Discover this 3.7-mile loop trail near Jeffersonville, Vermont. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 53 min to complete. This is a very popular area for birding and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. The best times to visit this trail are April through November. You'll need to leave pups at home — dogs aren't allowed on this trail.
Appropriately named, the Hell Brook Trail is one of Stowe’s most challenging hikes on Vermont’s tallest peak, and is recommended only for expert hikers who are comfortable climbing steep, wet, rock faces with high consequences. This trail ascends up a brook, and thus is almost always extremely wet and slick. Due to the steep grade, the Hell Brook Trail should only be used for ascent, not descent. Hikers are encouraged to descend the Long Trail to route 108 and walk north back to the Hell Brook parking area.
Trailhead Location: From the historic village, take Route 108 north approximately 9 miles. Look for the Hell Brook Trail signs on the left side of the road marking this trail. There are a few small parking areas along the road. If this parking area is full, drive about 0.2 miles north on Route 108 to the top of Smugglers’ Notch, or south about 2 miles and park at Stowe Mountain Resort.
SEASONAL ROAD CLOSURE: The road on Smugglers' Notch Pass on VT 108 closes seasonally due to winter weather conditions, usually from mid-October through mid-May.
