About

The Haunted Hayrides operate on a reservation system. Reservations cannot be made online. Please call the Haunted Hayride office at 884-9122 and book a reservation. We use this system for crowd control. Even though you have a reservation you still may have a short wait before your ride. The ride lasts approximately 30-40 minutes.  Your total time with the ride and walk throughs is roughly one hour.

There is a concession stand on the grounds and two souvenir stands for your Halloween needs.

We offer plenty of entertainment in the waiting area which includes; a DJ or Radio Station, Oversized Monsters and the Haunted Hayride Host Scary Harry to meet and greet you.  Our live show, CARNEVIL, kicks off every half hour. We also have added a Dead Saloon dance show performance and THE LAST RIDE, your chance to to lay in a coffin for a real "death experience"!

Double M's Hauted Hayride consists of 4 Attractions at an all inclusive price. $22.00 per person includes the Haunted Hayride, Zombie Outbreak, Psycho Path and The Scare House!

Over 20 Years of Scary Success at Double M Haunted Hayrides

Ballston Spa’s Most Creepy Attraction Grows at a Frightening Pace

The ghoulish figures along the route of the Double M Haunted Hayrides will be at their very scariest this fall, as the Ballston Spa spine-chiller celebrates its twentieth year of shocking and surprising its visitors. An estimated 20,000 people are expected to visit this seasonal attraction from late September through October.

Though the newest features along the dark and dismal path travelled by the tractor-drawn hay wagons remain a well-guarded secret, so as not to spoil the fun, a heaping dose of fright is promised to all who pass by. The Hayride includes live actors, mechanical scares, and lots of special effects, to create a fun and bloodcurdling mix of entertainment. The ride lasts between 30-40 minutes, and visitors then can experience three other attractions included in the admission package.

“We work hard each year to add many new features, we mark this year with some extra-sensational, super-scary highlights,” notes Leo Martin, founder of Haunted Hayrides. “After the Hayride, our guests enter the Zombie Outbreak,  leading into the newly constructed Psycho Path, an in-your-face haunted walk. From there, they’ll scream and laugh their way through The Scare  House, which we’ve made bigger and scarier than ever. Before they return to the parking lot, our guests can visit THE LAST RIDE, "the real death experience" for some final spooks and thrills.”

Also on the grounds are a concession stand, a Halloween novelty and souvenir stand, and entertainment in the waiting area such as magicians, music, oversized monsters, and the host of the Haunted Hayrides, Scary Harry.

Located adjacent to the Double M Western & Feed Store on Route 67, one mile west of Exit 12 off Interstate 87, the Haunted Hayride attraction has grown tremendously over the past two decades. Owner Leo Martin grew up in his parents’ Western store, and started the Haunted Hayrides with them during the fall of his freshman year in college in 1991.

At the time, it was part of a franchise operation based in Syracuse, operating similarly to 250 other Haunted Hayride locations throughout the country. The franchise brand had signed noted horror film actor Vincent Price as its spokesperson. During those early days, Leo Martin’s Haunted Hayrides drew attendance of 6,000 people per season.

When the franchise business dissolved in 1995, Leo opted to continue to build the business on his own. “It was an exciting time, taking this business that previously had been under the direction of a larger franchise set-up, and beginning to make decisions independently, based on how we thought we could best serve our customers,” notes Leo. “I created our current haunted cowboy host, Scary Harry, to tie into my parents’ western-themed store. He’s proven popular with our customers ever since.

“Also at about the same time, I met Jennifer, who is now my wife. After we were married in 2000, she took over the administrative side of the business, which allows me more time to focus on the operations and attractions.”

The business continues as a family affair. Leo and Jennifer welcomed their son, Max, in 2003, and he now helps to scare patrons on the weekend evenings. “He loves it!” says his mother.

Keeping up with scary techniques and technology brings the Martins in touch with people from all over the country. “We attend haunted industry trade shows to stay current. We always bring something new to our Haunted Hayrides every Halloween season,” notes Jennifer Martin. “Our favorite show is the Transworld Halloween & Attractions Show in St. Louis, where we see the latest in props, animation, and costumes. With all the Hollywood special effects people who take part, the seminars on make-up, lighting, and other topics are a chance for us to learn from some of the best talent in the industry.”

The members of the Martin family have been successful business owners in the Malta community since 1966, when Leo’s parents, Ronald and Kathleen Martin, opened the Double M Western Store. The store continues to offer clothing, footwear, tack, and rodeo excitement, right next to its haunted neighbor.

Looking back on the first 22 years of success, where do Leo and Jennifer Martin think their business is headed?  “We’d like to continue to grow by providing a fun tradition for our customers. We’ll be here as long as people continue to celebrate Halloween!” says Leo.

 

The Haunted Hayride opens the weekend of September 28 & 29, with a special rate of $16 for admission. Beginning  October 5th the hayride is open weekend  nights through the 28th, ( see claendar for exact dates)  by reservation. General admission for the Haunted Hayrides, including all four attractions is $22 (cash only). Group rates are available for groups of 25 or more. Children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult.