North Conway, NH is known for its dozens of shopping outlets and North Country Inns that attract hundreds of tourists every year. But hidden about 10 miles from the stores is an untapped treasure for the area. Sherman Farm’s Corn MAiZE is a new attraction that is perfect for a fun fall escapade.
According to Shermanfarmnh.com, “A freak storm on a Saturday night in August, lightning struck the cornfield at Sherman Farm and carved strange lines into an amazing design.” This design is an eight-acre maze, shaped to look like The Old Man in the Mountain, one of NH biggest landmarks.
The MAiZE itself is made up of more than three miles of walkways. There are two different levels of maze difficulty. The easier maze is supposed to take about 20 minutes. The more difficult maze clocks in at around 45 minutes. However, it’s best to count on at least an hour to get through, since many find themselves lost at some point in the MAiZE.
In case the thrill of the MAiZE isn’t enough to keep your interest, Sherman Farm offers a variety of question sheets that can be picked up prior to entering that are focused on different categories. They range from the “Tiny Tots” sheet, with questions like “What animal says moo?” to harder questions regarding everything from sports to Scripture.
At various points throughout the maze there are posts with numbers on them that correspond to the questions sheets chosen. Each of the multiple-choice answers gives a direction to go with in. Choose the right answer, and it will tell the guests whether to go left or right. Choose the wrong answer, and risk a wild goose chase!
If these questions aren’t enough help, and people feel like they’ve been wandering for hours, there are employees dubbed “corn cops” stationed inside to help guests get out. They can give you advice, help answer questions, or just point you in the right direction.
There is one point in the maze that is a nice relief from the anxiety of trying to find the way. A little more than halfway through the walk is a bridge that goes up above the level of the corn. This allows one to stand on top and see the entire field, along with the view surrounding it. Sherman Farm is tucked away among mountains covered in beautiful fall foliage, and this makes for a truly picture perfect moment.
But one has to continue on and make it to the end of the maze. Not only does it feel wonderful to reach the sign that says “Corn-gratulations! You’re not lost!” but there is still more waiting for you at the farm.
Located outside the maze are a wide variety of activities. Kids can play in a “corn box,” a sand box filled with dried corn kernels. Or they can take a ride on the “Moo Express,” a small train made of oil drums made to look like cows. There is also a petting zoo and face painting for children as well.
For older kids and adults there’s a hayride where they can head to the “Pick Your Own Pumpkin” patch where the pumpkins are plentiful. Hop back on and get a nice ride around the outside of the maze back to the entrance.
The maze is open on Saturday and Sunday only, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. It will be run from September 22 through October 28. It costs 8 dollars for ages 12 and up, 5 dollars for ages 5-11, and kids 4 and under are free. The admission price includes entrance to the maze area, with additional fees for pumpkins and rides on the Moo Express. Pumpkins are reasonably priced, by the pound.
A short ride from the center of North Conway the Sherman Farm Corn Maize is a perfect day trip. With all of the restaurants available in the area, head to the farm in the morning, grab some lunch and shop for the afternoon!