Quiet corner of Merck Forest - opposite side from the Mt. Antone cache - do both in the same day and you will sleep well..... This is a great hike during foliage season, also provides a quiet hike any time of year. Say hello to the horses and sheep on your way - we told them not to reveal any caching secrets!!
Merck Forest and Farmland Center (MFFC) is an educational nonprofit organization with a mission to teach and demonstrate innovative, sustainable management of forest and farmland. MFFC is composed of 3,162 acres and includes a 3,100 acre managed forest, certified-organic sugaring operation and a 62-acre farm. Visit the farm, venture into the forest or stay overnight in a rustic cabin or lean-to. With over thirty miles of trails for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and horseback riding MFFC has a multitude of recreational opportunities. Main access is via route 315.
Great place for hiking, our kids have enjoyed coming here for years, checking out the animals and other farm activities.
They provide an excellent trail map:
https://www.merckforest.org
Forest Trails
Please check in and out at the kiosk located
near the Visitor Center.
All of Merck Forest and Farmland Center's trails are open year-round for hiking, horseback riding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing. Our trail system, with over 30 miles of trails on 3,000 acres of land, is well-marked, and the trail terrain is variable: some loops cover easy-to-moderate terrain (great options for family treks), while other trails are steeper and rocky (more-suited to the experienced hiker). Many trails go through the forest, around the farm, travel along streams, and include beautiful views of the Taconic and Adirondack Mountains. The Visitor Center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the staff is happy to provide you with trail recommendations. Check out the 3-D map to see where the trails lead you to the cache - either Stone Lot Rd. or Gallop to Marquand are fine - also provides a nice loop hike.