Pro Tips: How Not to Get Lost in a Corn Maze
Every year, thousands of people step foot in a corn maze. And every year, an unsuspecting family becomes stuck. We caught up with some local farmers, who offered tips on how to avoid getting lost.
1. Know what you’re getting into.
Take note of your entrance and exit before you enter the maze, said Mike Boudreau, owner of the Great Vermont Corn Maze in Danville, Vt. Look for any distinguishing artifacts — like a belltower, for example — and use them as a reference point.
2. Work together as a team.
Don’t underestimate the value of teamwork, said Bob Connors of Connors Farm in Danvers, Mass. “When families are working together,’’ he said, “they get more out of the maze.’’ And, if the idea of mazing with your family is anything but appealing, skip over your little brother and bring along a friend.
3. Make your own map.
It may seem counterintuitive, but you could benefit from tracing your steps.
“Some people will come in and try to create the maze on paper simply by walking through and taking the paths,’’ said Larry Davis, owner of Davis Mega Maze in Sterling, Mass. And when they’re done? “It actually kind of looks like our maze, which astounds me,’’ he said. “Now, that’s pretty good.’’
4. Go to a maze with a smartphone app.
So the thought of making your own map perplexes you. Don’t fret. Many farms now feature cellphone applications to help you along your way.
Said Connors: “We have different stations with ‘Quick Response’ codes throughout the maze. It will bring up a clue to guide them through.’’
If your family and friends just aren’t cutting it, you can always rely on your phone.
5. When in doubt, follow the kids.
Still struggling to get out of a corn maze? Swallow your pride and let a child take the reins.
“If an adult goes in there and they try to lead, for some reason or another, it just doesn’t work out,’’ said Michele Dutton, owner of Sherman Farm in Conway, N.H. “As soon as the kids take over, boom, you’re golden.’’
Whether it’s a matter of energy or an innate sense of direction, it turns out the tiniest of mazers have a knack for where to go.
So what’s your fall corn maze strategy? Tell us in the comments below!
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