Wednesday, October 14, 2015

[Haunt Review] Haunted Hillside - There's No Escape From This Terrifyingly Twisted Walk in the Woods


It's no secret that things have been uneven as far as our views of Haunted Hillside go over the past few years. Every year has been something different, and 2015 is no different. It's been a really fun adventure to watch this one grow from year one and it looks like the third year for this haunted trail is easily it's best ever, and shows that they've definitely found their groove.

This is a very intense, physical, attraction. Lots of walking, read: running; and you just never know what's going to chase you or come out from around the next dark corner. So, keep that in mind as weather, and other factors can definitely impact your visit!

Quick Look

  • Date Visited:10/9/15
  • Review Team: +Kitsune Hazard
  • Rating: Really Damn Good
  • Recommendation:Okay, yeah, ya need to see this one!
  • Likes: New layout, more scenes, more scares, and a ton of other details. What's not to like here? Oh, and the "killbox"? Totally mental!
  • Dislikes: A couple of stops seem to stall out with some groups, and some things feel a little too confusing in the story end of things.
  • Pro-Tip: Wear comfortable shoes/hiking boots, and prepare for an actual hike. Seriously, there is a lot of walking here and the terrain is not level in the slightest. 
  • Video Review: COMING SOON 
Disclaimer: I was invited out to check out this year's show, and part of that is complimentary tickets. This doesn't, and never has, influenced the thoughts and opinions of myself, or the rest of the team.

Alright, let's get down to business!



I never know what to expect from Haunted Hillside, in the three years it's been running, there's always been a new wrinkle to the goings on. As I pulled up, I noticed that things were once again different. Sure, the bonfires, their own bits of the story playing on the side of the the building, and the ticket booth all seemed normal.

But, everything else? Yeah...didn't see that coming.

First off, once you turn in your tickets, you're no longer headed on a walk through the corn field, a wagon is there and waiting to pick you up! But, where was it going to take you? That's another matter entirely.

Once loaded on to the wagon, we took a short ride down the hill to a military base camp of sorts and were then ushered into a holding area. However, things definitely haven't been going well...there's a virus going around and it's turning folks into some kind of zombie like creature. Needless to say, one of us didn't make it.

Then, as we were escorted out, all hell broke loose. I have no idea what happened, but perhaps these military boys should invest in a better containment system...cause, my group was quickly inundated with the undead around every corner. Thankfully, the guys had it under control mostly and we soon found ourselves being serenaded by the snarls of zombies as we entered into the woods.

From here we run into all our favorites from the previous couple of years. There's the sack boys, and The Family is back once more, but there's a whole lot more going on in here now too. Not only are the usual horrors present, but a whole new breed of weird that is just lurking and waiting. The thing is? They really don't want you to leave either, stalking and creeping about long after you've thought they've gone. This twisted trail is packed with scares that come from all over and even if you see them coming, there's likely to be another that you don't.

Speaking of twisted, the trail that we were going on, was definitely that in a literal sense as well. There's so much going on with just the changes of direction we were taking. The cool thing is, while you may get a glimpse of something in the distance, you don't know when you'll get to it with all the turns and doubling back that you do. Which, is awesome as it builds up all kinds of weird anticipation as you move through.

Unlike last year, there are no real dead spots at all, and the ones that are there are definitely intentional, turning this trail into nonstop insanity from start to finish. Now, there were a couple of bits that were a bit dragged out. Mostly, one stopping point and it was a little bit jarring. Sadly, it left me thinking, "Alright, let's get on with it already...is this bad comedy night?" I give them credit for trying, but I don't know why we were held for so long and it really was the only thing that felt out of place.

After that, we were back on things and into the corn, it would appear that things haven't been going so well for The Family since the military boys showed up. Needless to say, once you make it to the Kill Box" finale, you'll be wondering what's happened and the ending will definitely have an impact on you. If it doesn't you could be a bit dead inside.

Last Words


We hate giving "bad reviews", and I'm really happy to say that this year's Haunted Hillside is a massive improvement over the past two years. It's probably the largest jump a haunt has made in a year that we've ever been to too. So, credit where it's due on that.

One of the biggest things this year, is that they're telling a story and it felt well put together. If there's one thing that I love, it's a good narrative to a haunt as it makes you feel more a part of things, and they've really done a great job of selling that this year. Yes, some bits are a little crazy and might not seem to fit, but they really do once you process what's going on.

Overall, I had a blast, even with my group's high paced trek through the place. The new pathing, all the actors killing it (even on wet/muddy ground..kudos to you guys!), and all the new sets? Yeah, they're definitely on things now and can't wait to see what they improve for next year. Now then, would I go back? Yes, it's that good, and while there are a few things that I'd like to see happening, it's still an awesome experience. So, yeah...get out there and check this one out!



Still plenty of time to get out there to experience the chaos first hand too, so head over to the Haunted Hills website for hours, directions, tickets and a whole lot more!

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