Corn Maze Fun in the Smokies

The Smoky Mountains don’t just feel like a magical place, they really are a mystical destination. The phrase “old as the hills” rings true when you really dive into the old lore of the mountains. When you come to visit, take this otherworldly tour and investigate for yourself. Here are six of the Smokies’ best kept secrets.

1. Elkmont Trollbridge

Escape to a place that really feels like a glimpse into a mythical land. The Elkmont Trollbridge is a true hidden gem that only locals know about. Hike along the Little River Trail until you reach this spot. Covered in moss and mushrooms, the Trollbridge is perfect for capturing pictures or looking for hidden fantastical creatures.

2. House Of The Fairies

This whimsical spot is only a mile from downtown Gatlinburg yet it feels like you’ve been transported into another realm. Map to this magical place, then go out and explore. Here, you’ll find towering trees and moss covered logs and boulders. Then at the end of the trail you’ll see it...an arched doorway, that looks like it’s almost cut into the side of the hill, sits with a wooden ladder leaning against the frame. Step inside and find a cool spring, filled with water that tinkles like bells. 

3. Synchronous Fireflies

The synchronized fireflies that come out every year like clockwork might be more science than magic but when you’re sitting among the trees and they begin to spark in unison, flickering in and out of sight, it feels like something otherworldly. This rare phenomenon is only seen in a few places in the world and The Great Smoky Mountains National Park is one of them.

4. Elkmont Ghost Town

Once a thriving vacation spot for the Knoxville elite, the Elkmont Ghost Town looks like a legend brought back to life. Recently restored, explore inside the homes and hike trails where you will find the remains of homes once occupied by Appalachian locals who would serve, supply and work in the town. This piece of history is frozen in time and feels like stepping back into the past.

There are many magical places in the Smokies and these are only four of them. Don’t stop here, continue to search for more mystical creatures and sprites living in the trees and hollows. To discover more, stay overnight in the mountains in a log cabin. This cabin is even called Magical Moments, which is exactly what you’ll find when you visit the Smoky Mountains.

Where To Find Corn Maze Fun In The Smokies

No childhood is complete without finding ways of repurposing the traditions and elements of the Harvest Festival into Halloween fun and exciting like the Corn Maze Fun in the Smokies - and no adulthood is complete without finding some to take your kids, nephews, nieces, grandkids, friends' kids, etc. as the season temperatures wind down and the ghosts start becoming more visible throughout the county... ahem, anyway, corn mazes are loads of fun for families and a very simple type of late afternoon attraction that memories are made of.

For those of you coming out to the Smokies between September and October, here are the nearby corn maze attractions we can recommend.

 Kyker Farms Corn Maze

938 Alder Branch Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876
(865) 679-4848

"Kyker Farms welcomes you on an authentic farm adventure featuring corn mazes, hayrides, pumpkin patch and much more. Conveniently located 1.7 miles off TN Hwy 66/Winfield Dunn Pkwy in Sevierville, near Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg. We are only 18.3 miles from the entrance to the Great Smoky Mountains and just a short drive from Knoxville. Owned and operated by the Kyker family, who have been farming this land for 9 generations. Kyker Farms is a Tennessee Century Farm, with 209 years of continuous agricultural production." - website

Amenities:

• Huge corn maze
• Pumpkin Patch
• Hayrides
• Tunnel slides
• Straw crawl
• "Zombie Blasterz" paintball
• Bonfire sites

Apple Valley Corn Maze

460 Lonesome Valley Rd, Sevierville, TN 37862
(865) 280-2676

"My husband, 5-year-old daughter and I went to Apple Valley Corn Maze this weekend and had a blast! They have both an "easy" and a "hard" maze that you can walk through. We did both! My daughter loved playing the "leader" but she needed help from Mom and Dad, especially for the hard maze! It was quite a challenge and took us about 45 minutes to complete. This place stays open until 10 or 11 pm during the Halloween season, and I think this maze would be super creepy at night! They also have a "haunted maze" option, which we did not do (only available after dark I would imagine). Anyway, we also went on a hayride around the property and saw some very pretty scenery. Our daughter loved the kid's mini maze as well. I think her favorite part was the petting zoo, which had goats, a llama, sheep, a camel and more. You can buy feed cups for $1.00 at the entrance. All in all, I thought this place was a good value and it kept our daughter entertained for quite a while. The thing that impressed me the most about the Apple Valley Corn Maze was their employees. I lost my iPhone while there, and couldn't find it anywhere. The hayride driver actually took the tractor around the property and looked for my phone, found it, and called us! I was so happy to have my phone back and thankful that the employees were so nice to actually take the time to look for it. Also, they were very friendly throughout our visit. The lady in the pumpkin store explained about each of the different kinds of pumpkins...they have some very unique ones for sale! Awesome cashew brittle too! I recommend this corn maze to anyone who wants to have some Fall Fun!" - TripAdvisor Review

