Griffith Lake Trail

Region Manchester Area, Southern Vermont

Length 4.8Miles

Difficulty Easy

Elevation Gain

260

Vertical Feet

Type

Out-and-Back

Good For Day Hiking, Families, Pond or lake, Views

Description

Starting at U.S. Forest Service Road 58 follow the Griffith Lake Trail, an old carriage road, for 2.2 mi. as it gradually descends to the spring-fed lake. Just before the end of the trail is a lovely view of the lake with a nice spot to sit for a snack or swim. For a slightly longer walk, keep going and at the well-marked Long Trail/Appalachian Trail intersection turn right on the LT/AT south. Continue for 0.2 mi to the Griffith Lake Tenting Area, which has spots to picnic at the lakeside. From Griffith Lake to return follow Griffith Lake Trail 2.2 mi. back to USFS-58 (4.4 mi round trip, option to add on to 4.8 mi. total).

Trail Map

<br />

Photo Gallery

Find a DIFFERENT HIKE

Mount Mansfield Area Hikes

Camel’s Hump Area Hikes

Manchester Area Hikes

Killington Area Hikes

Getting There

From Manchester: Head east on VT-11/30 and stay on VT-11 when it splits from VT-30. Soon after passing Bromley Ski Area, bear left on Main St and turn left on Hapgood Pond Road in the village. At fork bear left on N Road. Turn left on Mad Tom Notch Road (Forest Road 21), drive approximately 2.0 miles, and turn right onto Forest Road 58. Continue to the gate at the end of the road. Do not block gate while parking.

From Londonderry: Head west on VT-11 and turn right on Lovers Lane before reaching village of Peru. At four-way intersection, take a right on Hapgood Pond Rd, then an immediate left on N Road. Turn left on Mad Tom Notch Road (Forest Road 21), drive approximately 2.0 miles, and turn right onto Forest Road 58. Continue to the gate at the end of the road. Do not block gate while parking

From Peru: Head north on Hapgood Rd. For 1.0 mi. Continue left at first junction to North Rd for 0.9 mi. Take left at Mad Tim Notch Rd. And follow for 2.1 mi. Continue past LT/AT parking area in Mad Tom Notch. Continue right on USFS-58 for 1.6 mi. Until reaching the Griffith Lake Trail parking area and trailhead.

Note that USFS-58 is a seasonal road and is closed in the winter. For more information visit the Green Mountain National Forest website.

Map to Trailhead

Weather Conditions

Weather in Vermont can vary widely, especially in the mountains. Exposure to heat, humidity, rain, wind, snow, cold, and/or thunderstorms can all pose a risk to the hiker. Be sure to get up-to-date weather conditions before starting your hike.

Check Mountain Weather