Hiking in Lake Mansfield Trout Club: trails, map and practical info

Description

Overview

The Lake Mansfield Trail begins at the Lake Mansfield Trout Club parking area (summer access) and ascends through a forested valley before reaching Taylor Lodge, where it connects to the Long Trail. The 1.6-mile section from the Trout Club to Taylor Lodge is the primary hiking destination in this area, offering moderate terrain and forest immersion without the crowds of the main Mount Mansfield summit route.

Location and Access

Lake Mansfield is a reservoir located west of Stowe, Vermont, created in 1901 by the Lake Mansfield Trout Club, which maintains the property to this day. The area sits within Mount Mansfield State Forest, spanning parts of Stowe and Underhill. The main parking area is accessed from Stowe village: take Route 100 south approximately 2.5 miles, turn right onto Moscow Road for 2 miles, then bear right onto Nebraska Valley Road and continue 6.7 miles to the Lake Mansfield Trout Club parking area.

The Trail Experience

From the summer trailhead at Lake Mansfield Trout Club, the Lake Mansfield Trail skirts around the base of the mountain and the Trout Club property before turning and ascending through a valley. The forested paths wind through mixed hardwood forest typical of Vermont's higher elevations, including sugar maple, yellow birch, and American beech, with conifers like red spruce and balsam fir appearing as elevation increases. The trail passes through sections of dense canopy and occasional open areas with views toward surrounding ridges.

Shortly before reaching Taylor Lodge, hikers encounter a piped spring on the right side of the trail. The landscape features waterfalls, beaver meadows, and rocky outcrops, creating varied terrain throughout the hike. The 1.6-mile route from the Trout Club to Taylor Lodge involves gradual elevation gain (approximately 300m total for the full route) and moderate difficulty.

Connection to Larger Trail System

At Taylor Lodge, the Lake Mansfield Trail meets the Long Trail and Clara Bow Trail, allowing hikers to continue to Mount Mansfield's peaks (Forehead, Nose, Upper Lip, Lower Lip, and The Chin at 4,393 feet). From this junction point, the full Lake Mansfield Trail connects to the Nebraska Notch Trail and continues to Smuggler's Notch Picnic Area on VT 108.

Forest and Natural Setting

The terrain is shaped by the proximity to Mount Mansfield, creating a microclimate that influences vegetation patterns. The valley setting provides a sheltered environment with consistent water features that support wildlife activity. The forest composition transitions from northern hardwoods at lower elevations to mixed conifer-hardwood forest as you gain elevation toward the ridgelines that surround the valley.