Utah County is a hub for seasonal activities during the autumn months.
From haunted houses to pumpkin picking and everything in between, there’s something to suit every preference.
Haunted Attractions
One of the largest haunted attractions in the country, the Haunted Forest in American Fork, features thrill attractions like spooky trails and blindfolded sensory experiences. They are open all weekdays in October and the first two weekends of November.
The Strangling Brothers Haunted Circus in American Fork is a haunted house based on the fictional story of a traveling circus. They are open through Nov. 1.
Pumpkin Patches & Corn Mazes
For those who aren’t interested in scary activities, Utah County has a variety of family-friendly pumpkin patches and corn mazes.
Jakobi Davidson, a sophomore applying to the BYU Nursing program, enjoys going to Cornbelly’s in the fall.
“It’s pretty fun to just go enjoy a little outdoor, childish time,” she said.
Cornbelly's originally started in 1996 when Brett Herbst, a BYU agribusiness graduate, created the largest corn maze in the western United States. Herbst’s passion grew into Cornbelly’s, a fall attraction with locations in Lehi and Spanish Fork.
This season, Cornbelly’s will be open through Nov. 1. Attractions in Spanish Fork include train rides and pumpkin picking while the Cornbelly's in Lehi features haunted mazes and hayrides. Both locations have fall games and a corn maze.
Another local corn maze option is Glen Ray’s Corn Maze and Pumpkin Patch located in Spanish Fork. Their 7.5 acre corn maze turns into the Field of Fright after dark. They will be open until Oct. 30.
Hee Haw Farms in Pleasant Grove and Jaker's Jack-o-Lanterns in Springville offer pumpkin picking, farm animals, hay rides and various fall activities during the autumn season.
Markets
Fall markets are open and selling freshly harvested local produce and seasonal treats.
The Provo Farmer's Market's last day of the season is Oct. 25. Live music and more than 200 local vendors selling food, artwork and produce are part of the experience.
Rowley's Red Barn also sells locally-grown produce, ice cream and baked goods during the fall. It’s located in Santaquin and their Fall Festival lasts through Oct. 30.
Scenic Rides
The change in seasons brings a change in the valley’s landscape as trees turn to vibrant red and yellow hues. There are several ways to enjoy the views this fall.
One way to see the colors is by taking a scenic drive through Provo Canyon, Spanish Fork Canyon, Hobble Creek Canyon, Kyhv Peak Road, the Alpine Loop or the Nebo Loop.
Sundance Mountain Resort has 30-45 minute Halloween-themed lift rides through Oct. 31 and ZipTours on Oct. 24 and 25.
The Heber Valley Railroad calls aboard passengers for seasonal train rides, complete with family-friendly entertainment from hosts.
Davidson loves using the student discount at Classic Skate in Orem on Saturdays during the fall season, but her favorite thing about this time of year is the color.
“I think the best part about Utah in the fall is watching all the leaves change,” she said.
She likes to go up the Alpine Loop and do photoshoots or bring canvases to paint the scenery.
"If you go up Alpine Loop right when the leaves start changing, perfect photoshoot opportunity. We go up there and we'll take little canvases and we'll just paint up there, and take some pictures. Super cutesy, and then you get a cute Instagram post out of it, too," she said.