Runs through Chittenden County, Lamoille County.
Hell Brook Trail
Reaches Mount Mansfield (4,396 ft), Adams Apple (4,121 ft), Bear Head (3,911 ft).
- Length
- 1.1 mi
- Climb
- 2,190 ft
- Time, one way
- about 1 h 55 min
- Counties
- 2
- Difficulty
- Strenuousestimated
- Surface
- dirt
Download GPX for a GPS app or watch
About this trail
The Hell Brook Trail is one of the hardest routes up Mount Mansfield, climbing from Route 108 in Smugglers' Notch toward the Chin. The state park's guide calls it extremely challenging and gives 1.8 miles and about 2,660 feet of climbing to the Chin. For most of the way it winds along Hell Brook; near the top it meets the Adam's Apple Trail and joins the Long Trail through Eagle Pass for the final 0.3 mile.
Good to know
- The state warns it can be dangerous when wet and on the way down. Consider coming down a different way.
- Trails in the Notch may be closed from about April 15 to late May for mud season.
- Blue blazes mark the trail; the Long Trail is white-blazed.
Written by VTHiking from Vermont State Parks, Smugglers' Notch State Park trail descriptions, checked Oct 24, 2026. Distances in this text are the source's own; the figures above are measured from the mapped line and can differ.
Where to park
We haven't confirmed the fee at the lots below yet. Check posted signs when you arrive.
- Hell Brook Trail Trailhead Fee unconfirmedStart here1,795 ft · Lamoille County
- Hell Brook Trail Trailhead (Jeffersonville) Fee unconfirmedStart here1,865 ft · Lamoille County
Walking distances follow the mapped trail network. They are not a route, they ignore slope, and they are not driving directions.
Elevation
Climb, time and difficulty are estimates worked out from the mapped line and USGS elevation data, not measurements or official ratings. Time assumes about 2.5 mph plus an hour per 1,500 ft climbed.
Management
- Network
- lwn
Other trails nearby
Trail geometry and attributes from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Elevation from USGS 3DEP. Lengths are computed from mapped geometry and are approximate. Safety disclaimer.