Uncle Shucks Corn Maze, Dawsonville, Georgia USA
Outdoor Family Fun 40 Minutes North of Atlanta
Nov 8, 2008
By definition, a maze is: a confusing, winding, group of pathways. Why we want to be confused any more than we already are is a mystery, but, every year, as leaves turn to colors of gold and red, persons everywhere are flocking to mazes cut in elephant-eye-high corn fields. Here's why.
Uncle Shucks Corn Maze Is a Puzzle, and a Work of Art
For the past seven years, around 10 acres of 8-foot-high corn, in a field near Dawsonville, Georgia, are painstakingly sculpted to become mazes which are also works of art (see attached photo). Six-foot-wide paths are cut through the dense fields of corn; many double back on themselves, or become dead ends. Even by using the sun as a navigational reference, many visitors spend an hour or more trying to make their way through the maze; when they try it after dark, so many become disoriented, and "lost," that the management has to send out guides to "rescue" them. Almost everyone in a family will enjoy these mazes, except possibly those that tire quickly from walking. Overly exuberant teenagers cause occasional problems when in the maze without adult supervision, but otherwise the maze is a family friendly adventure.
More Than Just a Maze: Wholesome Family Fun
The Uncle Shucks maze can actually be several separate mazes. In 2008, there were Republican and Democratic mazes, which, when seen from above had images of an elephant or donkey carved in them; there also were a spooky maze, for use only after dark, and a childrens maze, where the vegetation was short enough to permit parents to keep an eye on the obviously happy youngsters. Once one has had enough of the mazes, there are snack vendors, offering (surprise) corn on the cob, sugar-dusted funnel cakes, sausages on buns, French fries, and other typical fair food. And there are other family attractions, such as pony or hay wagon rides, a canon that shoots ears of corn at a target few seem able to hit, and a playground for the kiddies.
Pumpkins are BIG
What would an autumnal fair be without those orange pumpkins. At Uncle Shucks there were piles and miles of pumpkins for sale, ranging in size and weight from less than a pound to more than 50. Although obvious signs asked that children be kept of the pumpkins, careless parents regularly encouraged their undisciplined offspring to scramble over the easily damaged fruit, so that they could make a cute video of the disobedient behavior.
Where and When
Uncle Shucks is located in Dawsonville, which is about a 40 minute drive north of Atlanta. The maze opens in late September, and runs clear through October, ending when nature, and human activities, have significantly degraded the corn fields. Admission is $9 for those age 4 and older; there are additional charges for activities other than the maze itself. With 40,000 expected to attend each year, weekends can be crowded, a bit hectic, and noisy. For further information: telephone 888/674-8257, or 770/772-6223, on on the Web at www.uncleshucks.com
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