Griffith Lake
Griffith Lake can be accessed at the end of Forest Road 58 in Peru or at the end of Forest Road 30 in Mount Tabor. The trail connecting these two roads also bisects the Big Branch and Peru Peak Wilderness areas. The lake itself is stocked annually by helicopter with brook trout and is a popular and scenic destination in the summer for hikers and in the winter for snowmobilers.
Access From Forest Road 58: Once an old carriage road, the trail meanders through a scenic mixed hardwood/softwood forest. There are several gradual inclines along the way, but overall, the trail remains relatively flat. At approximately 0.5 miles from the trailhead, there is a large beaver pond, which offers excellent opportunities for wildlife viewing. Griffith Lake and the junction with the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail is reached at 2.0 miles.
Access From Forest Road 30 (Old Job Trailhead): Still part of the same carriage road, this trail climbs from the low point at the end of Forest Road 30 to the junction with the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail in 3 miles (one-way). This access includes about 850’ of elevation gain and follows Lake Brook.
General Information
Getting There
Directions
To Griffith Lake FR 58 Trailhead:
- From Route 7 in Manchester, take Route 11/30 east. Stay on Route 11 past the junction with Route 30, past Bromley Ski Area and turn left into the town of Peru for 7.5 miles. Turn left onto Hapgood Pond Road;
- From Route 100 in Londonderry, travel west on Rte 11 for about 5.0 miles and turn right into the town of Peru. Take Hapgood Pond Road north out of town;
- Drive 1.0 mile on Hapgood Pond Rd. and then turn left onto North Road (Forest Road 22). Take North Road for 0.5 miles, turn left onto Mad Tom 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, to park at the Griffith Lake Trailhead.
To Griffith Lake Access via the end of FR 30 (Old Job Trailhead):
- From Route 7 in Danby, turn east onto Brooklyn Rd. (Forest Road 10). Follow Forest Road 10 for 6.9 miles east, pass the Appalachian/Long Trail crossing, and turn right onto Forest Road 30;
- From Route 100 in Weston, turn west onto Landgrove Road. Take this road past Weston Commons and bear left over a bridge at Lawrence Hill Road. Turn right at 4.2 miles onto Forest Road 12. Take FR 12 for 0.4 miles and turn right onto Forest Road 10. Follow FR 10 for about 7.0 miles until you reach Forest Road 30 and turn left;
- Follow FR 30 for 2.3 miles to its end. There is a parking area available on the right. Do not block the access gate to the trail.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are not available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
