Day Two at ECHC!
The Markoff’s team is proud to announce we had TWO actors nominated for Best Character… and Jaden brought home 1st place with The Hungman!!!
Incredible work, talent, and dedication all around—couldn’t be prouder of this crew.
And the 2026 OSCARE for Legendary Attraction goes to…
We’re beyond honored to share that Markoff’s Haunted Forest has been awarded the 2026 OSCARE for Legendary Attraction from The Haunted Attraction Association (HAA).
What started as a non profit passion project in a bus, and have grown into something truly special thanks to our incredible team, dedicated actors, and the thousands of brave souls who return year after year.
This award belongs to every scream, every laugh, every moment of fear and fun we’ve created together.
Thank you for making Markoff’s a legend!
#1 Top-Rated Haunted Attraction in the WORLD! 💀
Named by @thescarefactor as the Top Rated Attraction of 2025!
Markoff’s Haunted Forest is beyond honored to receive this incredible recognition. This achievement belongs to our absolutely phenomenal community of performers, artists, designers, builders, and trainers who bring the terror to life night after night.
Thank you for helping us create a truly unforgettable—and utterly terrifying—season. Here’s to the screams that made it all possible! 🖤🖤
#MarkoffsHauntedForest
Meet Chris Knowles — the mastermind behind the makeup and graphic designs at Markoff’s Haunted Forest.
As Makeup Manager and Creative Designer, Chris brings nightmares to life with incredible detail, imagination, and just the right amount of terror. Fun fact: he’s by originally from England, and yes—the accent is every bit as phenomenal as you’d hope.
As the lead graphic designer for Markoff’s , Chris has come up with years of new logos and some insane social media posts!!! When he’s not transforming the forest into a living horror story, Chris works as an art director alongside a talented team of creatives, helping produce Dungeons & Dragons game books enjoyed by fans all over the world.
From haunted trails to fantasy realms, Chris proves creativity has no limits.
We took the forest to the floor…
Markoff’s Haunted Forest showed up at East Coast Haunters and turned a booth into an experience!
From weathered village facades to interactive moments with our crew, it was about showing what a haunt can feel like.
Atmosphere over everything
Actors and Designers bringing the world to life
Real scenic booth!
That’s the Markoff’s difference.
If you stopped by—thanks for stepping into the woods with us. If you missed it… we’ll see you in the forest this fall
Day 2️⃣ (and the final day!) of the East Coast Haunters was Sunday and The Markoff’s Team took full advantage!
From incredible contests and industry secrets to meeting some of the most creative minds in the haunt industry, this weekend has been nothing short of inspiring.
What was your favorite part? ☠️☠️
We’re beyond excited to announce a killer collaboration between Markoff’s Haunted Forest and Dead Lens Productions
This year, Dead Lens is bringing their dark creativity to life with a Markoff’s sponsored booth façade at TransWorld’s East Coast Haunters Convention—and it’s going to be absolutely terrifying.
Think immersive design. Think cinematic horror. Think next-level haunt atmosphere.
If you’re heading to the convention, make sure you stop by Booth 341 and experience the nightmare for yourself…
You’ve been warned.
Guess what Markoff’s Haunted Forest is preparing to unveil at the East Coast Haunters Convention…
Drop your guesses in the comments 👇😈
📍 visit us Booth 722 — “IN THE PIT”
Nick Markoff is best known as the creator and driving force behind one of the Washington, D.C. region’s most recognized seasonal attractions, Markoff’s Haunted Forest. Based in Dickerson, Maryland, Markoff has built a reputation for blending theatrical storytelling, large-scale set design, and immersive outdoor environments into a highly experiential haunted attraction.
What distinguishes his work is a focus on narrative continuity and atmosphere—rather than relying solely on jump scares, the attraction incorporates themed trails, detailed scenic construction, and trained actors to create a cohesive horror experience.
Beyond entertainment, Nick has emphasized community engagement and philanthropy. The haunted forest has historically supported local charities and causes, integrating fundraising into its operations. This dual focus—commercial entertainment paired with community impact—has helped sustain the attraction’s long-term success and regional relevance.
Professionally, Nick is regarded as an entrepreneur within the haunted attraction industry, a niche sector that combines elements of live theater, event production, and agritourism. His work reflects a broader trend of experiential entertainment, where audiences seek interactive and immersive environments rather than passive experiences.
Over decades, Nick Markoff and the Markoffs Family have grown his operation from a small local haunt into a well-known Mid-Atlantic destination, earning a loyal following and contributing to the seasonal economy in Montgomery County, Maryland….. and now his most proud accomplishment, he has become a grandfather! Congratulations Nick and Happy Birthday
The Markoffs team is being let loose on the 2026 TransWorld Haunt Show in St. Louis—and what an experience it has been!
From cutting-edge haunt technology to next-level props and effects, this event always delivers inspiration at every turn. We loved connecting with fellow haunt professionals, exploring new ideas, and bringing fresh energy back home for the upcoming season….. our 34th year of fear!
Markoff’s Haunted Forest is back this fall for its 34th year of FEAR! ☠️☠️
For over three decades, we’ve been turning the woods into your worst nightmares… and this year, we’re pushing the terror even further. New scares. Darker trail, more intense Town, and More screams.
🎟️ Stay tuned on social media for dates, tickets, and sneak peeks!
#MHF34 #34YearsOfFear #MHF
