By Julie Reardon

They’re the new craze—growing corn with paths throughout so kids (and adults) can wander through. Some are even shaped with messages, most of which aren’t evident from the ground. By fall, the corn is high enough that it’s over a man’s head. Admission is nominal—and this year, more than ever, farmers who’ve had crops devastated by the drought need the extra income they provide. There are plenty to choose from in the area, including the farmers’ market just south of Leesburg on Rt. 15, Archwood Greens Farmers’ Market, and a good starter maze at Maple Tree Farm near Warrenton.

But how are these mazes designed and made? These days they can be designed and planted via computer software on farm tractors. But the mazes existed before the computer technology and some are still designed and planted the old-fashioned way. Whichever method is chosen, the maze owners all agree that maintaining the neatly-mowed paths throughout the mazes is the most labor-intensive part of maintaining them.

Last month, we suggested some farm stands in the Blue Ridge bursting with fresh fruit and vegetables. This month, grab the kids or grandkids and go try your navigational skills at a corn maze. The area’s best delight of children and adults; the mazes range from simple to complex and offer a good afternoon of fun and even a little competition. Fall’s goodies include the plethora of ripe fresh fruits and vegetables available at fruit stands and farmers markets throughout the hunt country. Get the last of the summer peaches, or choose ripe tomatoes, corn, apples and more. Farm stands abound, and many of them have corn mazes.

You might even have seen them on TV. A farm in Maryland has a maze with a picture of local favorite and ice hockey champion Alexander Ovechkin. While there’s no Ovi in Virginia’s hunt country, there are still a good selection of corn mazes to choose from ranging from the simple to the elaborate.

For simple, younger children and their grandparents, Maple Tree Farm near Warrenton has just the ticket. Owner/manager Patty Leonard said Maple Tree is very child-friendly. While not a farm stand peddling produce, it has many children’s activities, including puppets and a choo choo train for rides. There are also plenty of friendly small farm animals for the children to interact with. And at the end of the month, there will be a haunted spooky trail to test your nerves. Maple Tree is open weekends through Thanksgiving; visit their website at www.mapletreefarmva.com or call 540-422-2007.

Archwood Greens in The Plains holds a Sunday market that’s open from 11-4, with produce, baked goods, meats, herbs and plants, and a corn maze. In addition, you can find farm stands on nearly every road in and out of the towns of Fauquier, Western Loudoun, Rappahannock, Clarke and Culpeper counties.

Farm Fun

In addition to farm animals, Leesburg Animal Park has squirrel monkeys, giant tortoises, lemurs, and a baby tiger born this summer. Many other animal babies were born there including llamas, donkeys, goats and ponies. The marionette show, Clowning Around, features juggling, roller skating, and other daring feats performed by a nationally acclaimed puppet show. Admission is $5 for children aged 2 through 12 and $7 for adults. The farm is just south of Leesburg on Rt. 15. It’s in Richmond at the Richmond Raceway Complex through October 6th. Call 800-588-3247 or visit them at www.statefair.com.

The Granddaddy of Mazes

Travel south to Somerset, near Culpeper, for the biggest maze in the state and one of the largest in the entire country. “We wanted to offer an amazing adventure for families and friends,” said co-owner Kent Woods, “creating a unique attraction.” Each year Liberty Mills Farm designs four distinct trails through its mazes ranging in difficulty, so everyone from first timers to maze veterans can test their navigation skills. “Our themes are chosen to provide an engaging and educational experience, often reflecting significant cultural or historic events,” Woods said. Their intricate designs take months of planning and preparation before corn is even planted. Once the stalks are tall enough, the staff cuts pathways into the fields to match the blueprints.

Maintenance of the paths of the Liberty Mills giant maze is no small undertaking, with weather conditions and maintaining clear paths making it a labor-intensive job. The hard work pays off for those who complete the famously difficult Hole Punch Maze, that can take 3 hours to complete. Woods said this is a bucket list adventure for some folks.

For the past 15 years, Liberty Mills has also included a pumpkin patch, fall festivals, a sunflower and flower picking patch and a small market offering homemade ice cream and other local goodies. Last year this farm’s maze was voted one of the top 5 mazes in the country by USA Today. For information visit www.libertymillsfarm.com or call 434-882-9293.