Griffy Lake Amenities

Hiking

There are several hiking trails, ranging in difficulty from easy to rugged, at Griffy Lake Nature Preserve. Please respect the fragile environment of Griffy Lake Nature Preserve by remaining on marked trails. Dogs and other pets must remain on a leash at all times while in the park. Mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicles are strictly prohibited.

Griffy Lake Trail Map for download

• Nature Trail (.5 mile) - This self-guided trail begins across the road north of the boathouse. It is a loop trail with moderate slopes and a natural surface.
• Hiking Trail (1.67 miles) - This loop trail starts and ends with steep slopes; however, most of the trail is on a relatively flat ridgetop. Views along the trail include valleys, upland forest, and occasional glimpses of the lake. Access this trail across the park entrance road from the boathouse, or at the east end of the boathouse parking lot.
• Griffy Creek Trail (1.5 miles) - This linear trail begins at the east end of the boathouse parking lot and follows the north branch of Griffy Creek. Views along the walk include the creek and the forested valley.
• Lanam Trail (.6 miles) - This branches off from the Griffy Creek Trail and ends at the park boundary. The trail provides views of the forest, and parallels sections of the north and middle forks of Griffy Creek
• Cascades Park Trail (1.2 miles, paved) - This trail connects the Griffy Loop Trail trailhead at the Griffy Lake dam to the intersection of Stone Mill Road and North Old State Road 37 that leads to the Ferguson Dog Park. The trail continues south to Lower Cascades Park and Clubhouse Drive,
• Wetland Trail (.5 mile) - The Wetland Trail is a level, linear trail that is seasonally wet. The Wetland Trail begins at the Griffy Creek Trail trailhead.
• East North Shore Loop Trail (.5 miles) - The Wetland Trail is a level, linear trail that is seasonally wet. The Wetland Trail begins at the Griffy Creek Trail trailhead.
• West North Shore Loop Trail (1 mile) - A collection of trails explore Griffy Lake’s state dedicated nature preserve area. Some trails connect to the IU Teaching and Research Preserve trail system. The Griffy Loop Trail on the south side of Griffy Lake was completed in 2023. Plans are underway to improve trails on the North Shore.
• Griffy Causeway Trail (.25 miles) - Part of the Griffy Loop Trail with limestone fine surface. Paved ramp to fishing access
• Griffy Loop Trail (6.7 miles) - A collection of trails explore Griffy Lake's state dedicated nature preserve area. A couple of the trails connect to the IU Research and Teaching Preserve trail system.

Camping

Camping, ground fires, and overnight parking are not permitted at Griffy Lake.

Dogs

Griffy Lake Nature Preserve is a protected area. Please protect the highly erosive soils at Griffy Lake, and prevent injuries to your dog, wildlife, and other people by keeping your dog on a leash at all times. Ferguson Dog Park, an off-leash dog park managed by the Bloomington Parks and Recreation Department, is located nearby. Learn more about the Ferguson Dog Park.

Fishing

Griffy Lake was drained to facilitate repairs to the dam and spillway in 2011-12. Largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill and channel catfish were reintroduced to Griffy Lake in spring 2014. All Department of Natural Resources rules and regulations regarding the taking of fish, including size limits and daily bag limits, are in effect at Griffy Lake. Learn more about Indiana Fishing Regulations here.

Adults are required to have a valid Indiana fishing license to fish at Griffy Lake. Fishing licenses are NOT available for purchase at Griffy Lake.

Accessibility

There is accessible parking and a walkway that offers shoreline fishing located along Headley Road.

Parking

A large gravel parking lot (approx. 65 spaces) is located at the boathouse on Headley Road. Additional parking is available at the dam on North Dunn Street. For the safety of Griffy Lake users and motorists, parking along Headley Road and Dunn Street is not permitted.

Restrooms

Restrooms at Griffy Lake are open only during boathouse open hours: Weekends only in April and October from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m.; daily, May through August, 8 a.m. -8 p.m.; daily in September, 9 a.m.-6 p.m. Restrooms are primitive vault toilets. Drinking water is not available at Griffy Lake; please bring a filled water bottle when you visit Griffy Lake.

Picnic Area

Picnic tables are located around the boathouse. Grills are not provided. Grilling is permitted, but ground fires are prohibited. Separate trash and recycling receptacles are located around the boathouse.