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 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.

The independent journalism and non-commercial programming you rely on every day is in danger.

If you’re reading this, you believe in trusted journalism and in learning without paywalls. You value access to educational content kids love and enriching cultural programming.

Now all of that is at risk.

Federal funding for public media is under threat and if it goes, the impact to our communities will be devastating.

Together, we can defend it. It’s time to protect what matters.

Your voice has protected public media before. Now, it’s needed again. Learn how you can protect the news and programming you depend on.

Protect Connecticut Public