Abigail Appleseed may claim the woods of Ghostly Grove as her own, but no rumor of a curse would stop us from experiencing Pinckney’s latest haunted trail. Our group was in excess of 10 people and that was far too many to send at one time. So, my friends and I divided into two parties. The group decided that I was going to lead the first team of six. There was a cold bite in the air as we traversed beneath an archway and plunged into the darkness of Ghostly Grove.
GRAVE WHISPERS IN GHOSTLY GROVE
It didn’t take long for Ghostly Grove to make an impression, and the trail only became more impressive as it wound deeper into the woods and pushed us toward a frightful finale. The uneven terrain itself became a presence. We regularly confronted an incline, downward slope, or crooked path. The natural ambiance provided by the surrounding woods was excellent. The strategic use of fog, sound fx, and mood lighting served to enhance the power of the authentic setting.
There were curious structures that lined the path at Ghostly Grove. And what haunted trail worth its salt doesn’t sport a handful of shady buildings? It should come as no surprise that we had to enter many of these ramshackle huts. A giggle of clowns encircled us in one structure. A giggle? Yes, a giggle — a gathering of three or more clowns! However, you won’t find that definition in Webster’s. The use of that description is unique to Horrorlust, of course. Yes, I often create new meaning or phraseology merely to amuse myself. You don’t?
In another shack, an unknown predator stalked us as we fumbled through a shallow swamp. Later, we foolishly trespassed into a tool shed where a hillbilly and his weed whip quickly chased us off. Yes, I said weed whip! Don’t you dare laugh. You think chainsaws are scary? Can you imagine death by weed whip?! It gives an ironic life to the expression, “death by a thousand cuts.”
SPELLBOUND BENEATH THE MOONLIGHT
By the final leg of Ghostly Grove, the trail had hit its stride. My personal favorite moment came when our group suddenly entered a small clearing bathed in an eerie, magenta glow. A half-dozen or more elongated ghosts silently formed a floating Witches’ Circle. As a result, we quietly walked through the center of the area. It was only a matter of time before one of these looming specters lurched in our direction. It was a picturesque scene with an old school vibe and it all pulled together beautifully.
The path twisted and climbed a few more times before we left Abigail and her cursed woods behind. In fact, before we could escape, we were forced to boldly dart past a few caged brain-munchers. Finally, our trek would come to an end inside a cold mausoleum where an animated necromancer danced to a tune that seemed to echo inside his head.
SOPHOMORE SUCCESS STORY
In conclusion, Ghostly Grove turned out to be a real treat. The adventurous trek reminded me of a memorable 2012 journey through Krazy Hilda’s Camp of No Return. The woods featured an enthusiastic and vocal cast. It also boasted interactive and immersive scenes. For example, a cleverly designed cave lent the attraction an undeniable realism. The path also featured a legitimate bridge. It was here that a well-timed, ear-piercing shriek from an unseen banshee coaxed a jump out of me.
Rating: 4.25 stars
