For more than seven generations, Gross Farms has been a cornerstone of Sanford’s agricultural community. This North Carolina Century Farm is a place where hard work, family, and fun come together in every season. What began as a working farm growing tobacco, soybeans, and rye has grown into one of the region’s most beloved destinations for agritourism and outdoor family fun.
Visitors are invited to experience farm life firsthand, from picking strawberries in the spring to taking a hayride in the fall. It’s all part of what makes Sanford the premier agritourism destination of North Carolina.
Spring on the Farm: A Berry Good Time
Spring in Sanford means one thing: it’s strawberry season! There’s no better way to welcome warmer days than with a visit to Gross Farms. Long rows of ripe berries stretch beneath the Carolina sky, just waiting to be picked. Grab a bucket and fill it straight from the vine, or swing by the produce barn for berries already picked that morning.
Inside the barn, you’ll also find fresh produce, homemade jams and jellies, and seasonal favorites like tomatoes and cantaloupes. Gross Farms is part of what makes Sanford special home to more U-pick farms than anywhere else in North Carolina, making it the perfect spot to spend a spring afternoon outdoors.
Fall on the Farm: A-Maize-ing Adventures
When the air turns crisp and the leaves start to change, Gross Farms comes alive with fall fun for all ages. From the 10-acre corn maze to the pumpkin patch and hayrides, every corner of the farm offers a reason to stay a little longer.
The Corn Maze
At the heart of the season is the legendary Gross Farms Corn Maze, a sprawling 10-acre labyrinth with more than five miles of winding pathways. Each year brings a new theme and a fresh challenge, from the playful “Bee Waggle” puzzle to the mystery-filled “Farm Scene Investigation.” Collect punches and clues as you explore, or climb the observation bridges for the best view in the field. It’s the kind of challenge that brings out everyone’s inner explorer—and the reward is a fall memory worth getting a little lost for.
Pumpkin Patch & Hayrides
No fall weekend is complete without a visit to the pumpkin patch. Grab a wagon and search for the perfect pumpkin to carve, cook, or decorate your front porch. Then hop aboard a hayride for a guided loop around the working farm, the perfect way to take in the sights and sounds of the season and hear a few stories along the way.
Family Favorites
Younger visitors will love exploring the farm’s lineup of activities, from the Pumpkin Jump and Tom’s Tunnel slide to Tire Mountain, Pedal Cart Track, and the kid-friendly Jump Pad. Between stops, snap a photo at one of the fall-themed face boards for a keepsake moment worth framing.
Gross Farms also hosts live music throughout the season, featuring local favorites like The B-Sides Band, Robert Thomas, and Dalton Davis. It’s the kind of fall fun that turns a simple visit into a family tradition.
Sweet Treats & Savory Eats
After all that exploring, refuel at the concessions stand, where you’ll find everything from burgers and grilled corn to kettle corn and hot apple cider. Be sure to stop by Mema’s Creamery for a scoop (or two) of homemade ice cream in flavors like butter pecan, chocolate, or pumpkin.
A large picnic area next to the maze offers the perfect spot to take a break, enjoy your food, and watch the buzz of farm life unfold around you.
Plan Your Visit
Whether you visit in spring for strawberries or fall for the corn maze and pumpkins, Gross Farms offers family fun all year long.
- Spring Season: April through early June (U-pick strawberries and produce barn)
- Fall Season: September 13 – November 2, 2025 (Corn Maze & Pumpkin Patch open weekends; Pumpkin Patch open weekdays in October)
- Group Reservations: Available for birthdays, corporate outings, and more
- Tickets: Available on-site or online (sales end one hour before closing)
Before you go, check hours and seasonal updates on their website, and plan your next farm adventure in Sanford!
