Escaping a corn maze is a popular fall time activity and Flat Top Mountain Farm is here to get you fall ready with corn mazes and more.
Flat Top Mountain Farm is a family-owned farm on its namesake, Flat Top Mountain, near Soddy Daisy, TN. There’s corn mazes, flowers, pumpkins, hayrides and more. Keep reading to learn all the details about this Chattanooga fall destination and tips for conquering a corn maze.
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Don’t have time to read? Here’s all the important details up front:
What: Corn Maze, Pumpkin Patch, Zinnia Flower Picking
When: Mid-September – Late October (check their website to confirm exact dates)
Where: Flat Top Mountain Farm on Flat Top Mountain near Soddy Daisy, TN
Cost: $12 for entry plus extras if you wish to purchase pumpkins and pick flowers
Flat Top Mountain Farm
Flat Top Mountain Farm was established by Hezekiah Hughes in the early 1820’s. He was one of the first to move to Flat Top Mountain and to this day his descendants still own and operate the farmland he once called home. Over the years the farm has been used to produce an income through livestock and produce. Every generation has chosen a different approach to farming. Some picked between cows and sheep while others picked between fruits and vegetables. Almost everything you can think of has been farmed on this land. Today the 7th generation Hughes recently retired from tomato farming. Now the farm is open to the public in the late summer for flower picking and into the fall for pumpkins, corn mazes, and more flowers.
Picking Flowers at Flat Top Mountain Farm
Pick your own zinnias and sunflowers. Just pay $12 for a bucket and pick till your bucket is full. There’s one big zinnia field and multiple sunflower fields. There’s even sunflowers surrounding the big corn maze. And of course, these fields make for great photo opportunities too. If you’re a professional photographer and want to use this landscape for client photos, be sure to contact the farm and plan for your photoshoot.
Corn Mazes at Flat Top Mountain Farm
This is only their third year doing corn mazes and opening the farm to the public in general. Which is very impressive because, although it may sound easy, making a corn maze is no easy feat. And creating a fun, fall time experience can also be challenging.
Beginner Corn Maze
There is a beginner corn maze which is a fraction of the size of the advanced one. We didn’t try this one, but I saw it and can say it still looks a little challenging. Also, there’s no map photo to utilize, unlike the advanced one, which might add to the challenge a bit.
Advanced Corn Maze
The main corn maze is considered the advanced one and it sits at the back of the farm. Let me just say, we got lost and ended up back at the beginning! It’s definitely a challenge. Thankfully one of the family members sent me a drone photo of the corn maze before we set out in case we got stuck. Needless to say, we got stuck and did end up using the map to get through it. Even though the layout is simple, there’s still a lot of dead ends and places to get turned around. The theme is a Tennessee Road Trip. Essentially you start near Chattanooga, travel around the state with interesting town facts along the way and end up back home in Chattanooga.
Night Corn Maze
If the advanced corn maze isn’t difficult enough for you, there’s also a nighttime option. Flashlights are not provided so you will need to bring your own, although they have some for sale on the farm if you’d like to purchase one. The pathway leading up to the corn maze is lit, but once inside you’ll definitely need a light source.
And don’t worry, if you’re afraid you might get stuck or completely lost, they provide an emergency contact phone number for you to use within the maze if needed. I also noted that I had full cell service signal while on the farm so phoning for help would be very easy.
What to Expect When Visiting Flat Top Mountain Farm
It’s easy to find the farm near the end of Bowman Cemetery Road. Once you’ve arrived, find a place to park, and walk up to the first building to pay for entrance. It costs $12 per person (3 and under are free) to enter the farm. This price includes the hayride that transports you to both corn mazes, access to both corn mazes, and a small pumpkin you can grab when you leave (while supplies last). It’s the perfect fall time activity to enjoy with family and friends.
There’s also local goodies for sale in the barn and food and drinks by the pumpkin patch. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for announcements such as horse carriage rides and other fun additions. The farm is open during the fall season on weekends only. Please note their hours are in the Eastern Time Zone despite the location being on Central Time. Also, no pets are allowed so please leave your furry loved ones at home.
Additional Tips for Visiting Flat Top Mountain Farm
Keep in mind that this is a farm so dress appropriately. Closed-toed shoes are recommended and if it’s rained recently be prepared for muddy and slick paths. There’s also horses on the farm that you can admire from a distance. But don’t get too close to the electric fences.
Tips and Tricks for Conquering a Corn Maze
This was only my second time attempting a corn maze and I learned from my first time to take water. It can be hot in the corn maze and depending on what time of day you go, there may be no shade. And the corn cuts out most of the cool breezes that may bring relief. So always bring a bottle of water with you for this adventure. Keep in mind that it may take you thirty minutes to an hour, depending on how good your corn maze navigation skills are.
That being said, I always suggest having a map. Sadly, I have yet to complete a corn maze without one. But if you’re impatient, have a poor memory of where you’ve been already, or just easily frustrated, having a map is a lifesaver. Again, there’s no map of the smaller maze but the map of the big maze might be available. With a map, I’m able to navigate through the corn maze with ease.
Closing Thoughts
Visiting Flat Top Mountain Farm is a great way to kick off the Chattanooga fall season. The property is beautiful, and the hayride and corn maze are worth the cost of admission.
Be sure to watch the video of this corn maze navigating adventure. And let me know in the comments below if you’ve conquered a corn maze before, with or without a map. One of these days I will accomplish this feat, but this was not that day. Until next time, enjoy exploring Chatt!
More Chattanooga Fall Fun:
- Best Apple Orchards Near Chattanooga
- Fall Leaves on Mowbray Mountain
- Best Fall Hikes Near Chattanooga
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