Nestled in the rolling countryside just outside of Huntersville, NC, sits Rural Hill, a nature preserve, living farm, historic site and popular field trip destination that has been welcoming visitors from all over the country for over 250 years. Here, you can step back in time and learn about blacksmithing, woodworking, and farming, take a walk on one of the many hiking trails, participate in a cultural event or just take in the silence and solitude of being in nature. But during the fall months (September to November), there’s one other thing you’ll definitely want to check out at Rural Hill – the Amazing Maize Maze.
Just like the name implies, the Amazing Maize Maze at Rural Hill is a massive seven-acre corn maze that features over two miles of paths and intersections. Each year, the corn is cut into an intricate design that is then color coded with roping that holds back the cornstalks along the pathways. Brave and industrious visitors then take their best shot at finding their way out using only a mental image of the maze design, a blank map (that gets filled in as you find numbered puzzle pieces in mailboxes hidden throughout the maze) and a dozen crossword puzzle clues also scattered throughout the maze. As you find the puzzle pieces and attach them to your map, your path will begin to come clear. And if you can find them all and then unscramble the answer, you’ll have a big clue about how to find the exit!
The Amazing Maize Maze is in fact so intricately designed, that you will pass through three levels before you get to the level that takes you to the exit, although you may go in and out of these levels without even knowing it! Each level has only one path entering into it that is not marked in any way, but each one will take you closer to finding your way out!
But don’t worry, you won’t have to remember all of this going on. Your visit will start with an orientation session where a member of the Maize Maze staff will give you the whole rundown. You’ll have a chance to see a picture of the maze design and also ask any questions before you start your trek. You’ll also make a quick stop near the entrance to pick up your flag, so you’ll have something to wave in case you need help or can’t find your way out.
If you’re feeling particularly brave or adventurous, make sure you check out the Maize Maze at night. Bring your flashlight and take your clue finding skills to a whole other level under the stars! Once you finish the maze, there’s still plenty of fun to be had by taking a hayride, playing a game of cornhole, picking a pumpkin or playing in one of the mini-mazes.
Although there are water coolers located throughout the maze, you can also purchase drinks and snacks at the main registration tent, bring in your own picnic foods or pick up lunch or dinner from one of the food vendors on site during the weekends.
