Hapgood Pond Recreation Area, Peru, Vermont

We were recently looking for some trails to check out in the Ludlow area of Vermont, and while it isn’t particularly close, we decided to check out Hapgood Pond, which someone had recommended to us a while back.  This is part of the Green Mountain National Forest, with camping, swimming, and a trail.  Being Memorial Day, the weather was a bit chilly, and our goal was to check out the campground for future camping trips and to hike the trail.

I had no problem finding Hapgood Pond using Google Maps, and the recreation area is clearly marked.  It is located in Peru, Vermont, somewhat between Londonderry and Manchester.

As you enter the park, you see Hapgood Pond, which has a beach and swimming area.

There is information at the parking lot near the entrance of Hapgood Pond, including a day-use fee.  This recreation area is not like other State Park campgrounds we have been to – it is very quiet and not regularly staffed.

The trailhead is easy to find, and we saw it right when we entered Hapgood Pond Recreation Area from the main road.

The trail is very easy to follow, and there are blue markers to keep hikers on track.

My girls were excited to find a red eft right away, careful to place it back where they found it.

We also found some interesting plants along the way.

This Recreation Area trail is very well maintained.  Despite a lot of recent rain, the trail was in good shape and there were some nice bridges for crossing water.

The trail rambles for about a mile, without a lot of elevation changes, so it was a very relaxing hike, especially with kids.

I enjoyed reading this thoughtful sign along the way.

Overall, the Hapgood Pond trail was a nice little hike for us.  At around a mile, and without much change in elevation, it was a relaxing walk and even the kids enjoyed it without the hike going too long.

There are bathrooms and picnic tables around the campground as well.

You can check out Hapgood Pond online on the Forest Service website here.