Haunted houses in Albany

Farm country does the heavy lifting around Albany. Five of the eight spots here are hayrides, corn mazes and haunted farms. Double M Haunted Hayrides in Ballston Spa starts with a wagon ride through dark woods, then sends you on foot through a string of themed attractions. Figure about an hour, and reserve ahead. The oddball is Zombie Zipline Adventure in Schenectady, where you zip line through a forest in total darkness. It's 14 and up, strictly. For the most haunts on one ticket, Nightmares Haunted Attractions at Liberty Ridge Farm packs in five plus a psychic sideshow. Buy online, since it's $37 there and $45 at the gate.

Downtown, the Ghosts of Albany Ghost Tour walks you past the State Capitol with stories of gangsters, doomed lovers and a Capitol night watchman. And if you want the full blast, Field of Horrors in Troy puts several walk-throughs on one $45 ticket, from a crypt with a Vampire King to a waxworks called Morbid Mansion. Expect strobes, fog, blasts of air and tight spaces. Not great if you're claustrophobic. Dress warm and wear comfortable shoes, since you may be standing in long lines.