WATCH: Explore CT’s legendary Trail of Terror, which has provided countless screams for 30 years

Connecticut Public Radio | By David Wurtzel

Published October 10, 2024 at 9:05 AM EDT

Step into Connecticut’s legendary Trail of Terror, tucked into the woods of Wallingford, for a terrifying haunt. Learn how it comes to life year after year through a dedicated team of performers and artisans who call each other family. Over the course of 30 years, founder Wayne Barneshi and his volunteers have raised an estimated $3 million for local charities. Take a behind-the-scenes look into their process, people and purpose as we pull the curtain back on the Trail of Terror.

A volunteer performer is transformed into character before opening night at Trail of Terror. September 28, 2024. — A volunteer performer is transformed into character before opening night at Trail of Terror.

Wayne Barneshi, founder of Trail of Terror, sits down for an interview with Connecticut Public’s Dave Wurtzel. September 10, 2024 — Wayne Barneshi, founder of Trail of Terror, sits down for an interview with Connecticut Public’s Dave Wurtzel on September 10, 2024.

The power plant scene is new for the 30th year of Trail of Terror in Wallingford, CT. October 5, 2024. — The power plant scene is new for 2024, the 30th year of Trail of Terror in Wallingford.

A werewolf jump scares an unsuspecting attendee at Trail of Terror on opening night. September 28, 2024. — A werewolf jump scares an unsuspecting attendee on opening night.

Set designer, Jonathan Gerolami, paints drips in the power plant scene at Trail of Terror in Wallingford, CT. September 6, 2024. — Set designer Jonathan Gerolami paints drips in the power plant scene prior to the scare trail opening.

Scarecrow at Trail of Terror on October 5, 2024. — The Scarecrow eyes unsuspecting attendees at Trail of Terror on October 5, 2024.

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SOMOS CONNECTICUT is an initiative from Connecticut Public, the state’s local NPR and PBS station, to elevate Latino stories and expand programming that uplifts and informs our Latino communities. Visit CTPublic.org/latino for more stories and resources. For updates, sign up for the SOMOS CONNECTICUT newsletter at ctpublic.org/newsletters.

SOMOS CONNECTICUT es una iniciativa de Connecticut Public, la emisora local de NPR y PBS del estado, que busca elevar nuestras historias latinas y expandir programación que alza y informa nuestras comunidades latinas locales. Visita CTPublic.org/latino para más reportajes y recursos. Para noticias, suscríbase a nuestro boletín informativo en ctpublic.org/newsletters.

Federal funding is gone.

Congress has eliminated all funding for public media.

That means $2.1 million per year that Connecticut Public relied on to deliver you news, information, and entertainment programs you enjoyed is gone.

The future of public media is in your hands.

All donations are appreciated, but we ask in this moment you consider starting a monthly gift as a Sustainer to help replace what’s been lost.

Donate