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Sussex County Sunflower Maze

Over a million sunflowers in bloom each late summer at Liberty Farm.

At a glance

  • A genuinely massive bloom that draws visitors from well beyond the county
  • One of the most photographed seasonal attractions in northern New Jersey
  • Strictly seasonal and weather-dependent, so verify bloom status before visiting

Sussex County Sunflower Maze at Liberty Farm

Raj Sinha cut the first sunflower maze in New Jersey into a Sussex County field in 2011, and Liberty Farm has been doing it every August since. The Sussex County Sunflower Maze sits on Route 645 in Sandyston, a short hop off Route 206, and in a good year the farm counts more than 1.5 million flowers across the property. Sunflowers here are the number one crop, not a fall add-on tacked onto a pumpkin operation, and that focus is the whole difference.

Walking the field

Paths are cut wide, wide enough that a crowded Saturday still feels like you have the row to yourself. You can walk a quarter mile or close to three, depending on how much you want to see. The haywagon observation deck is the one stop nobody should skip: it gets you above the canopy, which is the only way to understand how far the yellow actually goes. The farm practices no-till planting and grows for bees and native pollinators, so expect company in the rows.

More Than a Maze

Beyond the paths there’s a kids scavenger hunt, a self-guided environmental tour, and information stations scattered through the field explaining what you’re looking at. Weekends bring a farmers market, a craft market, local author book signings, and live music on special event days. Picnic tables are first come, first served, so a blanket is the safer bet if you’re packing lunch from a Branchville or Newton spot.

Planning Your Visit

Blooms usually run mid-August through mid-September, and that window is genuinely short, so watch the farm’s Facebook page for daily field photos. Get there at 9 a.m. on a weekday if you can: cooler, quieter, better light, and the bees are just waking up. Closed-toe shoes are strongly recommended since the ground can be rocky, dusty, or muddy. Pets are welcome on leash with proof of rabies vaccination, but skip the noon sun and bring water for them. There’s no power in the fields, so charge your camera before you leave. No drones, no picking flowers in the maze, cash and credit both accepted. Parking is a $5 donation benefiting the Knights of Columbus Council #12974 out of Layton.

Make a day of it and pair the maze with Stokes State Forest or other Sussex County farms and agritourism stops.

FAQ

Is the Sussex County Sunflower Maze dog friendly?

Yes, leashed dogs are welcome at the Sussex County Sunflower Maze at no extra charge. Dogs must be current on rabies vaccination and you should carry proof on your phone. Bring water and come in the morning, since the fields get hot and shade is limited.

When do the sunflowers bloom in Sandyston?

The sunflowers usually bloom from mid-August through mid-September. The exact window shifts each year with the weather, and the farm posts daily field photos to Facebook once the season opens, which is the most reliable way to time a visit.

What time does the sunflower maze open?

The farm opens at 9 a.m. daily during the season. Early weekday mornings are the quietest and coolest stretch of the day, and you may have the field close to yourself. Closing time varies by season, so check the website before driving up.

How much is parking at the sunflower maze?

Parking is a $5 per car donation that goes to the Knights of Columbus James F. Gacquin Council #12974 in Layton. Watch for signs and attendants. Do not park along the road or in front of neighbors' driveways and mailboxes, as cars are towed at the owner's expense.

Can you fly a drone or pick sunflowers at the maze?

No on both counts. Drones are prohibited for insurance and public safety reasons, and picking flowers inside the maze is not allowed. Cut sunflowers and bouquets are typically available for purchase separately at the farm stand.

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