Mayor Kerry Thomson

Page last updated on March 18, 2026 at 3:54 pm

Griffy Lake has some basic amenities available for park visitors. The park is officially open from 5 a.m. through 11 p.m. daily, with separate hours of operation for the Griffy Lake boathouse April through October. 

Quick Park Information

  • Check boathouse hours and launch permit fees 
  • Primitive restroom facilities are available only during boathouse hours.
  • There are no drinking fountains or sources of potable water at Griffy Lake; please come prepared with your own drinking water.
  • Waste and recycling receptacles are located by the boathouse. Thank you for helping keep Griffy Lake clean and safe for all to enjoy!
  • Camping, ground fires, and overnight parking are not permitted at Griffy Lake.
  • Mountain biking, horseback riding, and off-road vehicles are strictly prohibited.

Hiking

Find hiking trail maps and more information on OuterSpatial, Parks and Recreation's free moblie app available for Apple and Android devices.

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. 

  • 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.

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.
  • Visit Ferguson Dog Park, an off-leash dog park located one-half mile from the Griffy Lake dam on Stone Mill Road via the Cascades Park Trail.
  • Dog waste bag stations are located at the Griffy Lake boathouse, and at the trailhead parking lot at the Griffy Lake dam.

Fishing

  • Griffy Lake is stocked withe largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill and channel catfish.
  • A valid Indiana fishing license is required to fish at Griffy Lake. The boathouse does not sell fishing licenses.
  • Privately owned watercraft, including fishing boats, are welcome to launch at Griffy Lake only via the boat ramp at the boathouse on Headley Road. Boat motors are limited to electric trolling motors only.
  • A daily or seasonal launch permit is required to launch a privately owned boat at Griffy Lake. Purchase a launch permit with cash, check or credit card at the boathouse during open hours.
  • Check boathouse hours and launch permit fees 
  • Vehicles with boat trailers must park in designated areas to allow safe access for all park users. 
  • All Indiana Department of Natural Resources fishing rules and regulations regarding the taking of fish, including size limits and daily bag limits, are in effect at Griffy Lake.

Accessibility

  • Griffy Lake has a gravel surface parking lot with an asphalt entry. Three designated handicap accessible vehicle parking spaces with asphalt surfaces are located about 80' east of the boathouse. A concrete walkway connects the parking spaces to the boathouse.
  • One picnic table east of the boathouse is accessible via concrete sidewalk and a wooden boardwalk from the handicap parking spaces. 
  • The primitive restroom facilities are about 115' from the handicap parking spaces via concrete sidewalk and wooden boardwalk. The entry doors and toilet facilities are not considered accessible.
  • There is an accessible boat launch for canoes and kayaks 150' from the handicap parking spaces over a concrete sidewalk and aluminum/composite surface boat dock.

Parking

  • A gravel-surface parking lot for approximately 65 vehicles is located east of the boathouse.
  • A gravel-surface parking lot for approximately 15 vehicles is located on Dunn Street at the base of the Griffy Lake dam. Access to the Griffy Lake trails is via a wooden staircase to the top of the dam.
  • Bicycle parking is available in a bike rack east of the Griffy Lake boathouse. Note that bicycles are NOT permitting on the trails.
  • Roadside parking along Headley Road and Dunn Street is not permitted.

Picnic Area

  • Picnic tables are located in a grassy area east of the boathouse. One picnic table is accessible via concrete sidewalk and a wooden boardwalk from the handicap parking spaces.
  • Grilling is permitted, but grills are not provided.
  • Ground fires or campfires are not permitted.