The first monsters of the season will be unleashed this weekend. Here's where to head - or not, depending on your penchant for having the bejeebers scared out of you.
HAUNTED BARN
* Where: 5017 McDonald Road, McDonald, Tenn.
* Hours: 7 p.m.-midnight every Friday and Saturday night, Sept. 30-Oct. 29.
* Possesses: An actual barn with 16 rooms of frights.
* Admission: $20. Discounts for groups of 20 or more with reservations.
* Phone: 423-396-9790.
* Website: www.thehauntedbarnchattanooga.com.
HAUNTED CAVERN
* Where: Ruby Falls, 1720 S. Scenic Highway.
* Hours: 8 p.m. every Friday through Sunday, plus Oct. 13, Oct. 20 and Oct. 31; begins with Freak Parade at 7:30 each night.
* Possesses: A Flesh Farm, a world torn by infection and chaos, 26 stories underground, plus an above-ground haunt. New characters for this year's theme plus returning favorites like the Hellevator, chainsaws and fire-breathing.
* Admission: $25 Fridays, $30 Saturdays, $20 Sundays (discounts for tickets bought online). Group discounts first two weekends and Sundays.
* Phone: 423-821-2544
* Website: www.hauntedcavern.com.
THE HAUNTED HILLTOP
* Where: 8235 Highway 58.
* Hours: 7 p.m.-midnight opening weekend, Sept. 30-Oct. 1. Then 7 p.m.-1 a.m. every Friday and Saturday in October, plus 7 p.m.-midnight Oct. 30-31.
* Possesses: A haunted hayride through woods and a cornfield, haunted house, state-of-the-art props, bonfires, concessions, outdoor television, music.
* Admission: $20.
* Website: www.thehauntedhilltop.com.