By DUSTIN RACIOPPI
Norwich Bulletin
Posted Aug 25, 2008

They walked into Maine and walked out from Georgia — all in Thompson.

Hundreds of people walked through the 8-mile corn maze at Fort Hill Farms on Sunday. For the fifth year, the farm’s owners, Peter and Kristin Orr, have carved out the tall, slim stalks of corn to represent something important in America to offer an educational aspect to the maze, which could last up to two hours.

This year, Kristin Orr and her trusty Weedwacker and hand clippers settled on the Appalachian Trail, which, in REALITY,  stretches from Maine to Georgia and extends 2,175 miles.

“We don’t just want to corn-fuse people. We want to educate them, too,” she said. “What would I be about if I just took your money and let you get lost in there?”

So, the couple set up stations where wanderers can learn different facts about the trail, have a drink and, often unknowingly, take part in the country’s heritage.

“In order to be farmers for the new millenium, we have to talk to people about the importance of agriculture."

“We just gradually have kind of been inviting people to come in and enjoy the property. The dairy farm originally was just wholesale, no retail, but when people see the farm, they want to be part of it” Peter Orr said.

“It’s something educational  and fun at the same time, and gets everyone outside,” Mary Cashman said. “It’s like our last hurrah before school starts.”

Running until Veterans Day, the corn maze this year has another advantage, said Kristin Orr.

“You can hike the Appalachian Trail in 2 1⁄2 months, or you can walk the Appalachian Trail here in 2 1⁄2 hours,” she said. “They always take the maze.”

If you go: Fort Hill Farms corn maze 

Season: Aug.22 to Nov. 11

Hours: 10 - 5 p.m. Sunday - Thursday, 10- 10 p.m. Fri/ Sat

Last ticket sold: One hour before closing.

Flashlight nights: Flashlight nights are held Fri/Sat and Sun night for mon. holidays

Prices: Adults (ages 12 and older) $12, youth (ages 1-11) $10.

Information: 860-923-3439.