Get Lost! Corn Mazes in the Adirondacks
Indulge in a favorite Adirondack fall activity.
Two paths diverged in a corn maze....
Corn mazes have become a beloved autumn tradition across the United States, offering a fun way to experience the fall season. The roots of this agricultural pastime, however, are relatively modern. Corn mazes as we know them today began in the 1990s, but their history is connected to an ancient tradition of maze-making that spans thousands of years.
In the Adirondacks, corn mazes provide a perfect addition to the region’s other autumnal attractions, from apple picking to scenic hikes amid vibrant foliage.
The ancient and historic roots of mazes and labyrinths.
Europeans had a tradition of mazes.
Mazes and labyrinths have been part of human culture since ancient times, carrying significant symbolic meaning in mythology and religious practices. One of the most renowned examples is the labyrinth located in Knossos on the island of Crete, which was said to house the legendary Minotaur in the Greek myth of Theseus.
Ancient Romans featured labyrinths in their art and constructed mosaics on the floors of Roman homes, serving as a form of entertainment.
Subsequently, various European cultures adopted labyrinths for religious and ceremonial activities. The oldest known hedge maze is the Hampton Court Maze in London, which dates back to the 1690s
During the European Renaissance, hedge mazes became popular, particularly in England and France, as elaborate garden designs offered natural beauty and challenge.
Turn left. Turn right. Left again. Turn around, back to the middle and around again.
In the U.S., the corn maze is a modern adaptation of this tradition. And didn’t gain prominence until the late 20th Century. The first known corn maze in the U.S. was created in 1993 by Don Frantz and Adrian Fisher in Annville, Pennsylvania.
Designed to resemble a human brain, the maze covered several acres and quickly became a popular attraction. Since then, the idea has spread, with many farms nationwide adopting corn mazes to attract visitors during the fall harvest season.
The original maze was constructed using a grid system to plan the design carefully, and workers manually pulled stalks to create the intricate pattern. While some mazes still rely on this traditional grid system, others have embraced advanced technology, employing computer-generated designs and GPS-guided mowers to cut the shapes into the field precisely.
Fort Ticonderoga Corn Maze
Today, over 500 enchanting corn mazes are scattered across the United States, with some even found in the United Kingdom. Each year, these mazes showcase a wide variety of intricate and detailed designs. The grandest can be found at Stoney Brook Farms, Inc. in Foley, Minnesota. It covers a sprawling 110 acres and boasts an impressive 32 miles of pathways.
These captivating corn mazes serve as a source of income for agritourist farms and a delightful introduction to agriculture for individuals who may not have the opportunity to live near a farm or learn about agriculture.
Corn mazes in the Adirondacks.
The Adirondack region is the perfect setting for seasonal activities like corn mazes. Many farms in and around the area offer intricate corn maze designs that challenge visitors of all ages during the fall.
One notable example is Tucker Farms in Gabriels, NY, near Paul Smith’s and Saranac Lake. Each year, Tucker Farms designs a unique maze pattern, adding to the excitement and creating a fresh experience for returning visitors. The farm also offers nighttime maze tours, which add an extra thrill under the stars of the Adirondacks.
Tucker Farm's 2024 Maze Inspired by M*A*S*H. Photo courtesy Tucker Farm's, Shane McIntosh and Norm Bonner.
Fort Ticonderoga on Lake Champlain is also home to an annual, spectacular Epic Corn Maze. This larger-than-life maze offers a thrilling adventure as you wander through towering corn stalks, searching for historical clues about Fort Ticonderoga’s captivating story. The design changes annually, so it’s always a new challenge.
The Heroic Maze is carefully crafted to provide a formidable experience while offering visitors the option to find a quick exit if necessary. Divided into two phases, the maze allows you to tailor your adventure to your preferences.
Image courtesy Rulfs Orchard in Peru, NY.
Fall is a great time to visit Rulfs Orchards in Peru, NY, in the northeastern corner of the Adirondacks, for their delicious apples, homemade baked goods, and local products. It’s also a terrific time to enjoy their corn maze. Open until October 31, the theme for the 2024 maze is Highland Cows.
While there, you can also visit the sweet critters in their petting zoo, including alpacas, goats, donkeys and a horse.
In the Adirondacks, corn mazes complement the region’s other autumnal attractions, from apple picking to scenic hikes amid vibrant foliage.
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