Trails & Conditions
At Merck Forest & Farmland Center, our network of trails invites you to discover the natural wonders of our conserved Vermont landscape. With over 35 miles of trails winding through forests, fields, and alongside our working farm, there's a perfect outdoor experience waiting for every visitor.
Our Trails
Discover the natural beauty of Vermont's landscape through our diverse network of trails. From short family walks to challenging full-day adventures, Merck Forest's pathways offer something for every experience level. Each trail provides a unique window into our working forests and farmland, giving visitors the chance to witness sustainable land management practices firsthand while enjoying spectacular views and peaceful natural settings.
Whether you're seeking a vigorous hike to a mountain summit, a gentle stroll through pastoral scenes, or an educational journey through managed forest lands, our well-maintained trails invite you to explore at your own pace. All distances and times indicated below represent round trips starting from our Visitor Center.
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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
-
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)
Trail Highlights
Take a hike — ride a horse — ski or snowshoe — in the diverse landscapes of the Taconic Hills. Please check in and out at the kiosk located near the Visitor Center.
Reminder: Cellphone and GPS services are unreliable around the property.
Trail Map & Property Guide
Our detailed trail map helps you navigate Merck Forest's 3,500 acres with confidence. The map shows all marked trails, roads, cabins, lean-tos, water sources, and points of interest across our property.
Using Your Map
All trails begin at the Visitor Center, with Old Town Road serving as the main artery through the property. Yellow areas indicate farm and field spaces, while blue markers show water sources and ponds. Trail intersections are clearly marked to help with navigation as you explore.
Getting a Map
Download a digital version below, pick up a physical copy at the Visitor Center, or learn more about how to upload our map to your Avenza App.
For trail updates or to report map corrections, please email: info@merckforest.org
Trail Conditions: Community Reports
Stay informed with real-time trail updates from fellow explorers! Below are the most recent observations from our community of hikers, runners, snowshoers, and cross-country skiers who've recently experienced our 35+ miles of trails.
Submitted By:
Date of Visit:
Trails reporting on: