Getting Lost in the Season

Exploring “a-maze-ing” fall fun

September 2025

Liberty Mills Farm in Somerset, Va., is one of the many farms across the region that host elaborate corn mazes, pumpkin patches, children’s activities and more family fun each fall. (courtesy Liberty Mills Farm)

by Kari Smith, Contributing Writer

There’s something about the colorful changing of the leaves and the crisp autumn air that draws people outdoors to celebrate harvest season. Pool days and beach trips are traded for pumpkin patches, farm animals and hayrides.

Commercial corn mazes, which originated in the early 1990s in the U.S. as a fun twist on traditional European hedge mazes, have become one of the country’s most iconic autumn activities.

The first modern commercial corn maze was created in 1993 in Pennsylvania. Today, more than 500 commercial corn mazes across the country draw visitors each fall.

From themed trivia mazes and kid-friendly zip lines to towering straw castles and more, here’s a look at some of the area’s standout fall farms.

Families can create lasting memories as they navigate together through the massive corn maze at Liberty Mills Farm. (courtesy Liberty Mills Farm)

Liberty Mills Farm

Somerset, Va., libertymillsfarm.com

434-882-6293

At Liberty Mills Farm in Somerset, you’ll find Virginia’s largest corn maze — and one of the largest in the country. “We wanted to offer an amazing adventure for families and friends,” says co-owner Kent Woods, “creating a unique attraction in Central Virginia.” Each year, the farm, powered by Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, designs four distinct trails ranging in difficulty, so everyone from first-timers to maze veterans can join the fun.

“Our themes are chosen to provide an engaging and educational experience, often reflecting significant cultural or historical events,” Woods explains. The intricate design takes months of planning and prepping before corn is even planted. Once the stalks are tall enough, the team cuts pathways into the field to match the blueprints. Maintaining the massive maze is no small feat. “Weather conditions and maintaining clear pathways are ongoing challenges,” he notes.

Still, the hard work pays off — especially when guests conquer the famously difficult Hole Punch Maze, which can take up to three hours. “Many visitors have shared their excitement upon completing it. For some, it’s a real bucket-list experience,” Woods says.

Since 2010, Liberty Mills Farm has grown to include events like its Fall Farm Festival and Sunflower Festival, a pumpkin patch, flower picking, and a market offering homemade ice cream and local goodies. As the farm grows, the focus remains rooted in connection.

“Watching families and friends create lasting memories while experiencing farm life firsthand is the most fulfilling part of what we do,” Woods says.

“Last year, we were voted by USA Today as one of the top five corn mazes in the country,” adds Woods.

AMENITIES AND ACTIVITIES

• Four Trails: Story Maze (approx. 30 minutes), Trivia Maze (45-60 minutes), Hole Punch Maze (2-3 hours, find 21 stations), and Mystery Maze (no map, open ended); Flashlight Maze on select evenings.
• Maze Size: spans approximately 34 acres, among the nation’s largest, but broken into separate trails for accessibility and flow.
• Pumpkin Patch: The farm provides convenient wheelbarrows for picking your favorite pumpkin varieties in many shapes, sizes and colors.
• Flower Festivals: seasonal events like Flowers on the Farm, which runs through Oct. 15.
• Farm Market & Shops: homemade ice cream and fudge, pumpkin butter, local honey and gifts.

Jocelyn Oldham, with Amaya and Jackson, going through the corn maze at Lloyd Family Farms. (photo by Kari Smith)

Lloyd Family Farms

Rockville, Va., lloydfamilyfarms.com

804-955-7840

The corn maze at Lloyd Family Farms is part of a much larger autumn celebration that takes place from Sept. 26 through Oct. 26, open on weekends and on Columbus Day. “The entire operation is family-owned and family-run,” says Amber Timmerman, a member of the Lloyd family who manages the farm’s equine facility. “It’s something we all take pride in and participate in.”

The farm, also powered by Rappahannock Electric Cooperative, invites guests into a lively seasonal experience with a massive corn crib, a castle made entirely of straw for children to climb on, and an array of farm animals that include goats, chickens, cows, horses and even a baby colt this year. “We’ve been open to the public for this experience for over a decade now,” says Timmerman. “It started as just another fun way to invite families out to experience the farm in the fall. Since then, it’s really grown. In fact, we added live music and food trucks last year.” The corn maze spans nearly 10 acres and serves as the centerpiece of the farm. Designing it starts months in advance.

The pumpkin patch is filled with pumpkins and gourds of all sizes, colors and shapes. Wheelchair-accessible hayride trailers provide access to main field attractions. However, guests should be aware that not all areas are paved.

Lloyd Family Farms in Rockville, Va. hosts its fall celebration on weekends and on Columbus Day from Sept. 26 through Oct. 26. (photo by Kari Smith)

Back Home on the Farm

Harrisonburg, Va., backhome-onthefarm.com

540-442-6493

In the scenic Shenandoah Valley, Back Home on the Farm offers more than just a corn maze — it’s a countryside carnival experience with over 40 attractions and something for nearly every age group. The farm opens in early fall with a themed corn maze called “Cornundrums,” part of its Virginia Pumpkin Festival held on weekends in mid October.

AMENITIES AND ACTIVITIES

• Corn Maze & Puzzle Fun: Visitors navigate a classic maze and solve “cornundrums” along the way while enjoying the maze’s theme celebrating the 75th anniversary of Peanuts.
• Pumpkin Patch: over 7 acres of pumpkins and gourds representing 60-plus varieties, both pre-picked and U pick.
• Attractions & Activities: includes a historic carousel, rubber duck races, a toy tractor museum, underground slides and miniature golf.
• Food & Treats: Fresh apple cider doughnuts, hand-dipped ice cream, burgers, cider slushies, fresh-squeezed lemonade and more can be purchased in the farm store.
• Events & Festivities: parades, face painting, costume contests, a candy cannon, pig races, and bonfires with storytelling and music on cooler weekends.
• Tickets & Hours: General admission covers all attractions. Prices vary: $16 on weekends, $12 on weekdays in person. Discounts are available online and for groups.

More than 500 commercial corn mazes across the country draw visitors each fall. (courtesy Liberty Mills Farm)