Westmore Mountain Challenge

Event overview

The Westmore Mountain Challenge is a one-day mountain trail event near East Charleston, Vermont, organized by a local stewardship center. The route crosses five mountains - Moose, Hor, Pisgah, Haystack, and Bald - and the full marathon route measures about 26 miles with a cumulative elevation gain of approximately 6,142 ft. There is also a timed trail-only option of 20 miles, and shorter route options listed at 11.7 miles, 15.8 miles, and 20.5 miles. The course travels over public trails on land managed by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation.

Route and logistics

The course is primarily single-track hiking trails with dirt road connectors for the first 21 miles and a final section of dirt and paved road for the marathon finish. Key staffed points include a water and first-aid station on the CCC Road at the Willoughby overlook, a staffed rest/lunch station at Long Pond (with water, food, and restroom), and a water refill at the Mad Brook trailhead. Morning drop-offs use full-size school buses; the shuttle ride from the campus to the trailhead is about 45 minutes. Registration is limited by permit to reduce erosion risk. Camping is available on the campus for a fee. Trail users are asked to follow Leave No Trace principles. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.