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Best Corn Mazes Near Baltimore

There's something about finding your way through the endless twists and turns of a corn maze on a beautiful fall day that makes the season extra special. But not everyone can handle the mind games and thrills of getting lost in the maze. Younger kids in particular are just as happy with a maze they can run through in just five minutes, and will continue to do so all day long. So no matter your challenge preference, this list has it all - the ultimate checkpoint mazes spanning acres of land to the smaller, more intimate mazes that still leave extra time to enjoy the other farm festivities.

Rodgers' Farms (North Run Farm)
1818 Greenspring Valley Road
Stevenson, Md. 21153
(410) 241-3392
www.northrunfarm.com

Take the family to a guaranteed "home run" corn maze with a design inspired by Baltimore's very own Orioles. This giant corn maze will keep adventurers busy for hours and features a new themed design each year to ensure there's a challenge for return visitors. For younger children, there is also a mini hay bale maze that can be tackled without being overly intimidating. Other autumn-inspired attractions include a hayride, pumpkin patch, farm animal zoo, corn sandbox, hay playground and more. Plus with apples, cider and a variety of local produce for purchase, there's no reason not to take the fresh-off-the-farm taste home with you.Related: Best Playgrounds In Baltimore

Get Lost In A Corn Maze
(Photo Credit: Rich Koele/Thinkstock)

Lawyer's Moonlight Maze
13003 Creagerstown Road
Thurmont, Md. 21788
(240) 315-8611
www.lawyersmoonlightmaze.com

Although a good 1.5-hour drive from Baltimore, this corn maze is worth the extra effort for those seeking the ultimate maze challenge. For 2013, the theme of the maze is the "Battle of Gettysburg: Commemorating the 150th Anniversary of the Civil War" and the design covers a whopping 6.2 miles of trails across 42 acres of land. Once you enter the maze, the goal is to find all 24 checkpoints, each of which has a unique hole punch for your score keeping. Find all of the checkpoints and earn a complimentary pass to try your luck again in 2014. As if this wasn't challenge enough, test your skills (and your guts) by trying this maze at night.

Greenstreet Gardens
Credit: www.greenstreetgardens.com

Greenstreet Gardens
391 W. Bay Front Road
Lothian, Md. 20711
(410) 867-9500
www.greenstreetgardens.com

Don't miss celebrating the 9th anniversary of Greenstreet Gardens' annual corn maze by successfully finding your way out of the many twists and turns built into this five-acre puzzle. From an aerial view, the corn maze is cut into an artistic blend of bird and flower shapes; however from the ground, there's no telling which way to go. A map of the maze can be printed online prior to visiting, which lends clues to the fastest route out. Additionally, the festival is home to numerous seasonal activities like the straw castle, haunted barn, face painting, pumpkin bowling and tractor climb. Let's just say you won't be bored even if you find yourself out of the maze in record time.

Related: Best Kid-Friendly Haunted Houses In Baltimore

Summers Farm
Credit: www.summersfarm.com

Summers Farm Adventure
5620 Butterfly Lane
Frederick, Md. 21703
(301) 620-9316
www.summersfarm.com

No Baltimore football fan can pass up this opportunity to make your way through a Ravens-designed corn maze. Down on Summers Farm, there are 14 acres of opportunity for getting lost down aisles of corn stalks – that's 2.5 miles of paths, plus two scenic bridges hidden within, and a farmyard mystery to solve (be sure to inquire about the "The Farm Scene Investigation" game). Choose your maze path wisely as there are alternate sections available to accommodate different thrill seekers, making this a fun time no matter your age or maze confidence. The lucky can pass through the trails in less than 30 minutes, but for most, the challenge will take a couple of hours so be prepared to stay awhile.

Applewood Farm
4435 Prospect Road
Whiteford, Md. 21160
(410) 836-1140
www.applewoodfarm.org

Make a memory at Applewood Farm where the corn and kiddie mazes are waiting to be explored. Families can soak up the beautiful outdoor fall colors in the pumpkin patch or check out the not-too-spooky (but just spooky enough) Halloween decorations at the barn before traversing through the windy paths of the corn maze. The tractor-drawn hay wagon rides, petting zoo, model trains for carrying pumpkins and apples and one-of-a-kind reindeer antler toss are all favorites for children. Come hungry and enjoy hot food and fresh apple cider at the Applewood Café – the perfect combination for enjoying a crisp fall day.

Keri Ann Beazell is a Baltimore writer following the latest developments in arts and culture, natural wonders, lifestyle and pets. She enjoys promoting thought-provoking discussions, education, new ideas and smiles among readers. Follow her online at Examiner.com

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