Polk County’s Corn Maze, (The River Maze) Opening For It’s 16th Season

Residents of Southeast Tennessee will be able to “escape to the farm” when this region’s creative corn maze returns to Birchland Ocoee Farms for its 16th season on September 26. Featuring a new design each year, this fall’s 10- acre maze is an attempt to inspire hope to all who are brave enough to navigate it. The theme is “America, the Beautiful”. It features 10 rivers in the United States as part of the paths, but other beautiful scenes across America will be depicted. Trivia about America is incorporated in the signage and will challenge those who go through the maze. The Liberty Bell is also part of the design, so visitors can “Let Freedom Ring”.

“For the second year we wanted to let our region know that we support “Trek Thru Truth,” said Joe Fetzer, owner and manager of The River Maze. “We think it’s exciting that an interactive children’s discovery museum is going to be nearby to us in Cleveland. That is why we put “TREK THRU TRUTH” in our soybean maze design. We also want others to share in the awe and beauty of our historic farm.”

Here at The River Maze, we cannot wait to welcome you back for our 16th season and are committed to the health and safety of our employees and guests as we celebrate this momentous occasion. In accordance with CDC, state and local guidelines, we'll be implementing a number of Covid-related safety precautions and invite you to join us in working together to PLAY SAFE this fall in our 20+ acres of outdoor open air.

The River Maze will modify some attractions and delete others in response to the Covid Pandemic. We have installed

some new games. They are Steer Roping, Soccer Practice and Four Square in the Air. We are in the process of adding 2 new 150 ft Kiddie Zip lines and improving our barnyard animals. We added two additional kiddie slides located in an old grain bin last year. We will modify our hayrides and cow train rides. We are sorry that we will be deleting the Jump Pad (wasn’t if fun?), the corn box and corn ball, due to Covid concerns.

Our biggest addition this year are our sunflower fields. John Keats said,” A thing of beauty is a joy forever.” Our sunflowers will be beautiful and provide many photo-ops. Photographers may request our professional photography policy for these and other photo ops at the farm.

Our Concession and Bakery will once again provide lots of great food. And Yes, our home-grown Pumpkins will be found in our pumpkin patch. The scenic beauty and many other attractions will be a rewarding experience for anyone coming to the River Maze!

The RIVER MAZE will give visitors the chance to “get lost” every Friday, Saturday and Sunday thru November 1. Hours are Friday 5:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. and Sunday 1:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. make reservations, call 423.650.0710 or visit www.TheRiverMaze.com.