Plan Your Visit
At Merck Forest & Farmland Center, our mission is to inspire curiosity, love, and responsibility for natural and working lands. Whether you're planning a day hike, an overnight stay in one of our rustic cabins, or a family adventure to meet our farm animals, we're excited to welcome you to this special place.
Visitor Center Hours
Open Daily from 9:00am - 4:00pm
Trail & Property Access
Dawn to Dusk,
365 days a year
Location
3270 Route 315, Rupert, Vermont 05768
Your Adventure Awaits
Our grounds welcome you every day of the year from dawn until dusk.
The Joy Green Visitor Center is open seven days a week (9am to 4pm)—stop by to chat with our friendly staff about current trail conditions, get trail maps, and browse our Farm Store for maple syrup, snacks, drinks, Vermont-made gifts and goods, and other treasures from our land!
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about visiting Merck Forest & Farmland Center. If you don't see your question addressed here, please contact our Visitor Center staff at 802-394-7836 or info@merckforest.org.
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The FarmThis is a short 5-minute walk that is nice for families with small children. At the farm you can visit our animals and see our sap house, have a picnic (picnic tables located across from the sap house), and take in the great views. You can always continue along Old Town Road or Stone Lot Road if you decide you want a longer hike. Rated: Easy hike/walk
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Stone LotThis hike is just under 2 miles. It is a good hike for families. This is a moderate out-and-back hike with great view of Dorset Peak just beyond the farm. Take Old Town Road to Stone Lot Road near the farm buildings. Be sure to visit the American Chestnut Tree project. Rated: Moderate hike
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Birch PondThis hike is 3 miles (approx. 2 hours). This is a mild-to-moderate hike with the toughest section being the up-hill on Old Town Road. Rated: Mild/Moderate Hike
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Silviculture TrailThis hike is a little over 4 miles. The Silviculture Trail is a 2.3-mile self-guided educational trail. It provides a look at forest management. Deer and other wildlife are often spotted here. Take Old Town Road to Silviculture Trail back to Old Town Road. Rated: Moderate hike
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The GallopThis hike is 3 miles or 4 miles depending on the route (approx. 2-3 hours). Take Old Town Road and turn left onto Gallop Road. After a steady climb, you can go right to Lodge Road and follow it to Old Town Road back to the VC. To visit the scenic overlook, stay on Gallop Road until the intersection with Barton Road. The end of the trail is a steep descent to Lodge road. Follow Lodge Road back to Old Town Road. Rated: Moderate/difficult hike
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McCormick TrailThis trail can be made into a 4-mile loop (approx. 1.5 hours). Take Old Town Road to McCormick Trail to Antone Road back to Old Town Road. Rated: Moderate/Difficult hike
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Mount AntoneThis hike is 5 miles (approx. 4 hours). Take Old Town Road to Antone Road (you can take the “Ski Trail” or stay on Antone Road). There are great views from the top looking back at our farm. Rated: Moderate/Difficult hike
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LookoutThis hike is a 6 mile loop (approx. 4+ hours). A work out! You will travel through a beautiful secluded section of the forest. Take Old Town Road to Antone Road to Lookout Road. Rating: Difficult (due to length)
At Merck Forest & Farmland Center, spending time outside is always in season.
Experience the changing beauty and unique activities of MFFC throughout the year, where each season offers distinctive ways to connect with our working landscape. From spring's maple sugaring to winter's snow-covered trails, there's always something special to discover.
Spring Awakening
Witness the rebirth of our landscape as maple sugaring begins, newborn lambs arrive at the farm, and early wildflowers dot the forest floor. Join us for tapping demonstrations, meet our newest farm residents, and hike trails bursting with fresh greenery.
Become a Member
Join our community of stewards and unlock exclusive benefits while being part of our ongoing story. Membership provides special access to events, discounts on workshops and cabin rentals, seasonal newsletters, and the fulfillment of helping build a legacy of environmental stewardship.
Support Our Work
Your contribution helps sustain a 75-year legacy of conservation and education at Merck Forest & Farmland Center. Every donation directly funds trail maintenance, sustainable forestry practices, farm operations, and innovative programs that connect people with the land—continuing the vision that began in 1950 when George Merck donated these lands for the public good.