Burlington, VT: Lake Mansfield Trail
A stiff, 1.8-mile climb to the Taylor Lodge shelter on Vermont's Long Trail, this 3.6-mile out-and-back works as both a half-day hike and a challenging trail run.
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From the Lake Mansfield Trout Club, this 3.6-mile out-and-back route tops out at Taylor Lodge, a well-equipped shelter along the Long Trail. Start by hiking west on the Lake Mansfield Trail; the trail meanders in and out of the woods, affording nice views of the lake as it climbs gradually. Just past mile 1, the grade stiffens as the trail gains approximately 500 feet over just half a mile. Near the top of the climb, the trail passes a peaceful overlook of a forest waterall. Approaching Nebraska Notch, the trail crosses over a small creek and wanders past a beaver pond. Tour the Long Trail a bit at the top, or just take a breather at the Taylor Lodge front porch before heading back down to the Trout Club.
-Mapped by Berne Broudy, AuthenticOutdoors.com
Trail Facts
- Distance: 5.8
Waypoints
LMT001
Location: 44.4729605, -72.8095722
Starting from the Trout Club parking lot, the Lake Mansfield Trail ducks into the woods and heads up to Nebraska Notch, the Long Trail, and the Taylor Lodge shelter. Start by hiking west along the north shore of Lake Mansfield on fairly level terrain.
LMT002
Location: 44.473573, -72.8132844
The trail pops out of the woods, connecting with the
a grassy path that runs back towards the Trout Club. This path is closed to hikers. Continue hiking west; ahead, the trail re-enters the woods.
LMT003
Location: 44.481213, -72.825129
About 1 mile in, the hike turns uphill at a much steeper grade. Gaining 500 feet in less than half a mile, the trail has an almost staircase like feel at points. On the way up to Nebraska Notch, the trail crosses over a small stream and wanders by a beaver meadow.
LMT004
Location: 44.4840605, -72.8230047
Near the top of the climb the trail passes by a scenic forest waterfall.
LMT005
Location: 44.4873059, -72.8293347
A well-established shelter along Vermont’s Long Trail, Taylor Lodge features an enclosed bunk room and a nice front porch for relaxing (on warmer nights). A trail sign at the lodge directs you back to the Lake Mansfield Trail. Alternatively, the Clara Bow Trail leads down a rugged path to the Long Trail.
Lake Mansfield Trout Club
Location: 44.4732362, -72.8106451
Lake Views
Location: 44.4735424, -72.812984
At the beginning of the hike, Lake Mansfield is intermittently visible from the trail. Here, you can see the Trout Club from the trees.
Lake Mansfield Trail
Location: 44.4727921, -72.8161168
The Lake Mansfield Trail near the beginning of the hike.
An Old House Foundation
Location: 44.4779826, -72.8223825
Climbing Towards the Waterfall
Location: 44.481213, -72.8249359
Trail Waterfall
Location: 44.4840452, -72.822876
Approaching Taylor Lodge
Location: 44.4872447, -72.8281116
Taylor Lodge Trail Sign
Location: 44.4872447, -72.8290129
Taylor Lodge
Location: 44.4872753, -72.829206
