Hellbrook Trail is one of the most strenuous trails on the east side of Mount Mansfield. Descending this trail in wet weather is not recommended. This trail ascends 2,330’ in 1.5 miles to the Long Trail (LT) junction. This trail climbs steeply to the ridge, frequently on precipitous ledges, using hand holds or metal rebar for gripping through the woods with occasional views of the ledges on the east side of the notch.
From VT-108/Mountain Road take Hellbrook Trail 0.9mi. up the northeastern side of Mount Mansfield. At the Hellbrook Cutoff and Hellbrook Trail intersection, continue on Hellbrook Trail for 0.4 mi. until reaching Lake of the Clouds and Adam’s Apple intersection. Continue past the lake on Hellbrook Trail 0.2 mi. to the Long Trail. Take Long Trail North for 0.3 mi. until reaching the Chin, highest point of Mount Mansfield (3.6 mi). To return, either head back down the same way via Long Trail South to Hellbrook Trail or go over the Adam’s Apple to Hellbrook Trail, or continue descending on the Long Trail past the Hell Brook Trail intersection another 0.2 mi, reaching the Hell Brook Cutoff Trail. Take the Cutoff Trail 0.6 mi. to join back up with the Hellbrook Trail and descend the remaining 0.7 mi. back to the trailhead.
Note that Hellbrook Trail can be hazardous in wet weather and descending this trail is very difficult.
Mt. Mansfield, the tallest point in Vermont, features a long summit ridge with multiple highpoints. The ridge is said to look like the profile of a person, so its highpoints have names like the Forehead, the Nose, and the Chin (the highest point in Vermont, at 4,395’). It also has long side ridges, like Sunset Ridge. It is one of the most popular hiking destinations in Vermont and can become very crowded, drawing visitors from all over the Northeast and Quebec. In order to avoid crowds, plan to visit early in the morning or on weekdays.
There are multiple ways up to the summit of Mt. Mansfield from multiple trailheads, so take care to review maps and return to the same trailhead you started from. If planning to start and end at different trailheads, make sure to drop a car and plan for the driving distance between trailheads, which can be as much as two hours.
