A Secret World Hiding in Plain Sight.
General Info & Frequently asked questions
WHAT IS THE GREEN MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE CHALLENGE?
A breathtaking real life action-adventure game that is part unsolved mystery, part true history and part outdoor adventure, this year's Adventure Challenge focuses on a real life colonial American War hero, General John Stark. Known as the hero of Bennington, he is believed to have amassed a secret fortune rich with treasures. To keep this from falling into enemy hands, he hid it among the mountains and valleys of southern Vermont - and you're going to find it.
The Adventure Challenge begins with an old letter, a grainy map, and clues that may lead to General Stark's fortune - if you can decipher them. Solve all the clues right the first time and you can expect to spend no more than 13 hours exploring ancient forests, climbing mountain summits, crossing rushing rivers, visiting old cemeteries and enjoying spectacular Vermont scenery.
All the clues are hidden in everyday places around town; on a hiking trail, at a bar, on a bridge or with the local townfolk, perhaps. Some answers may be obvious while others may leave you stumped and wandering for hours. But perhaps the best part of all is the satisfaction you'll feel at having solved a series of mind-bending puzzles to discover a secret world hiding in plain sight.
WHEN IS THE ADVENTURE CHALLENGE?
Adventure season is open until September 15th.
You can buy your Adventure passes anytime between today and September 15th.
You can choose to complete the adventure on consecutive days or break it up into different days, completing it at your own pace. Regardless of how you choose to do it, you only need one Adventure pass per person for the entire season.
How long does it take?
It takes a minimum of 2 days.
Most of the time is spent outdoors along the hiking trails. The rest of the time is spent figuring out the clues and puzzles.
What if someone completes the challenge before me? ARE THE SECRET OBJECTS gone?
No. The secret objects are permanent and will be there for you to find no matter when you begin. This is not a first come, first serve event. No one can take them away from you.
Is it for kids or adults?
The adventure made is for adults.
Due to the difficult nature of the challenges, children under 18 must have a parent with them at all times.
What kinds of mental and physical challenges?
Hiking mountain summits, solving codes and riddles, crossing rushing rivers and other challenges await. You may end up finding your way through areas of dense Vermont forest that you've never seen before.
At some point, you will likely end up lost and confused - that's when the real challenge begins. You DO NOT need to spend overnights in the forest.
WHAT TRAILS DO I HAVE TO HIKE/BIKE?
As you go along the Challenge, you will find pieces of old maps. Some of the maps are very detailed, some are very vague. It is up to you to determine what the maps mean and choose which trails to follow and for how long to follow them. If you can't figure out the clues, you might end up wandering in circles in the woods for hours.
The trails range from easy to moderate with a few steep inclines. All of the trails are in Dover, Vermont. You can hike, bike, walk or run the trails as you see fit. No motorized vehicles allowed.
What if I don't need to stay at an inn or lodge, can I still do the Adventure?
Absolutely. You do not need to purchase a Getaway Package to do the Adventure Challenge. If you already have another place to stay, you just need to purchase Adventure passes below ($75 each).
What do I need to bring?
- Comfortable shoes and outdoor clothing;
- Water and snacks for long days outdoors;
- A camera or a smartphone with a camera;
- A car or bike to get around the area;
- A compass would help too.
How do I get started?
Buy your Adventure Challenge passes here.
Once you purchase your pass, you'll receive the starting location. Then pack your adventure gear and go!
Where does it take place?
The 2013 Adventure Challenge takes place entirely within the town of Dover, Vermont.
Why should I do it?
It's incredibly fun, imaginative, physical, adventurous and has a cash prize. But most importantly, it is a fundraiser in the fight against cancer. Last year's Challenge raised $7,000 for the Jimmy Fund.
What if we have more than 2 people?
Each Adventure Getaway Package includes two nights lodging in one standard room. Some inns may allow extra people in the room at no additional charge. If you need a second room, you'll need to buy a second Getaway Package.
After you have secured your rooms, buy any additional Adventure passes below ($75 each) for the extra people. Remember, each Adventure Getaway Package includes two Adventure passes - so if you have 3 people in a room, you need to buy 1 extra Adventure pass below.
THIS SOUNDS LIKE AN EXTREME VACATION?
Yes, the Adventure Challenge is a mentally and physically demanding event. This is not a couple of nice days hiking through the woods. You will be challenged, and possibly frustrated at times, and it requires a basic level of physical fitness to complete.
If you were looking for a relaxing hiking vacation, we recommend two options: (1) For families or school groups, there is the Adventure Challenge for Kids that is easy and fun and takes around 3-5 hours; or (2) Visit the "Hiking" and "Lodging" pages on this site for details on awesome hiking trails and discounted vacation deals that will give you a relaxing, enjoyable Vermont vacation.
