Where was The Blair Witch Project filmed?
1999
City Locations
Maryland (USA)
Location Types
House, Cafe, Riverside, Storefront, Motel
Location Styles
Americana, Dilapidated, Manufactured Home, Motel Style
About The Blair Witch Project
Blending the nostalgic Hi-8 video with the classic allure of black-and-white 16 mm film, this captivating masterpiece takes us on a thrilling journey into the realm of voodoo and witchcraft. Released in 1999, The Blair Witch Project is a landmark horror film directed by Eduardo Sanchez and Daniel Myrick. Starring Michael C. Williams, Rei Hance, and Joshua Leonard, this cinematic masterpiece has left an indelible mark on the genre. It follows three student filmmakers who travel to Maryland to document the mystery of the Blair Witch legend. They quickly become disoriented and lost after they set out into the woods. As days pass with no sign of civilization, they begin to experience increasingly frightening supernatural phenomena that lead them to believe they are being stalked by an evil entity within the woods. The film was widely praised for its innovative combination of mockumentary-style filmmaking and found-footage horror tropes, effectively creating a new horror film subgenre. The film was a hit at the box office, earning $248 million worldwide with an estimated budget of $35,000 - 60,000. At the inaugural Golden Trailer Awards, it garnered a nomination for Most Original Trailer and emerged victorious in two esteemed categories: Best Horror/Thriller and Best Voice Over. The Blair Witch Project has become an iconic part of pop culture history as one of the most successful independent films ever made.
The Blair Witch Project Locations
The 1999 horror classic, The Blair Witch Project, was primarily filmed in Maryland. Much of the movie takes place in Seneca Creek State Park and historic Burkittsville in Montgomery County. The park is nestled in a picturesque landscape surrounded by lush forests, mountains, and rustic creeks and streams. Set against this backdrop is the 200-year-old Griggs House in Patapsco Valley State Park in western Baltimore County. Visiting these locations would be an intriguing journey for any movie fan. Touring these sites offers a chance to relive the film's suspenseful scenes and experience the beauty of Maryland’s countryside firsthand. In fact, due to fans’ interest in visiting the area, the distributors of The Blair Witch Project tried to save the Griggs House from demolition after filming wrapped up. Nonetheless, in 2003, it was razed to the ground because of its deteriorated condition. In addition to making a stop at Stup's Market and Hillside Motel from Knoxville, the two memorable places featured within the film, a trip to The Blair Witch Project locations would also provide an opportunity to explore other nearby areas such as Beallsville or Wheaton, just north of Washington D.C. All these locations will take you back 20 years ago when this groundbreaking found footage horror flick terrified audiences everywhere with its unique story and spooky atmosphere.
Mike's house scene in The Blair Witch Project
18404 Shady View Ln, Brookeville, MD
The scene at the beginning serves as the first introduction to the main characters and sets up the audience for what is to come. Mike (Michael C. Williams) stands outside his home, saying goodbye to his mom and getting in the car with Heather (Rei Hance) and Joshua (Joshua Leonard), heading off on their journey into the Maryland woods. This brief interaction provides a hint of tension in the air, foreshadowing the events that will take place in Burkittsville. The exterior shots of Mike's residence were filmed at 18404 Shady View Ln, Brookeville, Maryland. This house, constructed in 1987, spans over 2,104 square feet. It's important to respect privacy and avoid disrupting the inhabitants, as this property is privately owned. The unchanged exterior of the home contributes to the authentic, eerie atmosphere typically present in horror movies. Reaching there from both Baltimore and Washington D.C. is relatively straightforward. If you're coming from Baltimore, your best route would be via Interstate 95 S and MD-200 W, approximately a 38-minute drive. For those traveling from Washington D.C., the fastest way is along 16th St NW, which should take around 45 minutes.
The diner scene in The Blair Witch Project
Colony Supply Center, Inc., 19800 Darnestown Rd, Beallsville, MD
The scene in the diner begins with the interview of a waitress. Then, Heather (Rei Hance) said what she expected from their documentary project. As Halloween approaches the town, the diner exudes an atmosphere of darkness and mystery. The shots are skillfully captured with shaky hand-held cameras to enhance realism. Notably, the interviewed waitress is none other than Sandra Sanchez, who happens to be the esteemed director Eduardo Sanchez's sister. The location where this scene was filmed was Colony Supply Center Inc., located at 19800 Darnestown Rd, Beallsville, Maryland. Fans now have a chance to visit this place and see what remains from shooting days. However, they won't find any decorations or atmosphere present during filming. Getting to this location is relatively straightforward. It takes about 50 minutes by car from Washington D.C. if you take River Rd and MD-28 W/Darnestown Rd. Once you arrive, you will find yourself in front of a new building. It's worth visiting if you're looking for an exciting spot with lots of history.
