This Maine State Park Opens After Dark For Haunted Trails And Bat Walks

A beach feels completely different once the sun goes down. The waves sound louder, the rocks fade into shadow, and suddenly that flashlight in your hand seems very important.

During the day, this stretch of the Maine coast is all about sandy walks, lagoon splashing, and ocean views. One night in October, though, the park stays open late and things get a little more mysterious.

There are trails with spooky surprises, bat-focused walks, and stories around a crackling fire. Look up and you may catch a sky packed with stars too.

The whole evening is playful rather than terrifying, so it works well for families who like their Halloween fun with more giggles than screams.

A Coastal Park With A Spooky Side

Daylight visitors know the place for soft sand and salty breezes, but the evening version has a whole different personality. The event is called Haunted Tides, and it takes place at Reid State Park, 375 Seguinland Road, Georgetown, Maine, in the United States.

The park covers about 770 acres along the Atlantic coast. It holds two long sandy beaches, rocky ledges, a calm lagoon, and wooded trails.

During a normal day, families come to swim, picnic, and look for crabs in the tide pools.

Once the sun sets on Haunted Tides night, that same scenery gets a playful makeover. Glowing lights, music, and a few creepy decorations turn familiar paths into an adventure.

The goal is not to terrify anyone. It is a family-friendly night built to show off nature after dark with a little extra mystery mixed in.

Usually, the park gates close at night, so this is a rare chance to explore the grounds when stars are out. For many visitors, that alone makes the trip worth it.

Think of it as getting a backstage pass to the coast, where the night shift finally gets the spotlight.

Mark Your Calendar

Timing is everything with a once-a-year party. Haunted Tides is scheduled for Saturday, October 17, 2026, running from 5:00 PM to 9:30 PM.

That window gives you a nice mix of light and dark. Arriving right at five lets you see the beaches and rocks while there is still some glow in the sky.

As the evening goes on, the shadows stretch, the air gets crisp, and the spooky fun really kicks in.

Mid-October in coastal Maine can feel chilly, especially near the water. Temperatures often drop quickly once the sun goes down.

Wind off the ocean can make it feel even colder than the number on your weather app.

A smart plan is to arrive early, walk the shore during sunset, and then join the night activities. Families with little ones might leave around eight, while older kids and adults can stay until closing.

Fall is also a quieter season at the park than summer, when long lines of cars can stack up at the gate. Fewer crowds make the evening feel calm and cozy.

Just remember, this event does not repeat every weekend, so missing it means waiting a whole year for another boo-tiful night.

Haunted Trail Walks Through The Woods

Somewhere between giggles and goosebumps, you will find the haunted trail walks. These guided paths take the park’s everyday trails and give them a spectral twist once darkness falls.

Expect soft lights, eerie decorations, and the kind of rustling noises that make you wonder if it was just the wind. The trails wind through coastal woods, so pine scent and the faint roar of waves follow you along the way.

Every shadow seems to have an opinion.

The walks are designed for families, so they lean toward fun rather than fright. Younger kids may still want to hold a grown-up’s hand, which is half the fun anyway.

Older kids often love leading the group and pretending they are not scared at all.

A few tips help a lot here. Wear sturdy shoes, since roots and uneven ground are common on park paths.

Bring a flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries.

Stay on the marked trail too. The park is known for having plenty of poison ivy along its edges, and nobody wants an itchy souvenir.

With the right gear, the haunted trail becomes a walk to remember, and your heart rate gets a free workout.

Bat Crawl Walks For Curious Minds

Bats get a bad rap every Halloween, but these flying mammals are actually some of the most helpful neighbors in the woods. The bat crawl walks at Haunted Tides give visitors a chance to learn about them up close, or at least as close as a bat allows.

Here is a fun fact to share at dinner. A single little brown bat can eat hundreds of insects in an hour, which means fewer mosquitoes bugging you on summer nights.

Maine is home to several bat species, and many are most active right around dusk.

On these walks, guides share facts about Maine’s nocturnal animals and how they survive in the dark. You might learn how bats use echolocation, a kind of sound map, to find food and dodge branches.

