Ready for evil clowns, an immersive insane asylum, and chainsaw maniacs? With October comes Halloween, and with Halloween comes the inevitable barrage of haunted houses, costume parties, and -- of course -- haunted hayrides. Here are some of our favorites...

1. Bates Motel and Haunted Hayride (Glen Mills, Pennsylvania) 
Now in its 25th year at Arasapha Farm, the Haunted Hayride at the Bates Motel is a horror-packed 25-minute trip through the woods. Just outside of Philadelphia, this nationally acclaimed hayride has earned a reputation for its elaborate sets and frightening encounters. The hayride brings riders through 25 scenes on the farm, including an  insane asylum, a dark 200-foot long cave, and -- returning this year -- an encounter with the Headless Horseman. Over 75 actors pack the hayride’s trail, providing a scare every second. Adults $20/kids $15

2. New York Haunted Hayride (Randall's Island Park, New York)
Arriving in New York City this year after invoking fear in Los Angeles, this became one of the country’s most sought-after Halloween attractions when Mark Cuban made a record-breaking investment in the company on the TV show Shark Tank. This fantasy world of terror features twisted scenes of distraught children in orphanages, demons wreaking havoc, and a terrifying dose of psychopathic clowns. Set on New York’s Randall's Island, a haunted city spot known for its abandoned 19th century insane asylum, New York City’s newest horror attraction already proves to be one of its best. $35

3. The Dead End Hayride (Wyoming, Minnesota) 
Forty minutes north of Minneapolis, in the back woods of Minnesota, The Dead End Hayride on Pinehaven Farm features a cast of actors who "hijack" the hayride and engage with the passengers. If a lower-key thrill is more your speed, opt to sit in the middle of the cart where the creatures are less likely to engage. Word has caught on with horror fans, with attendance soaring in recent years, so be sure to plan ahead and arrive early to avoid waiting in long lines. $16 on weekdays/$21 on weekends

4. Pope’s Farm: Haunted Hayride (Salem, Alabama)
Fall victim aboard Alabama’s longest running haunted attraction -- Haunted Hayride: Predator. The ride holds terrifying surprises from the likes of evil clowns, chainsaw maniacs, and man-eating dragons as 40 live actors join the mile-long journey. With a capacity of up to 40 people on board, screams here come in surround sound. $13

5. Headless Horseman Hayrides & Haunted Houses (Ulster Park, New York)
Grab on as you enter the Headless Horseman’s home turf in Upstate New York. Nationally acclaimed for its mile-long hayride through the woods, 13 sets provide the backdrop for this scene. Let your feet dangle off the sides of the tractor as mummies, zombies, and ghosts jump out around every corner. One ticket gains you entry to 10 attractions on the 45-acre farm, including a haunted corn maze, multiple haunted houses, and a walk-through side show. $42.90 online, including service charge; $45.95 on-site