CALENDAR

BY MARGO BARTLETT

As viewed from above, some corn mazes are complicated labyrinths of intricate, themed designs. Whether they’re looking for a challenge or just an autumn atmosphere, enthusiasts of all ages are attracted to corn mazes. Add other activities — hayrides, pumpkin picking, campfires, and farm-themed playgrounds — and the result is autumn entertainment that many embrace as an annual tradition. With cornfields covering over 13% (3.5 million acres) of Ohio land area, it’s only natural that corn mazes proliferate around the state; a quick online search found more than 100, so there’s sure to be one near you. We visited a few for a behind-the-scenes look.

McPeek’s Mighty Maze is part of the annual fall festival at the Colonial Campground in Coshocton. Here, Lane, Rowdi and Sylvie Mullett reach the exit of the maze (photo by Marissa Mullett — @keenecreekfarmandmakery on Instagram).

Located at the Coshocton KOA Holiday in Coshocton, the Mighty Maze is a part of the fall festival held by Ryan and Camille McPeek. Employee Amy Hamilton says they plant the corn like normal, and the maze is cut with a tractor and a GPS device. Do mazers ever get lost? “Some do need help,” she says, noting that guides are always available. Before closing each evening, employees sweep through the maze, looking for stragglers. “We leave no man behind,” Hamilton jokes. She says the maze can be navigated in 10 minutes or two hours, depending on one’s sense of direction and desire to stay lost. On designated nights, adults can sample beer and wine from Ohio breweries and wineries at stations inside the maze. Flashlight nights are for intrepid souls who enjoy navigating a maze in the dark. Other activities at McPeek’s include live music, food trucks, pumpkin painting, wagon rides, and trick-or-treat on October Saturdays — but the Mighty Maze is mighty popular. Hamilton says on their busiest day last year, over 1,000 people ventured through the corn.