Invasive plants take over Mill City Park for Haunted Walk fundraiser

FRANKLIN — The Mill City Park Organization, in partnership with the Franklin Opera House and the Franklin Footlight Theatre, will hold the Haunted River Walk on Friday, Oct. 17, and Saturday, Oct. 18, at Mill City Park at Franklin Falls.

This year’s haunting narrative centers on a chilling twist of nature: invasive plant species at Mill City Park have mutated into nightmarish hybrids. According to the storyline, these aggressive floras have captured hikers, mountain bikers, fishermen, birdwatchers, kayakers, and trail runners, transforming them into terrifying plant/human monsters.

Local environmental scientists, city workers, and volunteers are racing against time to contain the outbreak, gather vital samples, and locate a missing researcher whose disappearance could hold the key to a cure. This event is held outside at night, in the woods, in October in New England.  Trail guides will lead groups of visitors through the wooded trails along the Winnipesaukee River. 

Tickets are available in 20-minute time blocks at FOHNH.org. Tickets will also be available at the trail entrance on the night of the event.

Community members are invited to contribute their talents and interests to this event. Those interested in being a trail guide, selling concessions, or acting, visit millcitypark.com/hauntedwalk2025.