Green Mountain Club

Maintaining & Protecting Vermont's Long Trail Since 1910

  • About
    • The Green Mountain Club
      • Bylaws
      • Annual Reports
      • Strategic Plan
    • Visitor Center
    • Barnes Camp Visitor Center
    • GMC Rental Cabins
    • Board of Directors
    • GMC Staff
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Corporate Sponsors
    • Our Business Partners
    • Contact Us
  • Hiking
    • Trail Updates
    • Mud Season
    • Hiking 101
    • Trail Systems
      • The Long Trail
      • Appalachian Trail in Vermont
      • Kingdom Heritage Trails in the Northeast Kingdom
    • Thru-Hike the Long Trail
    • HikeVT
    • Accessible Trails around Vermont
    • Hiking in Groups
    • Trip Planning
    • Fall Hiking
    • Winter Hiking
    • Guidebooks, Maps & Gear
  • Conservation
    • Protecting the Long Trail
    • Land Conservation
    • Field Programs
    • Burrows Trail Project
    • Regional Partnerships
  • Education & Events
    • Events & Workshops
    • Service Learning & Group Outings
    • Calendar of Events & Outings
    • Leave No Trace
    • Wildlife along the Trails
  • News
    • Trail Updates
    • Blog
    • Long Trail News
    • Press Releases
  • Volunteer
    • Volunteer Opportunities
    • Volunteer Reports
    • Application
  • Donate
    • Ways to Give
    • Long Trail Legacy Campaign
    • Donate Now
  • Members
    • Become a Member
    • Your Membership Benefits
    • Join a Section
    • Business Membership
    • Annual Meeting
  • Shop

Griffith Lake Hikes

Griffith Lake Hikes for HikeVT

Let’s HikeVT! These easy, moderate, and difficult hikes feature Griffith Lake and Baker Peak. The nearby accessible recommendation is in Manchester at Hildene, the private historic estate of Robert Lincoln.

  1. Griffith Lake – EASY 
  2. Baker Peak via Griffith Lake Trail – MODERATE
  3. Baker Peak via Lake Trail – DIFFICULT   (Bonus hike: Baker Peak > Griffith Lake Loop!)
  4. Hildene estate boardwalk – EASY, ACCESSIBLE

From Griffith Lake Trail parking lot in Peru:

Griffith Lake – EASY 

» 5.5 mi round trip, approx. 259 ft elevation gain 

Follow an old carriage road as it gradually descends to the spring-fed lake. Just before the end of the trail is a lovely view of the pond 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 approx .2 mi to the Griffth Lake Tenting Area, which has spots to picnic at the lakeside. Fishing is allowed with VT fishing license. 

Back to top ↑


Baker Peak via the Griffith Lake Trail and the Long Trail – MODERATE 

» 8 mi round trip, approx. 270 ft elevation gain  

Follow Griffith Lake directions above. At the end of the Griffith Lake Trail, turn left on the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail North. Stay on the white-blazed LT/AT as it passes several side trails while gradually climbing towards the peak. From the open rock summit you will have a panoramic view of the Great Valley of Vermont. On a clear day you can see the Adirondacks to the west, Killington Peak to the north, and Stratton Mountain with its firetower to the south. Return on same route, paying careful attention at intersections.

Driving Directions to Griffith Lake Trail parking lot:

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. 

Map it 

Back to top ↑


From Lake Trail parking lot in Mt. Tabor:

Baker Peak via the Lake Trail and the Baker Peak Trail – DIFFICULT 

» 5.8 mi round trip, approx. 2,200 ft elevation gain  

This is a rewarding hike through history to a breathtaking panoramic view. We highly recommend bringing a paper map, as there are several intersections and the trail is not always freshly marked. 

From the trailhead, the Lake Trail follows an old road as it climbs past signs of old pastures. Keep an eye on the blue trail blazes, which may be infrequent. You’ll pass views of the Danby marble quarries and cross a bridge near which you can still see anchors from a previous bridge. At 1.9 mi, turn left on the Baker Peak Trail. Again, keep an eye on the trail blazes to stay on track. After .9 mi, turn left on the white-blazed LT/AT North at a four-way intersection. Follow the LT/AT up the final .1 mi to the summit. 

