Friends of Cape Florida’s annual Haunted Hike fundraiser returns Saturday, Oct. 24, with a sensory-friendly early hour, tram rides and carnival attractions at Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park.

The Haunted Hike, which the organizer advertises as its 10th anniversary, returns to Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park with an expanded carnival, an ADA-accessible Spooky Tram Ride and a sensory-friendly Superhero Hour running from 5 to 6 p.m. The nonprofit's event chair, Paul Zuccarini, organized the lineup alongside volunteers and park rangers, according to the Islander News.

The Superhero Hour is the result of a collaboration between Friends of Cape Florida and the Village Disability Advisory Board. Christina Bracken, president of Friends of Cape Florida, told the Key Biscayne Independent on Oct. 8 that the early window lets "people with unique abilities … come and experience the event without the crowds and potentially sensory overload challenges."

Bracken pitched the idea at the advisory board's July 14, 2025, meeting. She described a new ADA-compliant electric tram the park had acquired and asked the board for guidance on programming for individuals with disabilities, according to meeting minutes.

The half-mile Haunted Hike trail features about 15 "spooky spot" stations built by volunteer teams. Manny Rionda leads those crews, whose costumes and props bring hikers through a series of unsettling scenes along the path. The hike is recommended for ages 8 and older.

Beyond the trail, the carnival opens at 6 p.m. with a mechanical bull, Big Top Bounce House, Street Racing Obstacle Course, Lagoon of Doom, bumper cars and a face-painting salon staffed by volunteer artists. Light performers and jugglers round out the entertainment.

Food trucks will serve Nimbuya Burgers, mini donuts, French snacks from the Beach Cafe and Kona Ice.

The organizer’s Eventbrite listing offers carnival-only and Haunted Hike tickets. Haunted Hike tickets include one timed walk-through plus carnival rides and entertainment; carnival-only admission does not include the hike. Food purchases cost extra. Tickets are also required for Superhero Hour. The event runs rain or shine. The organizer prohibits costumes and masks on the Haunted Hike and asks guests not to touch props or performers.

Proceeds support park programs and projects. In her Oct. 19 account for the Islander News, Friends of Cape Florida president Christina Bracken identified a museum revamp among the education projects supported and named the Key Biscayne Community Foundation, Islander News and the Village of Key Biscayne as sponsors and supporters.

Haunted Hike at a glance

  • When: Saturday, Oct. 24, 2026. Superhero Hour 5–6 p.m.; general event 6–10 p.m.; Haunted Hike starts at 7:30 p.m., according to the organizer’s Islander News account.
  • Where: Near Pavilion D-18, Bill Baggs Cape Florida State Park, 1200 Crandon Blvd., Key Biscayne.
  • Tickets: Eventbrite. Choose carnival-only admission or a timed Haunted Hike ticket that includes carnival access.