Westmore Mountain Challenge

Westmore Mountain Challenge

The Westmore Mountain Challenge is a one day trail event that visits five peaks around Westmore, Vermont: Moose, Hor, Pisgah, Haystack, and Bald. The full route is about 26 miles with a cumulative ascent of approximately 6,142 feet and runs on public, often steep, hiking trails and connecting roads.

The course sequence includes hikes from the Moose Mountain area through Mt Hor, a road section to Mount Pisgah, a staffed Lunch Station at Long Pond trailhead, a Haystack loop, and the Bald Mountain climb followed by a descent to Mad Brook Road. Key staffed support points include a CCC Road water and emergency aid station at the Willoughby Overlook, the Long Pond Lunch Station with water, food, and restroom, and the Mad Brook Station with water refill, a yurt safety check, and shuttle pickup.

Shuttles for morning drop offs are full size school buses and the ride from the NorthWoods campus to trailheads is about 45 minutes. Parking is not allowed at the Moose Mountain start and all participants must check in at trailhead tables. Maps and a custom trail map are provided in registration materials.

Trail use is limited by a state permit to reduce erosion; spaces are restricted and a waitlist is maintained when entries reach capacity. Safety guidance includes layered clothing for variable weather, a headlamp for those attempting the full route, awareness that cell service is intermittent, and a staffed first aid station at Long Pond. Camping on NorthWoods campus is available for a fee. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.