopal Cemetery belongs to a woman named Mary Meinert. Whether you visit to court the supernatural or just out of pure curiosity, beware of the chilling presence that surrounds the statue of Mary Meinert.
Local legend states that if you approach Mary’s statue on Halloween night and circle her memorial three times, asking “Mary, Mary, how did your children die?” her ghost will appear. In 2005, a local group of ghost hunters had not one but two camera batteries completely lose power as they approached the statue on a research trip. Moreover, all claimed to hear her footsteps behind them, though they appeared to be the only ones in the cemetery.
Legend has it that anyone who visits the cemetery at midnight might witness the statue cry tears of blood for her infant twins. The tears are so real that they roll down her face and dampen the bodice of her gown. It’s also said that the infant she holds in her arms switches positions. Misfortune seemed to follow those who dared to tamper with the statue, creating a belief that it was cursed.
#6 William Root House Victorian Funeral
80 North Marietta Pkwy NW, Marietta, GA 30060
Located in the heart of downtown Marietta, William Root House offers a hauntingly poignant experience from October 4th to 28th—the Victorian Funeral.
The Root House, throughout the month of October, transforms its rooms into scenes reminiscent of a mourning period following Leonard Simpson’s (Hannah Root’s father) death. The rooms are adorned with somber black ribbons and crepe and the curtains are drawn. Visitors will be able to witness mourning jewelry made from human hair, 19th-century embalming equipment, and other artifacts related to mourning and death in the Victorian era.
On October 13-14 from 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., they will host a special after-hours tour where you can explore darkened Victorian-era funeral rooms. These self-guided tours provide a unique glimpse into a bygone time. Tickets for the Flashlight Tours are $10/person in advance and $15/person at the door, with limited space available, and it’s recommended you arrive no later than 8:30 p.m.
Now that we’ve uncovered the most haunted Halloween attractions in Cobb, I want to hear from you! Have you experienced any of these ghoulish encounters, or do you have other terrifying tales to share?
Perhaps you have insider tips for fellow thrill-seekers. Leave a comment below and let’s keep the spirit of Halloween alive in Cobb!
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