by If you’re looking for a thrilling fall experience, look no further than Stoner’s Dairy Farm in Mercersburg, Pennsylvania. Known for its family-friendly charm and seasonal attractions, the farm takes a chilling twist each autumn with its Haunted Corn Maze and Haunted Hayride—a local favorite that has steadily grown into a Halloween season staple.
Picture this: it’s a cool, breezy evening. You’re bundled up in a jacket, your breath visible in the night air. The only sounds are the rustling of corn stalks and distant screams echoing from deep within the maze. With each step, anticipation builds. Who—or what—will jump out next?
“It’s a good amount of scares,” says Owen Stoner, a high school junior and member of the Stoner family. “We have a lot of people in the maze, and they do a great job keeping it unpredictable.”
What began as a simple corn maze has transformed over the past five years into a more immersive haunted attraction, featuring costumed volunteers lurking in the shadows, ready to deliver frights to unsuspecting guests.
“I like to help out when I can,” Owen adds. “Sometimes I’ll even dress up and jump in to scare people myself. It’s just fun—especially walking through and getting spooked along with everyone else.”
The Haunted Corn Maze, available only on select nights, is part of a broader lineup of fall activities offered at Stoner’s Dairy Farm. Guests can also enjoy the Haunted Hayride, which many visitors say adds a whole new level to the spooky experience.
“Personally, my favorite part is the hayride,” says Owen. “The maze is scary enough, but once you’re on the ride, it takes the whole experience up a notch.”
Frequent visitor Maggie Strawoet agrees. “I came last year, and this year was definitely scarier,” she says. “There were more actors, and they would pop out of nowhere—it really caught me off guard.”
Even while waiting in line, guests are treated to spontaneous scares from roaming actors, setting the tone before the real terror begins. But don’t worry—there’s fun for everyone, even those who might not be into the scares.
“There’s also a petting zoo, food stands, hot chocolate, milkshakes, and a campfire area,” says Owen. “You can just come hang out and enjoy the fall atmosphere.”
The final night for this year’s Haunted Corn Maze and Hayride is Friday, November 3, so don’t miss your chance to experience this Mercersburg tradition.
Tickets are just $7 and include access to the haunted maze, hayride, and all the farm’s festive amenities.
