These aerial views of the two corn mazes mentioned in this story (Zarpentines above, Cobble Creek below) show the patterns created by the twisting and turning pathways cut through corn planted last spring. Walter Horylev photographed the two farm attractions while on a plane ride with pilot Vet Thomas. The fall features draw big crowds of visitors anxious to test their problem solving skills, or just looking for a walk in the cool autumn air.

Amazing designs challenge maize field wanderers

The days may be getting shorter and the air might be getting cooler but that is no reason to begin the winter hibernation — not when there are corn mazes to be conquered. Cobble Creek Farm and Zarpentine Farm both offer corn mazes to challenge both young and old.

Cobble Creek Manager Greg VerHulst said the farm has done mazes for the past seven years but the past four have featured specific themes. “It’s an eight acre maze and there are clues, in the form of rhymes, that help guide visitors through it.”

At Zarpentines, Pat Zarpentine said when she and her husband, Ron, were looking for ways to diversify the farm, they decided to cut a maze through their corn. “We average about 15,000 visitors a year to the maze,” she said. “The maze this year features a military theme, is cut into 20 acres of corn and is about six to six and a half miles long.”

Visitors to Zarpentines are also given the option of solving riddles, seeking color coded popsicle sticks and making their way through the maze. But for those who just want to stroll the maze without searching for clues, that option is available also. Because of the size of Zarpentine’s maze there are three bridges stationed at various points and “corn cops” patrol to help those who might have lost their way.

VerHulst said that people don’t normally get lost in the maze but many do take their time to enjoy the adventure of it. “It’s just a great way for a family to spend some time together,” he said.

If you go:
Cobble Creek Farm, 5161 West Ridge Road, Spencerport
The maze is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. An $8 admission price gets attendees a 45-minute hay ride, the choice of a pumpkin of any size from the field, cider, donut, an apple, an ear of popcorn and a trip into Pumpkin Hollow to view the carved, lit pumpkins.

Zarpentine Farm Market and MAiZE, 163 Burritt Road, Hilton
The MAiZE is open Fridays from 6 to 10 p.m.; Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 6 p.m. Admission is $7 ages 12 to adult; $5 ages four to 11 and three years and under are free. A special discount is offered for military families with proper identification.