Take a Hike

Hello, Friends! Glorious fall colors are still unfolding across our region, despite all the rain we’ve had. I see hikers out and about everywhere, trucking along in all kinds of weather. If you’re looking for a local hiking event, look no further than Rupert, VT.

This Saturday, October 3, our friends at Merck Forest & Farmland Center invite the public to take a hike in support of the landscape they love. The Merck Forest Hike-a-thon is set across the organization's 3,644 acres. Participants choose their route, collect pledges, and gather for live music, local food, and a community celebration at the Sap House.

"For 76 years, people have come to Merck Forest to learn and explore. What we do is dissolve barriers that separate people from the land. The Hike-a-thon is an invitation to the community to come and show up for that work together,” said Rob Terry, Executive Director.

Hiking enthusiasts should also check out Stratton Magazine’s Fall 2026 issue for a great article on the history of the Long and Appalachian Trails and its connection to Stratton Mountain.

Four routes are available for the Hike-a-thon, from a family-friendly 1.5-mile farm loop to a challenging 6.9-mile ridge traverse. All 35 miles of trails remain open to the public on event day.

Farm Center & Discovery Trail — 1.5 miles. Family-friendly loop with kids' nature scavenger hunt.

Viewpoint Loop — 2.4 miles, moderate. Up to Viewpoint Cabin's signature overlook and back.

Mount Antone — 5.2 miles, moderate. Out to the summit and back.

Lookout Loop — 6.9 miles, difficult. A full ridge traverse.

Rolling starts begin at 8:30am, and the end-of-day celebration kicks off at 3pm with recognition of the top fundraiser and a community raffle.

"On October 3, we're inviting everyone to show up for this landscape we love," said Keely Levins Culligan, board member at Merck Forest & Farmland Center. "We'll come together for a shared, joyful activity in support of Merck’s place-based education and stewardship."

Merck Forest & Farmland Center is open year-round, 365 days a year, at no charge to visitors, made possible by community support through grants, partnerships, and events like the Hike-a-thon. Through workshops, camps, and educational programs, the organization welcomes thousands of visitors and regional students annually.

Sponsorships are available at three levels, starting at $500, with benefits including event signage, newsletter recognition, and placement in Ridgeline, MFFC's quarterly magazine. For registration and sponsorship information, visit here. 

“Stratton: The Mountain Where America’s Great Trails Began” by Stephen Pierce, Stratton Magazine Fall 2026