The Psychology of The Scare: The Nation's Top Five Scariest Haunted Houses Know How To Get Into Your Head

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Oct 12, 2017, 12:20 ET

KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 12, 2017 /PRNewswire/ -- America Haunts, Halloween's leading industry organization, unleashes frightening information: The Five Scariest Houses in the Nation emerge from the darkness.

Clowns, like this one lurking at the 13th Gate in Baton Rouge, are just part of what is scaring Halloween fans in 2017. America Haunts has named the five scariest haunted houses and haunted attractions in 2017. They are: 13th& Gate, Baton Rouge; House of Torment, Austin; Bennett’s Curse, Baltimore;& Headless Horsemen, Ulster, New York; and& Nightmare on 13th, Salt Lake City. America Haunts sets the trends for Halloween thrills at the most elaborate attractions from coast to coast.

"The perfectly ghastly haunt is scary enough so people on romantic dates cling to each other, fun for families to enjoy traditional Halloween thrills and amped with special effects for the element of surprise," said Amber Arnett-Bequeaith of America Haunts. "A scary haunt isn't just technology or actors. It's a concoction that owners of the scariest attractions understand: exposing even the bravest individuals to feel vulnerable; screaming in fear with every turn. It's in our planning...to get in your head."

The Top 5 Scariest Haunted Haunts, chosen by a panel of experts at American Haunts and praised by critics, are:

13^th Gate, Baton Rouge
House of Torment, Austin
Bennett's Curse, Baltimore
Headless Horsemen, Ulster, New York
Nightmare on 13^th, Salt Lake City

Fears and phobias influence haunts to satisfy even the bravest souls. 13^th Gate has a 3D room where clowns chase visitors, plus an escape room where guests must gather clues to break free. Headless Horsemen is an extravaganza of fall tradition with hayrides that intertwine with haunted houses, each year more increasingly detailed. Bennett's Curse focuses on interactive experiences to put you closer to your Halloween nightmare. House of Torment has three new themes: The Deranged, The Frenzy Dark Carnival and the Possessed. Nightmare on 13^th, has fear from every angle including in the sewers beneath guests' feet.

"Do people like the tradition of Halloween scares? Yes, because they are in safe and spectacular environments," Arnett-Bequeaith said. "Haunt experts tap into human psychology to send exciting chills down your spine. That's why guests are lured back, teenagers enjoy a coming of age, grandparents bring their grandchildren. Haunts are still cool to grab a friend and let excitement begin."

For more information: http://www.americahaunts.com/ah/attractions/.

About America Haunts
With more than 28 haunted attractions nationwide, America Haunts delivers fear-based entertainment to more than a million thrill-seekers annually. America Haunts is featured on the Travel Channel and members recognized by The Guinness Book of World Records. The organization is committed to providing technical excellence; stunning set design; Hollywood-quality make-up, costumes and actors.

SOURCE America Haunts