Merck Forest Hike-a-Thon
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Merck Forest Hike-a-Thon : October 3, 2026
This is a fall fundraiser held on Merck Forest & Farmland Center’s 3,500-acre property in Rupert, Vermont. The day features guided hikes, farm activities, live music, food trucks, and kids' activities. The event runs rain or shine and offers opportunities for individual fundraising; prizes are awarded to top fundraisers and raffle winners.
The program presents multiple trail options with different distances, elevation gains, and trail ratings. Kids 10 and under attend free. Early registrants are eligible for an event T-shirt and entry into collectible-poster drawings. Funds raised support place-based education, trail stewardship, and free public access to the property.
Trail highlights include:
- Viewpoint Loop, 2.1 miles, 551 ft elevation gain, rated Moderate
- Mount Antone Summit, 5 miles out and back, 860 ft elevation gain, rated Moderate
- Lookout Loop, 6.9 miles, 1,685 ft elevation gain, rated Difficult
- Farm Center & Discovery Trail, 2 miles, rated Easy
A general guide describes easy hikes as under 3 miles with less than 500 ft gain, moderate hikes as 3–6 miles with 500–1,500 ft gain, and difficult hikes as 6+ miles with 1,500+ ft gain. The event celebrates the center’s long history of education and land stewardship while supporting its ongoing programs. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
