Bhim Burj | Chittorgarh

The Merck Forest & Farmland Center is a 194-acre working farm and forest preserve located in Manchester, Vermont, USA.

Visual Characteristics

The center features a collection of historic farm buildings constructed primarily from local fieldstone and timber. Structures include a main farmhouse, barn, and several outbuildings. The surrounding landscape comprises rolling pastures, dense deciduous forest, and a small pond. The dominant tree species in the forest are maple, oak, and birch.

Location & Access Logistics

The Merck Forest & Farmland Center is situated approximately 8 kilometers (5 miles) south of Manchester Village, Vermont. Access is via Route 7 South, turning onto Forest Road. Forest Road is a paved public road leading directly to the center's entrance. Ample free parking is available on-site. No public transportation services directly reach the center.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The land was originally part of the Merck family's estate, established as a working farm and conservation area in the mid-20th century. The farm buildings date from the early to mid-1900s. Ecologically, the area represents a transition zone between agricultural land and the Green Mountain National Forest, supporting diverse flora and fauna typical of New England woodlands and meadows.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can participate in self-guided tours of the farm, observing livestock including sheep, goats, and chickens. Hiking trails of varying difficulty are available, with the main loop trail measuring approximately 3 kilometers. Educational programs focusing on sustainable agriculture and forestry are offered seasonally. Maple sugaring demonstrations occur during late winter/early spring.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available in the main visitor center building. Limited shaded areas are provided by trees near the farm buildings. Cell phone signal (4G) is intermittent within the preserve. No on-site food vendors are present; visitors are advised to bring their own provisions. A small gift shop sells local products.

Best Time to Visit

For optimal farm viewing and hiking conditions, the months of May through October are recommended. Late September and early October offer peak fall foliage. The best time of day for photography is generally mid-morning or late afternoon when sunlight angles are lower. No specific tide requirements apply.

Facts & Legends

The Merck Forest & Farmland Center is one of the oldest continuously operating educational farms in Vermont. A local anecdote suggests that the original farmhouse was built using stones cleared from the fields, with each stone representing a day of labor.

Nearby Landmarks

• Bromley Mountain Ski Resort (3.2km Southwest)
• Hildene, The Lincoln Family Home (4.5km North)
• Equinox Mountain (5.0km Northwest)
• Southern Vermont Arts Center (4.8km North)