Tickets are on sale for Union County's Haunted Hayrides at the Deserted Village of Feltville in the Watchung Reservation, with rides scheduled Oct. 23 through Oct. 25.
The Union County Board of County Commissioners announced the three-night event on Tuesday, Sept. 8. Tickets cost $8 for Union County residents and $16 for out-of-county visitors.
Riders board a hay wagon alongside a character portraying David Felt, the New York businessman who built Feltville in 1845. The wagon moves through fields and forest in darkness before entering the village itself, where Felt recounts stories of tragedy and mystery. The journey ends at the village cemetery, which dates to the 1700s.
The full experience lasts about one hour and includes both a hayride and a walking portion through darkened forest.
"The Deserted Village already has an atmosphere and history unlike anywhere else in Union County, but experiencing it at night brings the stories to life in a completely different way," said Joseph C. Bodek, chairman of the Union County Board of County Commissioners.
What to know before you go
Rides depart every half hour. On Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24, departures run from 6:30 to 9 p.m. On Sunday, Oct. 25, the last ride leaves at 8:30 p.m. Monday, Oct. 26 is the rain date.
Purchases are limited to eight tickets per person and must be made in advance for a specific date and time. No tickets will be sold on-site, and no refunds or exchanges are available. Ticket holders who arrive late may only board a later ride if space allows.
The program is recommended for children age 6 and older. Strollers cannot be accommodated. The county encourages participants to dress warmly, wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a flashlight.
How to buy tickets
Tickets can be purchased online at ucnj.org/ticket or in person at two locations:
- Trailside Nature and Science Center, 452 New Providence Road, Mountainside. Open Tuesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed holidays). Phone: 908-789-3670.
- Warinanco Sports Center, 1 Park Drive, Roselle. Open Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. (closed holidays). Phone: 908-527-4900.
The hayrides are hosted by the Union County Department of Parks and Recreation. For general information, call 908-527-4900.
Upcoming community events
- Haunted Hayrides at the Deserted Village, Oct. 23–25, Watchung Reservation. Tickets: ucnj.org/ticket.
- Chatham Sustainability Fair, Saturday, Sept. 19, featuring EV demos and garden tours.