The 2013 GREEN MOUNTAIN ADVENTURE CHALLENGE
The Legend of General Stark's Lost Fortune
BACKSTORY
Among the great halls of American history, names such as Washington, Jefferson and Lincoln dominate. But there was another man whose courage and ability as both a statesman and a soldier led to many of America's defining moments.
Major General John Stark, known as the "Hero of Bennington", was the man behind the scenes at the battles of Bunker Hill, Trenton, Princeton & Bennington. He was judge to Benedict Arnold, trusted friend of George Washington, adopted son of the Abanaki indian tribe, a father and a husband. His famous last note, "Live free or die: Death is not the worst of evils" became New Hampshire's official state motto.
Apparently, he was also a secret man. Legend has it that through his many vicious battles and powerful connections, General Stark quietly amassed a secret fortune rich with treasures from all corners of the young country we know today as the United States of America. To keep this treasure from falling into the hands of his enemies, he hid it among the mountains and valley towns of Southern Vermont.
Recently, deep in the forests, an old letter was discovered with a map and clues that may lead to General Stark's Lost Fortune. Portions of this letter and map are shown below.
THE LETTER
THE CHALLENGE
Come to the mountains of Southern Vermont, start with the clues in the letter and find the remaining pieces of General Stark's Lost Fortune.
GRAND PRIZE CASH POT & CHARITY DONATION
THE GRAND PRIZE CASH POT
$1,820
To give Adventurers a truly awesome prize, $10 of each adventure pass is put into a grand prize cash pot. The more people that play the game, the more you can win! After adventure season closes on Sept 15th, three lucky people will be chosen as winners of the grand prize cash drawing.
Every Adventurer automatically gets one entry into the cash pot when they begin the game. You can earn additional chances at the cash pot within the Adventure itself.
CHARITY FUNDS RAISED
$2,450
Four years ago, a family member of one of the event organizers was diagnosed with cancer. After years of treatment and care at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, the cancer was pronounced virtually undetectable.
In celebration of this achievement, and in support of all the tremendous work they do, we are donating $10-20 of each contestant's entry fee to help continue cancer care and research.
In 2012, we raised $7,025 for the Jimmy Fund/Dana Farber Cancer Institute in Boston! Our goal this year is $10,000.
Registration
2013 Green Mountain Adventure Challenge Pass
$75
per person
Pass includes:
• One entry to the 2013 Adventure Challenge
• A $10 donation to our selected cancer care & research charity
• A $10 donation into the grand prize cash pot
Adventure Challenge Groups
$55
per person
• For groups of 6 or more.
• Lodging discounts may also be available
• Call (802) 780-0031 to purchase group passes
• (1) $10 donation per group member to our selected cancer care & research charity
• (1) $10 donation per group member into the grand prize cash pot
Adventure Challenge Lodging
Adventure Lodges are: Big Bears Lodge, Gray Ghost Inn, Kitzhof Inn, Lodge at Mount Snow, Matterhorn Inn, Nordic Hills Lodge
Adventure Inns are: Cooper Hill Inn, Deerfield Valley Inn, Four Seasons Inn, Inn at Mount Snow, Inn at Sawmill Farm, Snow Goose Inn, West Dover Inn, White House Inn
Adventure Challenge Lodging Display
Snow Goose InnSit and relax on our inn's 3 acre wooded grounds with stream, pond and flower gardens among the trees.
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White House InnA Victorian mansion offering elegant yet relaxed surroundings in Southern Vermont near Mount Snow.
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West Dover InnA 12-room historic inn from 1846 that stands as the centerpiece of the historic district of Dover, Vermont.
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Inn at Sawmill FarmA quintessential Country Inn, located on 20 beautiful acres in Southern Vermont two miles from Mount Snow.
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Cooper Hill InnA 10-room historic farmhouse turned inn from 1797 that stands atop the mountain range overlooking Dover, Vermont.
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Gray Ghost InnWe are a family owned & operated bed & breakfast located in picturesque Southern Vermont.
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Deerfield Valley InnThe Deerfield Valley Inn was built by John Davis in 1885 from lumber worked in his mill across the street.
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Nordic Hills LodgeNordic Hills Lodge is situated on 6.5 secluded acres minutes from world class skiing at the Mount Snow Ski Resort.
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Big Bears LodgeNestled in the mountains and set in a park-like setting Big Bears Lodge is just a quarter mile from the lifts.
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MATTERHORN INNA quintessential Vermont Inn located on Route 100 in West Dover with direct VAST snowmobile trail system access.
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Lodge at Mount SnowOffering great value for your vacation at the base of Mount Snow in Southern Vermont. Groups welcome.
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Kitzhof InnEnjoy our warm hospitality in a friendly New England alpine style inn at the base of Mount Snow, VT.
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Inn at Mount SnowLocated at the base of Mount Snow, the Inn at Mount Snow is your home away from home in Vermont.
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In accordance with Vermont State Law, no purchase is required to participate in the cash drawing portion. Full contest offical rules can be read here.