A heavy fog dances around my feet as I take one hesitant step forward after another into the unknown. Something catches my eye off to my right – what looks like a human form wrapped in heavy cobwebs hangs from the ceiling. I pause to catch my breath and calm my heartbeat, hoping I do not meet the same fate. I don’t realize that something is behind me, reaching its long, skinny, black arm toward me… forbidden woods

Photo: Eric Boguslavsky

Forbidden Woods Cemetery is a free, family-friendly (no gore) home haunt running for two nights only (October 30-31) from 5-10pm in North Hollywood. The small walk-through haunt lasts perhaps five minutes, depending on the groups and if they take their time, but those five minutes are full of surprises in every nook and cranny available.

The experience begins while guests wait in line – the fog creeps over the fence onto queued guests; somber chanting creates a sense of unease; and the screams from groups going through the haunt fill those waiting with dread and anticipation, as do the loud firecrackers that pop every so often. Waiting in line does take some time since the group sizes are kept very small and encouraged to take their time to see and take in all on display, and to make the guests much more isolated and able to frighten. However, there are large and exciting props to look at on the roof and in front of the entrance itself.

Photo: Eric Boguslavsky

While Forbidden Woods Cemetery does not have a cohesive narrative, it is packed with dense sets and eerie props, making it easier for the impressive number of scare-actors to hide. Guests will traverse over two plank bridges, weave their way through a haunted cemetery full of graves and unsettling statues, try to avoid gigantic arachnids looking for dinner, and come face to face with some grotesque living creatures. I couldn’t help but marvel at each new piece of the macabre I noticed, and I’m positive there are things I missed, even after taking my time.

Photo: Eric Boguslavsky

The creators behind Forbidden Woods Cemetery have successfully built a home haunt that rivals many of the individual mazes found at larger theme parks. With stunning set pieces and props, a large number of scare-actors in a small space, and effective use of fog and sound, Forbidden Woods Cemetery is not to be missed, and I expect this haunt will grow exponentially in popularity over the years if it continues to grow and expand.

Photo: Eric Boguslavsky

Forbidden Woods Cemetery concludes its run Halloween night, open from 5pm-10pm. For more information, follow them on Facebook. Check out our Event Guide for more Halloween and horror entertainment throughout the year.

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