For Trent Mettler, Halloween has always been more than just costumes and candy – it's a chance to create genuine scares while giving back to the community. Inspired by trips to the iconic Field of Screams in Olney, Maryland, Mettler, now a senior at Quince Orchard High School, transformed his love for Halloween into a community-driven haunted trail that benefits a local charity.
Since 2017, Mettler and his classmates have designed spooky trails in the wooded area near his North Potomac home. This year marks the 6th Fear Haunted Trail, and while it’s free to walk through, visitors are encouraged to bring canned food to donate to Manna Food Center, which fights hunger in Montgomery County.
The impact? “We’ve collected hundreds of pounds of food,” Mettler shared. “It’s an incredible feeling to know we’re making a difference while doing something we love.”
The trail, which was open for Halloween night, will run again on Friday and Saturday for an extra dose of weekend frights. The entry point is marked with flashing lights and pumpkins, inviting guests into an “Out of This World” experience featuring eerie aliens, skeletons, and plenty of jump scares.
With students dedicating over a month to crafting the trail, Mettler estimates the project costs a few thousand dollars. The setup includes flashing lights, sound effects, costumed actors, and even a chain saw-wielding character who tailors the scare level depending on the age of the guests.
For younger children, the scares are toned down, but older teens and adults can expect the full horror experience. “It’s a solid 10 to 15 minutes of terror,” Mettler said with a grin. “We want everyone to leave with a memory – and maybe a scream.”
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