Length: 0.6 - 8.8 miles one way; see descriptions
Feature: Lake, Views, Recreation Area
Max. Elevation Change: 270 - 720 feet; see descriptions
USGS maps: East Middlebury and Brandon Quads
Amount of use: Moderate - High
Hiking level: Easy - Moderate
Average hike time: ¾ - 5 hours one way; see descriptions
Use restrictions: Leicester Hollow: Multiple Use Trail, no motorized vehicles in summer
Chandler Ridge and Goshen:No horses, mountain bikes, or motorized vehicles
Leicester Hollow – Chandler Ridge Loop
The trail follows Leicester Hollow Brook and crosses it many times as it ascends easily to Silver Lake. There are many trail intersections and campsite spurs as the trail passes through the Silver Lake Recreation Area - be sure to remain in the main trail. The trail ends at the Silver Lake Trail near the dam at 4.8 miles. Elevation change on the Leicester Hollow trail is 470 feet. For good views, return via the Chandler Ridge Trail, which follows a ridge with gentle grades and has views to the east and west. It meets the Leicester Hollow Trail again 0.3 miles before the parking lot, which is at 8.8 miles. Elevation change over Chandler Ridge is 720 feet. Average hiking time for the loop is 4-5 hours.
Goshen Trail
The trail begins at the south end of the parking lot. The trail crests a low ridge and passes under a power line. Continuing through the woods, the trail passes a trail junction, and connects with the Leicester Hollow Trail just south of Silver Lake Campground at 0.6 mile. Average hiking time is ¾ - 1 hour. Maximum elevation change is 270 feet.
Please practice Leave No Trace ethics, such as carry out what you carry in on all trails.
Leicester Hollow & Chandler Ridge Trail Parking
The Leicester Hollow Parking Area is currently closed due to a condemned bridge. Please use the Minnie Baker Trail to reach the Leicester Hollow Trail.
Minnie Baker Parking
From Brandon, follow Route 73 east for 3.3 miles and turn left onto Route 53. Park on the right at 1.6 miles. The Minnie Baker Trail Intersects the Leicester Hollow Trail at 1.2 miles.
From Rochester, follow Route 100 south to the junction of Route 73. Take Rt. 73 west for 14.4 miles to Route 53. Park on the right at 1.6 miles. The Minnie Baker Trail Intersects the Leicester Hollow Trail at 1.2 miles.
Goshen Trail Parking
From Middlebury, travel south on Route 7 to the Junction of Route 125. Travel east on Route 125 for 6.8 miles, and turn right onto Forest Road 32. Follow FR 32 for 6.8 miles, and turn right onto Silver Lake Road (Forest Road 27). Follow Silver Lake Road for 2.2 miles to the parking lot at the end.
From Rochester, travel south on Route 100 to the junction of Route 73. Travel west on Route 73 for 10.3 miles. Turn right on Hathaway Road, and follow it for 1.3 miles. Turn right onto Flora White Road, and follow it for 1.4 miles to a stop sign. Go straight through onto Silver Lake Road (Forest Road 27). Follow Silver Lake Road for 2.2 miles to the parking lot at the end.
Food and Services: Brandon restaurants and fuel stations
For all Emergencies: 911
911 Information: The Minnie Baker trailhead is in the Town of Leicester off Route 53
The Goshen trailhead is in the Town of Goshen off Forest Road 27