Top 10 Must-Visit Haunted Hayrides and Corn Mazes in Maine This Fall

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As the leaves turn and the air grows crisp, families across Maine are gearing up for some Halloween fun. For those seeking a little thrill without being too spooky, Maine’s corn mazes and haunted hayrides offer the perfect balance of excitement and family-friendly adventure. Whether you're looking to explore a creepy cornfield or take a spine-tingling hayride, here are the best places in Maine to enjoy the Halloween season with your loved ones.

1. Treworgy Family Orchards – Levant

Treworgy Family Orchards is a beloved destination for fall fun, and their annual corn maze is a must-visit for families. Each year, the farm unveils a new maze design, often inspired by classic Halloween themes. While not overly spooky, the maze is a fun challenge for kids and adults alike. After navigating the maze, you can relax with a cup of hot cider, visit the petting zoo, or pick pumpkins from their expansive patch.

• Family Tip: They offer twilight maze walks for families who want a slightly spookier experience as dusk falls without the full scare of a haunted attraction.

2. Sandy River Farms Corn Maze – Farmington

Sandy River Farms is known for its massive corn maze, which sprawls across 10 acres of farmland. While the maze is not haunted, it becomes a little more eerie as the sun sets and shadows stretch across the field. It’s perfect for families looking for an adventurous maze without the fear factor. Younger kids can enjoy the pumpkin patch and tractor rides, and there are plenty of seasonal treats to enjoy afterward.

• Family Tip: Visit during daylight hours for younger children, as the size of the maze can be overwhelming after dark.

3. Harvest Hill Farms – Mechanic Falls

If your family loves a good scare, Harvest Hill Farms offers both a spooky corn maze and a haunted hayride known as "The Gauntlet." The haunted hayride is filled with creepy characters and spooky scenes, making it better suited for older kids and families looking for a thrilling Halloween experience. For younger kids, there’s a more traditional corn maze and a pumpkin patch to explore.

• Family Tip: The haunted hayride may be a bit intense for young children, so it’s best to gauge their comfort levels before boarding.

4. Thunder Road Farm – Corinna

For a blend of Halloween fun and agricultural adventure, Thunder Road Farm offers a seasonal corn maze that’s perfect for families. Their "Great Corn Maze" is filled with twists and turns but remains family-friendly. For a more Halloween-themed experience, they offer a spooky hayride after dark. The ride takes you through the woods with eerie sounds and mild frights, making it a great choice for families with older kids.

• Family Tip: The haunted hayride is more about fun than fear, so it's suitable for most kids who enjoy a mild scare.

5. Pumpkin Valley Farm – Dayton

Pumpkin Valley Farm offers one of the best family-friendly experiences in Maine during the fall season. Their corn maze is designed with families in mind, featuring fun trivia and activities for kids as they navigate the paths. If you're looking for a spooky touch, their haunted hayrides offer just the right amount of Halloween thrills, with spooky sights and sounds that aren’t too scary for younger children.

• Family Tip: After your hayride, be sure to visit the pumpkin patch to pick the perfect pumpkin to carve at home.

6. Saco River Farms – Bar Mills

Saco River Farms offers a delightful blend of fall activities, including their family-friendly corn maze and a not-too-scary haunted hayride. Their maze is perfect for kids, offering plenty of space to explore while still being manageable in size. The haunted hayride features spooky scenes that are more humorous than terrifying, making it ideal for families with younger children.

• Family Tip: Bring a flashlight for an extra fun adventure in the maze after dark, but know that the atmosphere remains lighthearted and fun.

7. McDougal Orchards – Springvale

While McDougal Orchards is primarily known for its apple picking, they also offer a mini corn maze that’s perfect for younger children. The maze is designed for little ones to enjoy without getting too lost, and there are Halloween-themed decorations scattered throughout the paths. It’s a great stop for families looking for a less intense adventure but still want to get into the Halloween spirit.

• Family Tip: Pair your maze adventure with a day of apple picking for a full fall day experience.

8. Nightmare New England – Litchfield

For families with teens or older kids looking for something more intense, Nightmare New England offers a haunted hayride that’s sure to get your heart racing. This one is not for the faint of heart, with detailed sets and live actors bringing the scares. Their corn maze is also designed to be spooky, with unexpected frights along the way. This attraction is recommended for families with older children and teens who are ready for a thrill.

• Family Tip: Check age recommendations before visiting as this one is better suited for teens and adults.

9. Ricker Hill Orchards – Turner

Known for its apple picking and cider, Ricker Hill Orchards also offers a seasonal corn maze that’s perfect for younger families. It’s a great option for kids who may not be ready for a full haunted maze but still want to enjoy a spooky atmosphere. There’s also a family-friendly hayride that’s fun and interactive, without being too scary.

• Family Tip: Be sure to grab a warm cider and some cider donuts after your corn maze adventure!

10. Brunswick’s Family Corn Maze – Brunswick

This family-focused corn maze offers just the right amount of adventure for young explorers. The maze itself is fun but not too challenging, and there are scavenger hunts for kids to enjoy as they make their way through. At night, the maze gets a little spookier with decorations and fun, mildly scary surprises that make it perfect for families with younger kids looking for a fun Halloween adventure.

• Family Tip: Visit during twilight for the best of both worlds — a little spooky, but still kid-friendly!

Wrapping Up Your Spooky Maine Adventure

Maine’s corn mazes and haunted hayrides offer the perfect blend of thrills and family-friendly fun for the Halloween season. Whether you’re looking for just a touch of spooky excitement or a full-on haunted experience, these attractions are sure to create lasting memories for you and your loved ones. So, get ready for a fall adventure filled with pumpkins, laughter, and just the right amount of chills as you explore the best spooky spots Maine has to offer!