Amenities:

• Huge corn maze
• Various trails based on "difficulty"
• Petting zoo
• Hayride
• Nearby to Applewood complex, including restaurant and shops

Echo Valley Corn Maze 

915 Bethel Church Rd. Jefferson City, TN 37760
(865) 591-7343

"My family and I went on a Homeschool field trip 26 October 2017. In a word, AMAZING! Echo Valley Farms is more than an hour from our home, but we will be visiting every fall. The hayride, pumpkin patch and picnic/welcome facilities are great, but the best thing is all the playthings they have for the little ones! Swings, zip lines, climbing areas and petting zoo are awesome. They also had a slide which is probably about 3 stories tall made from corrugated pipes! The staff was so very welcoming. It was an amazing trip. Oh, and the pumpkin cannon... don’t forget the pumpkin cannon!" - Facebook Review

Amenities:

• Corn Maze
• Pumpkin Patch
• Evening Bonfires
• Kids Niblet Train
• Corn Shucking
• Animal Feed for Petting Zoo
• Picnic Area
• Party huts

Robert Tino Homecoming 

812 Old Douglas Dam Rd, Sevierville, TN 37876

"Every October the farm which is home to [Robert's] art gallery comes to life with a buzz of activity during his annual “Robert A. Tino Smoky Mountain Homecoming.” The fields surrounding the gallery are filled with local arts and craftsmen whose works celebrate our Appalachian heritage. Visitors will find such things as basket making, blacksmithing, wood-turning, apple butter making, bee-keeping, corn grist milling, lye soap making, an antiques area along with antique tractors and engines. There will also be additional crafters with jewelry, garden iron work, pottery, soaps and lotions, children’s books and more." - website

Amenities:

• Huge family fun event
• Pumpkin Patch
• Music entertainment
• Arts and crafts vendors
• Hayrides
• Onsite food

Fender's Maze 

254 Highway 107, Jonesborough, TN 37659
423-753-4469

"When the light has slipped from the sky and darkness envelopes the grounds, what is imagined becomes real; and reality is uncertain.  It isn’t the fear of what lurks in the shadows, but what may skulk into the light. With each step that is taken, the weight of watchful eyes is all that drives you. Encounters with the undead, chainsaw-wielding psychopaths, and deranged clowns are to be expected.  Come celebrate fifteen years of TERROR at Fender’s Farm, where you’ll pay to get in and pray to get out!" - website

Amenities:

• 7 acre, complicated corn maze
• Wagon ride
• Jumping Pillow
• Pumpkin Patch
• Petting zoo
• Private party facilities
• Many more activities onsite

 First Baptist Church Love Loud Corn Maze 

317 Parkway, Sevierville, TN 37862
(Actual location near Sevierville Public Park)
(865) 453-9001

"We're loving on the Sevier County community again this Fall with the 4th Annual Love Loud Corn Maze! This year's maze is bigger than ever, so get ready! We even have a small hay maze for the tiny tykes! Popcorn, games, photo opportunities – everything's FREE! Hope you can come!

Amenities:

• Free for the general public
• Corn maze is small but perfect for the youngest family members to enjoy
• Bonfires
• Hayrides
• Free snacks for visitors

Additionally, other local areas around Sevier County such as churches, community centers and other fundraisers or entities may also be holding similar Halloween/Harvest Festival events that don't get as widely advertised as others. If you're stopping by this Autumn, keep a lookout as you drive for banners or other events and take a look at community bulletin boards at Food City and other businesses for news.

Have a spooktacular Smoky Mountain Halloween!