Deep in the forested heart of Coventry, Conn., are the tattered remnants of a once-thriving toy factory.

In the wake of a 19th century plague, voodoo rites — coupled with the insatiable greed of a robber baron — forced the souls of the remaining workers into porcelain dolls. After the dolls revolted, the factory owner turned to a nearby scientist who was dabbling in the rejuvenation of corpses for an alternative workforce. Before he could put his plans into action, he was killed by the dolls and the mill was set on fire.

At least that’s the story from the fertile and ghoulish mind of Jim Wieloch.

Once again, he’s the driving force behind Dark Walk Haunted Camp Tour, a combination of a creepy hike through the nighttime woods and scripted, back-storied drama that he best describes as “Halloween theater.”

As Halloween has been transformed over the past few years into America’s favorite alternative holiday, Wieloch has poured his heart and soul into this project, making for the perfect and creepiest Halloween experience in these parts.

The whole thing takes place at Channel 3 Kids Camp at 73 Times Farm Road in Andover, where Wieloch makes use of both existing camp buildings and several he and his friends built from scratch.

It’s a labor of love for Wieloch and the other volunteers, and all the proceeds go back to Channel 3 Kids Camp, which provides year-round recreational and educational programs to children and teens from Connecticut and throughout New England.

And at night, it gives off just the right creepy, Friday-the-13th vibe to make the perfect setting for Wieloch’s nightmarish spectacle. There’s nothing creepier than New England woods at nighttime. What sets this experience apart from others is the carefully woven story that Wieloch and his companions have come up with. This storytelling, along with some of the best Halloween stagecraft and theatrics you’ll ever see, makes for a unique experience among haunted attractions.

To bring this vision to the extended, forested stage, Wieloch turned to some first-class actors, such as veteran voiceover artist Dick Terhune, who plays the professor with ghastly realism.

“This is the longest-playing character I’ve ever played,” explained Terhune recently as he was getting made up with dripping face flesh for a Dark Walk photoshoot.

It’s the actors like Terhune that help the group “bring their A-game,” according to Wieloch.

“Truly we can capture people’s attention (with professional actors) and engage people in our storyline,” says Wieloch, while explaining his constant emphasis on quality in this production.

Those who attend Dark Walk will be bused to the camp from a nearby lot. From there, they’ll proceed to the main hall (just as they would at a regular camp) to receive their orientation — or “disorientation” — as Wieloch likes to call it.

Without giving too much of the experience away, let’s just say that participants will be led on a short hike (don’t worry, no more than a quarter-mile total, with lots of stops along the way) through various buildings that each have to do with the plot.

There’s even a spot where the actual ruins of the old mill — a surprisingly intact foundation — add to the realism of the setting and the story.

After the walk, visitors will be led to an outdoor amphitheater and treated to an incredible fire show that’s performed by three artists from Raven’s Bane Firecraft, a crowd favorite from last year that Wieloch has invited back.

If you go: Dark Walk is not intended for younger children. Wieloch stresses that the experience is more geared to college age rather than teens. Since it is set in the middle of the woods, the grounds are uphill and uneven at times, though the group has made efforts this year to make the ground easier to navigate. There’s a lot of lighting in the way of tiki-torches and lanterns, and LED lighting where safety dictates.

Since it takes place in October, you won’t have to worry about mosquitoes; but even if you did, all the torches in the place “create a citronella dome” over the area, in the words of Terhune.

The Dark Walk is scheduled for Fridays and Saturdays, Oct. 11 and 12, and Oct. 18 and 19. Rain dates will be the following Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26.

Tickets are $22 per person by reservation on www.darkwalk.net. Tickets at the door are $25. Your best bet is to get reservations, since the attraction often fills to capacity.

Family friendly attractions to try

If you're looking for an alternative, or something a little more child-friendly, you may want to try Sights & Frights at Mystic Seaport. The family-friendly event offers Halloween fun for all ages.

Visitors will walk the decorated grounds of the museum's 19th century village to encounter spooky locations and activities. Storytellers will regale you with tales of maritime misfortune while you explore a haunted ship; roving characters will entertain or frighten you, and the chantey staff will provide music of a slightly sinister nature.

“There is something a little creepy about the historic buildings at night that makes our village a great setting for Halloween,” says Mystic Seaport spokesman Dan McFadden. “It's almost like the previous inhabitants are waiting for the staff to go home at night, to come out and get on with their business.”

The experience will be self-guided and all “scary” activities are located inside, permitting families with young children to avoid them. The event is recommended for all ages. Not all portions of the production are wheelchair accessible. Visitors will be walking outdoors and are encouraged to dress appropriately.

Sights & Frights will take place on Oct. 18 and 19, and Oct. 25 and 26, 5 to 9 p.m. each night. Advance tickets can be purchased by calling 860.572.5322 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Children 5 and under are admitted free.

For another family-friendly outdoors experience, try the always-popular Spooky Nature Trail at the Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center.

Children and families are invited to the center to take a “daring, self-guided walk along haunted trails.” There will also be Halloween treats, crafts, games and enchanting appearances by resident snakes, turtles and frogs. Participants are encouraged to bring a flashlight.

The Spooky Nature Trail will take place on Friday and Saturday, Oct. 25 and 26, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. Cost is $7.50 per person for members or $30 per member family, and $9.50 per person for non-members or $38 per non-member family.

All proceeds from the Spooky Nature Trail benefit environmental education programs at the Nature Center. Tickets may be purchased by calling 860.536.1216, or may be purchased at the door.