It is science class, only with better scenery.

To get the most from the walk, keep your voice low and stay alert for signs of nighttime wildlife. Red light flashlights are gentler on night vision if you have one.

Patience pays off, because spotting a bat zipping past feels like winning a tiny prize.

By the end, many visitors leave with a brand new respect for these misunderstood night fliers. Turns out, bats are pretty fang-tastic.

Campfire Tales And Twinkling Skies

Nothing beats a good story told by firelight. At Haunted Tides, visitors can gather around a crackling campfire and listen to tales that might send a small shiver down the spine.

The stories are made for family ears, so think spooky and silly rather than nightmare material. Warm flames, glowing faces, and the sound of distant waves make the setting feel like something out of a storybook.

Kids tend to scoot a little closer to their parents during the best parts.

After the stories, look up. Georgetown sits far from big city lights, so the sky over the park can be surprisingly dark and full of stars.

The event includes night sky viewing sessions, giving everyone a chance to spot constellations, planets, and maybe even a shooting star.

Bring a blanket or a camp chair if you want to settle in and stargaze. A star map app can help name what you see, though dimming your screen keeps your eyes adjusted to the dark.

Clear skies are never guaranteed on the Maine coast, so check the forecast before heading out. When the clouds cooperate, though, the view overhead could be the most magical part of the night, and the stars never ask for an encore fee.

Lights, Music, And A Sweet Surprise

Sound and color do a lot of heavy lifting at this event. Strings of lights and festive music fill the park, creating a mood that feels part celebration and part mystery.

Music drifts across the grounds while lights glow along paths and gathering spots. The effect makes the dark feel welcoming instead of scary.

Even the youngest visitors usually warm up quickly once they see the cheerful glow.

Then there is the candy. Treats and other food items are offered during the evening, which keeps energy up for all that walking.

There is a catch, though, since they are available only while supplies last.

So what does that mean for your plans? Showing up early gives you the best shot at grabbing a sweet treat before it disappears.

Late arrivals might find the candy bowl looking a bit lonely.

Keep in mind that the park does not normally sell food or drinks during regular visits. Packing your own snacks and water is a wise backup plan, especially for hungry kids.

A thermos of hot cocoa can make a chilly night feel cozy. Costumes are not required, but wearing one adds extra fun, and you might just become the sweetest sight on the trail.

Budget-Friendly Admission Prices

Good news for anyone watching their wallet: a night of haunted fun here costs less than most movie tickets. Entry fees for Haunted Tides are simple and affordable.

Maine resident adults pay $6, while non-resident adults pay $8. Non-resident seniors pay just $2.

Children ages 5 to 11 get in for only $1.

Some guests do not pay anything at all. Kids under 5 enter free, and so do Maine seniors age 65 and older.

That makes this a great outing for grandparents who want to bring the little ones along.

Let us do some quick math. A Maine family with two adults and two kids ages 6 and 9 would pay just $14 for the whole evening.

That covers trails, bat walks, stories, and stargazing.

Having cash or a card ready at the gate can help the line move faster. Cars may arrive in a rush right at five, so a little patience goes a long way.

Smart Packing Tips For A Night By The Sea

Picture yourself on the shore at nine at night, wind whipping off the Atlantic, and realizing you left your jacket in the car. A little planning saves you from that chilly lesson.

Layers are your best friend. Bring a warm jacket, a hat, and gloves, since October nights near the ocean can get cold fast.

Waterproof shoes help too, because dew and damp sand are common.

A flashlight or headlamp is a must for every person in your group. Extra batteries take up almost no space and can rescue your evening.

Glow sticks are a fun way to keep track of kids in the dark.

Snacks and water belong on the list as well, since food at the event runs only while supplies last. A small backpack keeps hands free for holding onto little explorers.

Safety matters near the water. Rocks along the shore can get very slippery, and the tide in Maine can come in quickly.

Keep kids close and stay on lit paths after dark.

Finally, bring curiosity and a sense of humor. The coast at night is full of surprises, and with the right gear packed, you will be ready to have a wave of a time.