To turn your hike into a “lollipop” loop, do not turn on the Baker Peak Trail as you begin your return descent. Instead, continue on the LT/AT South 1.8 mi to the top of the Lake Trail (which you turned off of on your way up). Turn right on the Lake Trail and descend 3.3 mi to the trailhead. If you want to see Griffith Lake, stay on the LT/AT South for another .1 mi instead of turning right on the Lake Trail. Once you’ve looked out on the lake, take the LT/AT North back to the Lake Trail intersection and turn left to begin your descent.

Driving Directions to Lake Trail Parking Lot:

From Manchester: Head north on VT–7. 2.3 mi after passing Emerald Lake State Park, turn east (right) on South End Road (Forest Road 259). Follow FR 259 for about a ½ mile. The trailhead parking area is on the left after a sharp right. 

From Wallingford: Head south on VT–7. 2.7 mi after passing Mt. Tabor Country Store, turn east (left) on South End Road (Forest Road 259). Follow FR 259 for about a ½ mile. The trailhead parking area is on the left after a sharp right.

Map it*

*NOTE: This trailhead is incorrectly labeled on Google Maps as the Griffith Lake Trail.

Back to top ↑


At Hildene Estate: 

Battenkill Wetland Accessible Wildlife-Viewing Boardwalk and Trail – EASY, ACCESSIBLE 

The accessible trail this week offers both wildlife-viewing and history. Hildene is the privately managed the estate of Abraham Lincoln’s son, Robert. The estate’s trail system includes a 600-foot floating accessible boardwalk over a wetland where you might spot turtles, frogs, and herons. 

Please note the boardwalk is accessed via a grass wagon path which may not be passable by all mobility aids. 

There is an admission fee and limited hours, so for more information see: https://hildene.org/visiting.

 Driving Directions to Hildene:

From Manchester: Head South on VT-7A from the center of town. Turn left on Hildene Road. Welcome Center will be on your left.

Map it 

Back to top ↑


Where to eat and drink nearby: 

Manchester Center: 

  • Bob’s Diner for breakfast and lunch 
  • Dutton Berry Farm farmstand on Depot Street for creemees and berries 
  • The Mountain Goat for hiking equipment and supplies

Mt. Tabor/Wallingford: 

  • Mt. Tabor Country Store in Mt. Tabor for snacks and to-go breakfast and lunch sandwiches 
  • Sal’s in Wallingford for pizza and drinks 

Maps: 

  • Manchester Area map 
  • Day Hiker’s Guide 
  • Long Trail Guide

Back to top ↑


 

Back to HikeVT

two side by side images showing a small container of soil and water

Ask a Science Teacher: Why is the Long Trail so Muddy?

March 27, 2023

Vermont — and especially the Long Trail — is known for being sort of muddy. We even have an official fifth season, "mud season." Why is Vermont (sometimes known as "Vermud") and the Long Trail so muddy? Why is the Long Trail so muddy? To answer, we asked Joe Bahr, newly minted author of the … Read more

About Mud Season HikeVT Trail Recommendations Become a Member Trip Planning Trail Maps Volunteer Opportunities

Mission

The Green Mountain Club is the founder and maintainer of the Long Trail - the oldest long distance hiking trail in America. Established in 1910 to build this trail stretching the length of Vermont, the club now also maintains the Appalachian Trail in Vermont and trails in the Northeast Kingdom in its mission to "make the Vermont mountains play a larger part in the life of the people." Read more...

Featured Sponsors

jfghr-lohgo-topo OG
jfghr-lohgo-topo OG
Lenny's Shoe & Apparel logo
Lennys-Logo
Athletic_Primary_WhiteBG
Athletic_Primary_WhiteBG
Sunsoil logo
SUNSOIL_black_Large
Sunset Lake CBD logo
sunset lake cbd web logo
bbco
concept2

Connect

4711 Waterbury-Stowe Road
Waterbury Center, Vermont 05677
802.244.7037 | Email GMC

Click here for current hours.
Email us for hiking advice. 

Copyright © 2023 Green Mountain Club · All Rights Reserved. · Site by Earthlogic.

2023 Trail Sign Auction Starts Monday, April 3!