The walk is published as seven miles. I suppose that is correct, but although walking it many times, I have never actually measured it. I seem to lapse from my normal mental calculations on this trail. Somehow, there is a mystical air about the walk. I thought it was only myself until reading others' account of the grove.
Park wherever you can find room. You may have to resort to parking at the campground. This costs money, but is often the only possible alternative. The gated right hand road will take you toward the Grove. I am not sure the why the road is blocked here, but it does serve to keep down the number of visitors. A well preserved log house is just off the road on the right after a while. Nothing unusual about it, but it starts the memories and imagination rolling. Slowly climbing a wide two-track (which obviously used to serve as a high quality park visitor road) along new growth hardwood, the hike is a bit long, though not tiring. A loop marks the end of the road, where a foot path takes over. This is where the trails becomes "really good." Many large hemlocks normally stand or lie uprooted by natural causes. Rhododendrons also become more populous here on the northern terminus of a shoulder of the Eastern divide just off Mount Guyot.
As the trail turns into the grove loop, a old road through the wide hollow, the forest becomes progressively more hardwood. I suggest going to the right, as the finer trees will then become larger as you walk. The loop consists of many ups and downs through this wonderful section of virgin timber. I have been told by semi-reliable sources that the oldest of the tulip poplars is the oldest known. Don't stand far off and take pictures, they won't turn out very impressive. Walk around the trees and maybe get a picture of yourself leaning against it. That will show the mass of these incredible plants. Poplars like these were logged by the thousands before the Park was protected. No one will ever know how large they used to grow. Needless to say, they just don't make 'em like that any more.
If you have children capable of hiking a fair distance, this is a good one to take them on. Our five year old daughter was thrilled by the giant trees, and it was a good chance to give her a lesson in tree identification.
The loop becomes hard to follow about half way through (seems to be the point of highest elevation in the loop). Benches are available (at least one) for a rest. If you have chosen the counter-clockwise route, follow the crest of the ridge high and to the right. When the ridge forces you to the left, you should be able to find the path again. If you can't find the trail, just turn around and ascend back to the high point with the bench. You'll find it.
The trail to Madron Bald continues up the shoulder of Mt. Guyot just before reaching the loop intersection again.