OverviewBaker Peak in Vermont is in the Big Branch Wilderness Area in the Green Mountain National Forest. It is along the Appalachian/Long Trail about 2 miles north of Griffith Lake. The closest town and access is through Danby. Seeing the view from Baker Peak is definitely a highlight when you are hiking along the AT/LT in southern Vermont. And if you visit in the fall you have the added bonus of seeing some beautiful fall foliage!
There are several different ways to hike to the top...
Getting ThereDrive about 2 and a half miles south of Danby on Route 7. Turn onto an unmarked but paved road on the left that is next to a small cemetery. Drive 1/2 mile on this road to an open field with a parking lot. Look for a Green Mountain National Forest sign for the Lake Trail. The Lake Trail is marked by blue blazes; follow it for about 2 miles then turn left on the Baker Peak Trail. From here it is about one more mile up to the Peak for a total mileage of 3 miles and elevation gained of about 2,200'. The last part of the trail you are basically hiking and scrambling a little up exposed slabs of white rock. It's not so steep that it's a technical climb or anything, but you will probably need to use your hands. From the summit incredible views unfold of the surrounding patchwork landscape of Vermont.
The 6 mile round trip will take most people about 5 hours.
An alternate approach is off of Forest Road 10. From Danby , turn east onto Brooklyn Road (Forest Road 10). Follow this road for 6.9 miles east, pass the Appalachian/Long Trail crossing, and turn right onto Forest Road 30. At the end of the road is the trailhead (elevation about 1710'). From here you can hike up to Baker Peak as part of an 11 mile round-trip hike starting on Corridor 7 then linking to the AT/LT then returning on the Old Job Trail. This is called the Old Job South Loop and has an elevation gain of about 1,100'. Click here for more info on this trail.
Red TapeFollow Leave No Trace ethics when visiting this area. Mountain bikes, horses, and motorized vehicles are not allowed.
When To ClimbThis hike is mostly in a beautiful forest of mixed hardwoods and pine... And in the fall the colors of the trees are spectacular!
Trails in this area can be quite muddy in April and May.
CampingThere are two nearby shelters for backpackers, one is the Lost Pond Shelter (elevation 2040', about 2.5 miles north from the peak) and the other is the Griffith Lake Shelter (elevation 2400', about 2 miles south from the peak). If you stay at the Griffith Lake Shelter a $5.00 per person/night fee, paid to the Green Mountain Club Caretaker, helps maintain the shelter and nearby trails.
Info on general forest camping
Info on camping in developed campgrounds
Mountain ConditionsGreen Mountain and Finger Lakes National Forests
231 North Main Street
Rutland, VT 05701
802-747-6700
Manchester Ranger District
Routes 11 and 30
RR #1, Box 1940
Manchester Center, VT 05255
802-362-2307
Green Mountain National Forest Website
Regional Weather Forecast
External Links Images
|
Green Mountains (Vermont)
