Fourth season begins Saturday

The fall season is kicking off at Hidden Rivers Farm in Hartselle this weekend with exciting new additions for their fourth year. Guests can enjoy new game barns, an expanded corn pit, a new gem mining station, apple cannons, new animal friends and added concessions this year.  

 Additionally, the farm will host several events throughout the season to allow families plenty of time to come out and enjoy the festivities together. Events include Moonlight Maze Nights, a Homeschool Day, Dog Day Fridaze, Great American Hero weekend and more.

Mary Sidney Rich is the owner of Hidden Rivers Farm, and said she is excited for the upcoming season and all the new amenities and events that are coming this year. 

“We just wanted a place for anybody, whether it’s alone, with friends, with family, on a date, with kids, with parents, that you can find something to do that just gets you away from the stress of everyday life – a little mini vacation,” Rich said.  

According to Rich, local musician Drew Clemmons will be performing at the farm each Friday of the season. They will also host their Great American Heroes Weekend to honor first responders and military personnel while simultaneously celebrating the solar eclipse. Rich said they’re also looking forward to holding their first ever Homeschool Day on Sep. 28. 

“We do our Halloween celebration the last weekend of the season and it’s the Spooky Kooky Cute and Funny Halloween. You show up in costume and you get a little bag of candy and on Friday we will have a dog costume parade. It’s just a few things that we like to add on that spark it up a little bit,” Rich said.  

One of the major attractions on the farm is the corn maze, which features a new theme each year. Rich said she aims for the farm to be a fun retreat where every member of the family can find something to enjoy regardless of their age.  

“We have tried to condense areas and ages. That whole section over there you have the playground and the tent that has toys in it. That area has little pedal carts in it that they can peddle around and then we tried to bring the apple cannons and the gem mining for the adults to hang out. So, we tried to give different areas for different age groups of people,” Rich said.  

Additionally, the farm has a tailgating area where sports fans can check the latest score while still enjoying time with family and friends. They also have brought concessions to the farm this year where families can enjoy burgers, brisket, chicken, corn dogs, apple nachos and more. Rich said one item they’re especially proud to be bringing to the farm is their stuffed turkey legs,  

“One thing we’re really excited about is the stuffed giant turkey legs. That is a man’s meal. It’s going to be a lot of fun. We are really excited about it. We were testing it and just looking at it we were like ‘Oh this is impressive,’” said Rich. 
Families are also welcome to bring their own picnics to enjoy on the farm. Hidden Rivers Farm is open Sep. 22 – Oct. 29. Regular hours are Fridays from 4-8 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.  

Day passes range from $5-9 and season passes are available for $30. The farm is located at 169 Goose Pond Road in Hartselle.  

“You think of getting away as this big thing that you have to plan and then it’s so daunting, but you can do it one day. Just come out here and take some time,” Rich said.