A long‑running fall tradition brings families to District 31 for scares, screams and some great concessions
By Coastal Carolina News Staff Writer
The Grissettown Volunteer Fire Department, part of Brunswick County Fire District 31, is bringing back its annual District 31 Haunted Trail this October. Visitors walk the scary trails through spooky woods and a maze of department‑owned buildings. Organizers say the attraction is designed for anyone who enjoys a good scare, with no specific age group in mind, though the trail is not handicap accessible due to its terrain and layout.
The Haunted Trail began more than a decade ago as a small fundraiser organized by firefighters and volunteers who wanted a creative way to support the department’s equipment needs. What started as a simple walk‑through with a few handmade props has grown into a full seasonal attraction, drawing visitors from across Brunswick County and neighboring communities. Over the years, firefighters have expanded the wooded route, added new scenes, and incorporated department buildings into the experience. Many of the sets are built by volunteers using donated materials, and several of the trail’s recurring characters have become local favorites.
Today, the District 31 Haunted Trail is said to be the largest yearly fundraiser for the Grissettown–Longwood Fire Department, providing critical support for gear, radios, hoses, turnout equipment, and other essentials that rural fire districts often must fund on their own. The event has become a long‑standing fall tradition, with families returning each year to see what new scares have been added.
The Haunted Trail will operate every Friday and Saturday throughout October, with open nights scheduled for Oct. 2–3, 9–10, 16–17, 23–24, and 30–31. Hours each night are 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. The event is held at the Grissettown–Longwood Fire Department, located at 758 Longwood Road NW, Ocean Isle Beach. Visitors can reach the station by taking Highway 17 to NC‑904 (Longwood Road) or by taking NC‑130 to Longwood Road. Parking is available on‑site, with volunteers directing vehicles during busy nights.
Grissettown District 31 Haunt Trail
Admission is $20.00 per person, with children under 5 admitted free. All proceeds support the Grissettown Volunteer Fire Department and help fund essential emergency‑response equipment.
The fire department’s concession stand will be open each night, serving hot dogs, funnel cakes, cotton candy, chili cheese fries, fried Oreos, shaved ice, and other crowd favorites. You absolutely can’t pass up their famously delicious funnel cakes, the kind folks talk about long after October ends. The concession stand is a major draw for visitors because of its wide variety of fresh, made‑to‑order treats that have become a tradition for families who return each year.
Firefighters remain on‑site throughout the event to assist with crowd safety, traffic flow, and emergency readiness. The trail operates weather permitting, and organizers typically post updates on the department’s social media pages. Families often choose to walk earlier in the evening when the trail is less intense, though the experience is not tailored to any specific age group.
The District 31 Haunted Trail continues to grow each season, supported entirely by volunteers from across the district who handle set design, acting, lighting, and operations. Organizers encourage visitors to arrive early, wear comfortable shoes, and be prepared for an outdoor walk through uneven terrain.
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