That path is some sort of a Dead End that the first map shows it pretty well: the rose blocks are FOF "solid" blocks (or something like that...) and as you can see, it doesn't lead you to the token, emblem, or even the exit... Although, that lonely solid block could've hide something... like a 1-up, or a Continue.
That being said, it's disappointing to see that the Dev Team made such a short, stupid labyrinth, that could have been better if they did a real, long one... Hey! I think I got an idea to that upward path:
"Knuckles uses it and completely skips the labyrinth while Sonic and Tails must go through it while avoiding walls (with maybe spikes)."
Although I have like 5 to 6% that that idea would be accepted, it could actually be well executed in the game.