Hiking in Hell Brook & Long Trail: trails, map and practical info

The Hell Brook Trail combined with the Long Trail is one of the most demanding and rewarding hikes in Vermont. This route climbs steeply to the summit of Mount Mansfield — the highest peak in the state — and it doesn't hold back. If you're looking for a trail that challenges you every step of the way and pays you back with sweeping views and genuine alpine terrain, this is it.

The Trail Experience

The Hell Brook Trail earns its name. From the trailhead, the ascent is relentless — steep, rocky, and in places requiring hands-on scrambling over exposed ledges and rooted terrain. This isn't a casual walk in the woods. The trail follows Hell Brook for a stretch, crossing the stream and weaving through dense northern hardwood and boreal forest before the terrain opens up and the real climbing begins.

Once you connect with the Long Trail near the ridgeline, the character of the hike shifts. The Long Trail here runs along the spine of the Green Mountains, and the exposure increases significantly. You're above treeline, navigating open rocky terrain with wide-open views in multiple directions. The wind can be strong and conditions change fast at this elevation, so come prepared regardless of what the forecast says at the trailhead.

What Makes This Route Stand Out

Most routes up Mount Mansfield are tough, but the Hell Brook approach is widely considered the steepest and most technical. It's not the route you'd recommend to someone new to hiking or anyone uncomfortable with exposed scrambling. But for hikers who want a genuine physical challenge and a route that feels earned, it delivers.

The combination with the Long Trail also gives you options. You can push to the Chin — the true summit of Mount Mansfield — or traverse along the ridge before descending via a different route. The Long Trail itself is one of the oldest long-distance hiking trails in the United States, and hiking any section of it carries a certain weight for anyone who appreciates trail history.

The views from the upper ridge and summit area are exceptional. On a clear day, you can see across Lake Champlain to the Adirondacks to the west, and east into the rolling hills of Vermont and beyond into New Hampshire. The alpine zone near the summit is also ecologically significant — it supports rare arctic-alpine plant communities that exist in very few places this far south.

Terrain and Conditions

The lower section of the Hell Brook Trail is rooted and rocky, with stream crossings that can be slippery. The middle section involves sustained steep climbing with some scrambling. The upper section near the Long Trail junction and beyond is exposed ledge and open alpine terrain. Footing requires attention throughout.

Conditions on this trail vary dramatically by season. Snow can linger well into spring at higher elevations, and ice makes the steep sections genuinely dangerous without microspikes or crampons. In summer, the trail can be muddy in the lower sections after rain. Fall brings excellent visibility and cooler temperatures, making it a popular time to tackle this route — but expect company on weekends.

Practical Information

• Difficulty: This is a strenuous, technical hike. Expect steep climbing, exposed scrambling, and alpine conditions near the summit. Not suitable for beginners or young children.
• Footwear: Sturdy hiking boots with ankle support are strongly recommended. Trail runners are manageable for experienced hikers but the rocky terrain is unforgiving.
• Water: Hell Brook provides water in the lower section, but treat all backcountry water before drinking. Carry enough for the full climb.
• Leave No Trace in the Alpine Zone: The summit area of Mount Mansfield contains fragile arctic-alpine vegetation. Stay on marked trails and rock surfaces — stepping off-trail in the alpine zone causes lasting damage to plants that take decades to recover.
• Weather: Summit conditions can be dramatically different from the trailhead. Wind, fog, and temperature drops are common even in summer. Bring layers and rain gear.
• Parking: Check current access and parking information before heading out, as trailhead access and fees can change seasonally.

Who This Hike Is For

This route is best suited for experienced hikers who are comfortable on steep, rocky terrain and have some experience with exposed scrambling. If you've done challenging hikes before and want something that genuinely pushes you — with a summit payoff that matches the effort — the Hell Brook and Long Trail combination is a strong choice. It's the kind of hike you'll talk about afterward, not because it was easy, but because it wasn't.