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Dorset, Vermont
Hike 'The Merck'
2.5 Miles Total - Loop Trail
Originally added by Will Russell
A stellar hike only 20min from Manchester, VT. The Wildlife Trail offers a "Choose your own adventure" style trail with fun shortcuts and amazing opportunities for wildlife spotting.
Of the 10 trails at The Merck, The Wildlife Trail is a great hike through the forest that offers you the best way to see wildlife, streams and tracks. You can do the whole hike as a loop in about 2-2 1/2 hours or shorten it up with some shortcuts if you just want a quick hike. Great for family given the moderately slopping terrain it's best in the winter when wildlife tracks are prominent. Make sure to take time discovering the old growth birch trees on the trail as well as the many streams that run along the trail.
Great for nature and wildlife photography due to how the trail is nestled into the forest. You'll have chances to shoot dense forest, babbling streams, and beautiful trees. This trail does not have an overlook.
I love the various cabins sprinkled throughout the trail that offer some great overnights too!
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Overall rating:
Awesome hiking, but you've got to cabin camp here!!!
We've hiked just about every trail in Merck Forest. It's a managed forest, with a whole lot of maple sugaring going on. The best part about Merck Forest is the cabin camping, especially in the winter. We stayed for three nights and didn't see another soul. Oh, and it's seriously dog-friendly too.
4.0
Stay Nearby
Argyle, New York
The Magic Glamp ... Make Some Magical Memories. Your Wish Is Our Command
From $145/night
Nearby Adventures
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6.5 Miles Round Trip - 3024 ft gain
Hike the Lye Brook Falls Trail
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Hike the Prospect Rock Trail
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