Massachusetts maze is a good place to get lost
From the air, the patterns of Davis Mega Maze in Sterling, Mass., can be seen along with the wooden bridges that help visitors navigate the maze. (2010) Credit: Davis Mega Maze/
It was a scene right out of "The Wizard of Oz": Four paths met in the middle of a field that had stalks of corn growing 10 feet high. Each looked like the best way to go - except that I could have sworn that I had been at this particular intersection before. And there was no talking scarecrow - with or without a brain - to direct or confuse me.
In fact, I probably had been there several times in the past half-hour - there and just about every other three-or four-way intersection inside the Davis Mega Maze in Sterling, Mass. And I had certainly seen many of the same people - some for the umpteenth time - scurrying excitedly one way or plodding dejectedly back another. In short, I was thoroughly lost inside the 8-acre corn conundrum with its nearly 3 miles of trails.
I negotiated my way over to the nearest of 10 elevated bridges - more than any other corn maze in the world - to sheepishly ask the staff member-cum-scarecrow for a clue.
Another 30 minutes (and yet another hint) later, I finally crossed the aptly named Victory Bridge.
ABOUT THE MAZE
Now in its 13th season, the Davis Mega Maze is one of an increasing number of serious, thoroughly modern "adult" mazes, meant to challenge more than amuse. And challenge it does. Designed by Englishman Adrian Fisher, the Davis maze thwarts the simple "stay to the left (or right)" strategy. It tricks you into going up onto bridges when the correct path is the inconspicuous one that cuts off just before. The fact that there's a snack station inside the maze is a tipoff that this isn't merely a walk in the stalks. Nor is it merely a matter of finding your way out.
"The days of meandering through empty pathways of endless corn are over," says Larry Davis, an owner of this family farm about 15 miles northeast of Worcester.
This year's "Survivor" themed maze has seven intensity levels, including an option to GeoQuest your way through with a GPS device. Participants compete in "Survival Challenges" along the way - stopping to take a spin on a low-riding zip line, play miniature golf or run an obstacle course. Between noon and 1 p.m. on weekends, there's a "Gross Grub" eating challenge (think turkey gizzards) that awards winners with discounted or free admission.
HIGH-TECH TOUCHES
Meanwhile, those who want to stay connected during their wanderings can do so - portions of the Davis Mega Maze are set up with free Wi-Fi service, should visitors want to use their smart phone or iPad to post their triumphs or bemoan their tribulations on Facebook and Twitter.
If all that still isn't enough of a challenge - stick around until 1 p.m., when the whole maze is reconfigured as the staff repositions a dozen or so path-blocking sawhorses.
Surprise - you're still in Kansas!
IF YOU GO
Davis Mega Maze
145 Redstone Hill Rd., Sterling, Mass.
978-422-8888, davismegamaze.com
OPEN 10 a.m.-6 p.m. weekends through Nov. 14 and Monday holidays. Also open select Friday evenings in October for "Fright Nights."
ADMISSION $16.95 ($12.95 ages 5-12)
