Don’t Try This One Hike in Vermont if You’re Afraid of Heights

Most people head to Smugglers’ Notch for the scenic drive, but the real challenge is hidden in the massive rock walls above the road. While the Green Mountain State has plenty of manageable hikes, the Hell Brook Trail stands apart as one of the most extreme hikes in Vermont. Known for its exposed scrambles and relentless climb, this trail replaces switchbacks with steep, wet rock slabs and ledges that demand steady nerves and a strong head for heights.

This trail gains about 2,600 feet of elevation in a very short distance. Depending on your route down, the hike covers roughly 3.5 to 5 miles. Much of the ascent involves scrambling up slick rock and tangled roots, with very few flat sections to rest before reaching the summit.

The exposure is real. As you near the ridge and summit, open rock and noticeable drops become more frequent. One AllTrails hiker warned that the trail is “not for the cautious hiker who likes to feel safe,” noting that “some spots are very slippery and you need a certain degree of agility to climb the trail properly without hurting yourself.” If looking down a steep rock face makes your stomach churn, this hike is not for you.

The hike begins at a small parking lot off Route 108. From the first step, the climb is steep and demanding. You will often need to use both hands and feet, navigating mostly Class 2 scrambles with a few brief Class 3 sections. In the most difficult areas, fixed metal bars are installed on exposed ledges to help hikers pull themselves upward.

Because the trail follows a brook, the rocks are almost always wet. Even days after a rainstorm, the slabs remain slick. Proper hiking boots with deep lugs are essential. Downloading an offline map is also recommended (I personally swear by AllTrails Plus for this), as trail markers are faded in several places, and the Hell Brook Cutoff can be rough, with overgrowth and occasional blowdowns depending on recent conditions.

The climb eventually gives way to one of the most striking alpine landscapes in the Northeast. As you approach the summit—known as “The Chin”—you’ll pass Adam’s Apple and the high-alpine Lake of the Clouds.

At 4,393 feet, you are standing at the highest point in Vermont. On a clear day, the summit offers a full 360-degree view. You can see across the valley to the Adirondacks and east toward the White Mountains, a perspective few hikers ever reach.

The descent is often the hardest part, and your choice of route will determine the final mileage. Many hikers avoid descending Hell Brook due to the strain on the knees. Common options include:

• The Gondola Bail-Out: Follow the Cliff Trail to the Stowe Gondola and ride down. This drops you at the resort base, followed by about a mile or so walk back to the parking area.
• The Long Trail: The safest non-gondola option and the route most experienced hikers recommend. It adds distance but offers better footing and a more manageable grade.
• Taft Lodge: A major junction where hikers often stop to regroup, use the privy, and decide on their descent.

If you have the grit and balance, this hike is a serious accomplishment. If you prefer stable footing and minimal exposure, it’s best to stay in the valley. The most extreme hike in Vermont demands respect, confidence, and comfort with heights.

Ready to see the Notch from above? You can check out the full trail details and recent conditions of the most suggested route on the Mount Mansfield via Hellbrook Trail and the Long Trail AllTrails page.

Feeling inspired? Try planning your own trip using Only In Your State’s itinerary planner.