Pros
Rewarding lake view after an uphill climb
Picnic table
Majority of the trail is flat
Trail is marked with signs at most intersections
Lots of trail variety for new adventures
Cons
Unrelenting uphill climb for first fifteen minutes
One small section is steep
Lots of rocks and roots
Total Time:
1 hr. and ½ for Lakeside Trail
Kid Friendly:
Just walking the access road to lake might be best for kids: short, dirt packed, but mostly uphill. On Lakeside trail: lots of roots and rocks so it may be tricky for a toddler. The short steep section might need a little one to be carried or take it slow. Most of the trail is flat though.
Workout Level:
Moderate. The hills give you a nice workout. It’s not a short hike so you’ll need a bit of endurance.
I found it! It was so worth it too!
Getting to the Trail
In West Lebanon drive past the Kilton Library and straight through the set of lights. Continue on North Main Street for about five minutes. You’ll see the dam on your left and a picnic area on your right (you want the second parking area for the trail head).
On the Trail
There’s a trail head map right at the entrance.
You’ll walk up a steep access road for about five minutes before it levels off again.
There was construction on the power lines when I went.
It begins its assent again and at the gate. There looks like there’s a trail on your left but keep going on the access road by going around the gate.
You’ll continue uphill for another ten minutes. There’s relaxing woodsy scenery on your way up.
Eventually you’ll come to a big map.
There’s a field to your left with two other trails that lead away from the lake.
Continue straight. In a few minutes you’ll come across an amazing view. There’s a picnic bench for a nice snack or meal looking at the water and a field to play lawn games to the right too.
You can do the lake side trail starting just before the picnic table; there’s a trail head on your left, or past the boulders around the lake to the trees on your right.
I took the trail on the right and enjoyed a narrow dirt packed path that followed the water for a while.
After a while the trail split and there was a handy sign to know which way to go. To continue on the Lakeside trail turn right.
You’ll come across cute wooden bridges. Eventually the trail will split again and there’s another sign to guide your way. This time turn left and continue around the lake, unless you want to have a really long hike away from the lake.
The trails are blazed with blue and white so you can make sure you’re going the right way in the woods, which was especially helpful in areas with lots of rocks and roots where the trail was a bit unclear or there were off shoots to the water. You’ll come to a steep incline and then it’ll gradually decline. There will be less roots and rocks for a while too.
In the last half hour of the trail or so you’ll come across camp sites. I personally enjoy the one with the water view and picnic table the most.
Shortly after this the trail branches off and the trail blazes are not easy to see. Turn left onto the grassy trail.
Be aware as of Aug. 9th there was a tree branch blocking the path and I had to walk through the woods around it to get back on the trail. About twenty minutes more of walking with the lake on your left you’ll come to the original clearing by the field and picnic table.
It took me an hour to walk around the lake and about ten minutes to walk back down the access road to the car.
In total plan on an hour and a half for the walk.
Next time I’ll bring lunch, my husband, and maybe a swimsuit.
What do you think of Boston Lot Lake?
3 Comments
Since they closed the Union Village Rec area off Tucker Hill Road, I am desperate to find a place to walk my dogs off-leash. Can one assume that if you don’t say “leashes required” that they aren’t? Thanks!
Dear Katie,
I bet Balch Hill in Hanover would be great because your dog can roam around at the top – large open area. I just found a great site that outlines local leash laws in the area. Hanover doesn’t have a leash law and Hartford says you must be in verbal control of your dog. Norwich and Leb. have leash laws.
I hope you find a new spot to walk. http://www.norwichanimal.com/sites/site-4138/documents/DOG%20Trails%20and%20Laws.pdf