By Samantha Werkheiser
Staff Writer

Autumn is in full swing this year at Klingel Farms, home to Mazezilla, the 11-acre corn maze, and many other fall attractions.

Mazezilla and Klingel Farms are nestled in the hills of Saylorsburg, which is just a 20 minute drive from ESU.

Since 1998, Klingel Farms has been designing and making their own corn mazes each fall season.

Owner Stewart Klingel designs each maze on a grid by hand, something unusual for corn mazes. A computer fabricates most mazes’ designs.

Klingel plants the corn each year and goes through with a machete to cut out his design when the corn is done growing.

Staying current with the times, this year’s maze design is “Presidential Pathways.”

From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., the maze costs $8 per person and from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., it is $12 per person.

Patrons are taken to the maze in a tractor-drawn wagon and are given the rules before being allowed to enter the maze.

Once in the maze, patrons must find the ten checkpoints throughout the maze to truly complete it. There are helpers within the maze who will guide you if you are having difficulty, as well as employees in watchtowers who overlook the complex.

If you find the maze too difficult or you get too cold, you have the option to leave at any time, as there is a border surrounding the maze that provides an easy exit.

“Only about half of the people actually finish the maze with all the checkpoints,” says Joe Weidner, an employee.

Klingel Farms also offers many other fall attractions besides the corn maze. The pumpkin picking patch is the second most popular activity at the farm. You can even get a wagon to haul your gourds around.

If picking pumpkins isn’t for you, there’s also the option to launch them with a large slingshot.

Hay forts, mountain slides and a petting zoo are more attractions that Klingel Farm offers.

While the daytime proves to be a popular time for families, the nighttime attracts more young couples and groups.

“Mazezilla is a different date idea; it breaks the usual cycle. I come almost every year,” says patron Christy Dunn.

The maze and farm brings people from all over, not just the Poconos.

“You’ll see quite a few license plates from New York and New Jersey in the parking lot,” says Weidner.

On their peak weekend, Klingel farms sees about 10,000 people and about 150,000 people for the entire season.

“It’s one of the few places left that you can come out and have a fun day on the farm, whether it’s the maze or pumpkin picking,” says Laraine Brants, a first year employee.

For more information on Mazezilla and Klingel Farms, visit www.mazezilla.com.

Email Samantha at:
swerkheis4@live.esu.edu