Page Type: | Route |
---|---|
Lat/Lon: | 44.54400°N / 72.815°W |
Route Type: | Hiking |
Season: | Spring, Summer, Fall |
Time Required: | Half a day |
Difficulty: | Class 2 |
To get to the Hell Brook Trailhead go past the Stowe ski area heading north on Route 108. After you reach the Gondola house continue north on 108 for 0.5 mile and on the left there will be a huge parking lot for the Long Trail south. The Hell Brook Trail is located approximately 1.25 miles north of the Long Trail south trailhead off Route 108. There is a small parking area for the Hell Brook Trail on the left hand side of 108 heading north.
Round Trip Distance : 4.2 miles
Elevation Gain : 2600 feet
The Hell Brook trail is a fun and challenging route to 'The Chin' of Mount Mansfield (The Summit). This is the shortest and steepest but also most technically difficult route to the summit.
The trail is mostly large rocks and is usually wet. This route is considerably less busy than the popular Long Trail, which also makes it nice.
Following alongside of the Hell Brook, the Hell Brook trail climbs steadily for 1.5 miles to Lake of the Clouds. This part of the trail is steep with large rocks and usually wet. Once you reach the Lake of the Clouds, head south for 0.3 mile on the Hell Brook cutoff trail and you will meet the Long Trail at Eagle Pass. At Eagle Pass follow the Long Trail south 0.3 mile to The Chin.
Trekking poles would be useful if descending the Hell Brook Trail. The rocks on the trail are usually wet and slick.