The interview of the old man scene in The Blair Witch Project
Stup's Market, 5550 Mountville Rd, Adamstown, MD
The trio of filmmakers engage the rustic locals of Burkittsville in interviews, who appear to take equal pleasure in being filmed and express bewilderment about the film's purpose. Among the interviewees is an elderly man who recounts the tale of Mr. Parr (Raynor Scheine) to the lead characters. He further shares that a recluse named Rustin Parr once entered a community market, announcing that he had "finally finished." The scene was filmed near Stup's Market, 5550 Mountville Rd in Adamstown, Maryland. This location looks almost exactly as it did during filming over 20 years ago, and movie fans can easily transport themselves back to that time by visiting the market. Visitors can see the building with its red-painted walls and white trim and imagine the whole scene. If you're considering a trip to Stup's Market in Adamstown, it's approximately an hour's drive from Washington, D.C., or Baltimore, Maryland. From Washington D.C., your best route would be Interstate 270; from Maryland, you should take Interstate 70. The market is conveniently located in the heart of Adamstown.
The motel scene in The Blair Witch Project
The Hillside Hotel, 19105 Keep Tryst Rd, Knoxville, MD
Following a drunken night at their motel, Heather (Rei Hance), Josh (Joshua Leonard), and Mike (Michael C. Williams) embark on their journey into the woods, armed with a map of the logging trail. Fans often remember the motel scene as a serene moment of teenage normalcy in the film, where characters engage in casual conversations about their daily lives. The iconic motel scene was filmed at the Hillside Hotel on Keep Tryst Road in Knoxville, Maryland. The real-life motel is still open and provides fans with an authentic feeling when visiting this particular location from the movie. Visitors to Knoxville have several options for getting to Hillside Hotel. They can drive or take public transportation such as bus or train services to get there. There are also bike paths around Knoxville if travelers prefer biking over driving or public transportation. Regardless of how you choose to get there, you can expect beautiful mountain views and a unique experience once you arrive at Hillside Hotel.
The trio hears the children's laughter scene in The Blair Witch Project
Seneca Creek State Park, 11950 Clopper Rd, Gaithersburg, MD
The image of Josh (Joshua Leonard), Mike (Michael C. Williams), and Heather (Rei Hance) scrambling out of their tent can be bewildering for viewers. Yet, the subtle, almost imperceptible echoes of children's laughter in the nocturnal breeze maintain a constant sense of tension. This scene could have easily crumbled under less adept direction, but an innovative approach and flawless execution ensure it effectively evokes fear. Seneca Creek State Park in Gaithersburg was the backdrop for numerous iconic horror scenes, comprising nearly half of the movie's filming location. Two individuals were fishing on the northern side of Great Seneca Creek, close to the bridge that spans over the creek (specifically east of the bridge). Their vehicle is conveniently parked adjacent to Black Rock Road, approximately a quarter of a mile north of the bridge. It is worth noting that the shed is situated just north of their designated parking spot, right around the corner. Seneca Creek State Park is conveniently located near bustling cities such as Baltimore, Washington D.C., and Philadelphia. Additionally, there are easily accessible public transportation options available to reach the park.
Heather and Mike find a house scene in The Blair Witch Project
Griggs House, Granite, MD
Upon entering the house, Heather (Rei Hance) and Mike (Michael C. Williams) are greeted by enigmatic symbols adorning the walls and diminutive handprints. The sound of Josh's (Joshua Leonard) voice appears to emanate from within the structure. In a frantic attempt to locate him, Mike dashes upstairs, only to discover that the voice is actually originating from the basement. They are suddenly overwhelmed by a strange presence in the room when they follow it down and are rendered silent. The camera falls to the ground abruptly, and we see a petrified Heather running into the corner of the room to join Mike before finally collapsing in fear. The film briefly plays for a few seconds before abruptly ending. The end scene took place at the then-abandoned Griggs House in Granite. This historic residence, built in the mid-19th century, was a two-story building in Granite, Maryland. In the three years following the film's release, the house attracted numerous fans who reported its deteriorating condition and potential safety hazards. Unfortunately, the structure was torn down in 2003. To reach this location, follow Route 695 and 70 from Baltimore towards Granite, Maryland. Once there, continue on St Paul Avenue and Hernwood Road until you reach your destination.
Conclusion
This found-footage horror film significantly impacted the industry and is widely regarded as one of the most influential horror films ever. As the credits roll and the unsettling music fades away, the haunting tale of the Blair Witch Project leaves viewers on the edge of their seats, wondering whether the horrors experienced by the ill-fated filmmakers were real or merely a terrifying concoction of their imagination. One thing is sure, though – the filming locations in Maryland were indispensable in creating an atmosphere of dread and suspense that still sends shivers down the spine. Deep within the dense and ominous forests of the Black Hills region, the filmmakers embarked on their journey to capture the mysterious legend of the Blair Witch. The eerie landscapes of Seneca Creek State Park and Patapsco Valley State Park provided the perfect backdrop for the unsettling events that unfolded onscreen. With their towering trees, impenetrable undergrowth, and gnarled branches, these locations transformed into an enigmatic and foreboding wilderness that trapped the characters and viewers alike in a labyrinth of fear. The Blair Witch Project is a testament to the power of effective filming locations. The picturesque yet ominous landscapes of Maryland's Seneca Creek State Park and Patapsco Valley State Park, combined with the haunting presence of the Rustin Parr house in Burkittsville, transformed the film into a truly chilling cinematic experience. Maryland's natural beauty and unsettling history intertwined seamlessly to create a tale that still haunts viewers' minds, making the Blair Witch Project an enduring and terrifying classic in the horror genre.