Westmoreland County's parks are getting a Halloween costume of their own. The 2026 Hobgoblin Hikes offer two evenings when an ordinary outdoor walk becomes a guided trip through theatrical scares. They are free community events, but the county's age recommendation and the outdoor setting deserve a close look before families decide to go.

Cedar Creek Park hosts Saturday, October 17, and Twin Lakes Park hosts Saturday, October 24. Both hikes operate from 7 to 9 p.m. The county recommends them for ages eight and older and encourages parents to accompany children.

The guided route is about half a mile, with costumed characters and haunted scenes. No treats are distributed, although visitors may wear costumes. The county says the hikes run in rain and are canceled only for dangerous or severe weather; check for an updated notice before leaving.

Free admission does not mean a gentle scare level

Ask children what they enjoy about Halloween before putting this on the calendar. A youngster who loves dressing as a monster may still dislike meeting one in a dark outdoor setting. Describe the event honestly and leave room for someone to choose another activity.

The age recommendation is a starting point, not a guarantee that every eight-year-old will have the same response. Consider darkness, unexpected noises and the ability to keep moving with a group. An adult conversation beforehand is more useful than encouraging a reluctant child to prove they are brave.

Plan for a walk

Choose footwear for an outdoor route rather than for a costume photograph. Keep accessories manageable and bring the layers your group will need if conditions change. Ask the parks department about the route and accessibility before attending if uneven ground or walking distance could be a concern.

Coordinate the arrival and trip home with everyone in your group. Pick one park and one evening instead of relying on a vague plan to catch a hike sometime that weekend. The two dates are separate events, and the county does not present them as identical productions.

Give the outing enough time to breathe. Avoid booking another activity immediately after the hike. A relaxed schedule leaves room for arrival, whatever waiting is involved and a comfortable departure without turning a free event into a rushed evening.

The community helps create the show

The county also recruits volunteers for scare stations and trail guiding. Anyone interested should use the official registration information and ask about current requirements rather than arriving expecting a role. For the Twin Lakes hike, the published volunteer meeting is October 20 at 6:30 p.m.; confirm arrangements with the county.

Spectators can help by following guides, respecting props and giving volunteers space to do their jobs. The scenes are shared entertainment built for many visitors. A little patience lets the next group enjoy the same surprise.

Save the county's Hobgoblin Hikes page. It brings together dates, volunteer information and contact details. Decide whether the atmosphere fits your family, confirm the latest notice and enjoy a local Halloween tradition that puts parks, imagination and community effort on the same trail.

Before adding an activity to a shared calendar, send everyone the same organizer link. That helps relatives compare the same information and makes a later change easier to communicate. Decide who will check for updates on the day, then keep the rest of the plan flexible enough to fit the people actually coming along.

Plan your visit: Official hike details · Parks information · County event schedule