Most fun way up Mansfield at this time of the year?

[hikingfish]

Hi!
I'm planning to hike up Mansfield this weekend (probably on Saturday). This will be my first time to the Green Mountains and on Mansfield as well. I was wondering what would be the best way up to the summit? I've been eyeing Hell's Brooke for a while, but since there is a big chance I'll solo this hike, I was thinking of going with an easier, less steep, hike. I love being above treeline, exposed to winds and such, but aren't such a fan of walking on cliff edges and the likes ;-)

Also, should I expect to encounter a bit of snow/ice patches?

I appreciate any suggestions!

Fish

 

[hikingfish]

Hells Brook the one and only way , it is tough but thankfully short, i soloed it last July and came down at 10 PM with headlamp and had no real probs, just look where you goin ..hk

I just fetched this description from a search on google:
Although the trail was quite steep and required a bit of scrambling here and there, it wasn't a particularly difficult or scary trail. The steep grades were all in well forested areas so there were plenty of tree trunks and tree roots to hold onto. There were interesting views of Smuggler's Notch from between the trees, but the trail was not an open cliff climb.

Does this sound pretty accurate?

I'm used to adirondack trails (algonquin, big slide, giant, cascade, gothics, all done in winter conditions except for cascade). Is hell's brooke considerable harder than any of these hikes? I just want to make sure I'm not in over my head

Fish

 

[HH1]

Relax, Hikingfish! Went up this trail five years ago with a small group which included a not particularly fit 65 year old - he described the climb as "sweet". The google description you found is a pretty accurate, and, based on those ascents you made in the Dacks, I think you'll enjoy it immensely. You're bound to hit some ice and snow above 3000 feet, so take care those times you do, and all the more of course if you choose to descend the Hells Brook.

 

[hikingfish]

I hate being unprepared

 

[ADK4Life]

If you are used to the Adirondacks you will have no problem at all on any trail on Mansfield. I advise the Sunset Ridge trail..nice smooth grade and alot of above treeline hikin g for such a small mountain. I climbed Mansfield in the winter and was actually shocked how easy this mountain is. I would grade it as having Cascades difficulty mixed with a little bit of the whites feeling above treeline.

Have a good time its really a great mountain, always interesting to see the high peaks across the lake.

 

[timmus]

No doubt it is the best choice if you like using your head as much as your legs while hiking. Easier return by Profanity and Long Trail, but that include a walk on route 108 to get back to your car. I did most of Mansfield's trails and Hell Brook is by far my favorite.

Enjoy !

 

[hikingfish]

Pictures of trip report of hell's brooke?

Does anyone have any pictures taking on the hell's brooke by any chance?

I'm trying to get an idea of what the trail looks like.

I do fancy the exposure of the sunset trail though. That would be fun!

 

[timmus]

and alot of above treeline hikin g for such a small mountain.

If Mansfield was in the Adirondacks, it would be #23 on your ADK46r's list...(4393 ft) That is not what I call a small mountain.

Timmus

 

[Waumbek]

The Smugglers Notch area on the northeast side of Mansfield has some quite steep trails, and they can be slippery at this time of year. Approaches from the west are less steep and that's probably the better side to start from for a first Mansfield hike in late May. If you get the chance, however, drive from Stowe north through the Notch. It is so incredibly narrow that in spot there is room for only one car.

 

[king tut]

i'll have to second the vote for the sunset ridge trail. i have done most of the trails on the state park side of the mt, and that is the most fun and has the best views.

 

[hikingfish]

Thanks for all the sound advise guys.

I think I'll go with the sunset trail then.

Fish

 

[TMax]

One more opinion...

When I did Mansfield I started at the Underhill State Park (nice place to stay!) and did a loop hike that consisted of the CCC Road,the Laura Cowles Trail, The Long Trail, and the Halfway House Trail. This loop offered a variety of terrain that made it very interesting. I think it was about 6-7 miles total. Whichever route one takes, it's a nice mountain to be on. Have fun!

 

[hikingfish]

What a nice weekend!

I ended up going up Sunset Ridge and coming down Laura Cowles. Going up was surprisingly easy. I even had my own personal guide for a couple of minutes. Met a nice custodian who was looking for her trail maintenance crew (who was particular nice and good looking too might I add) who showed me the way to the summit. Coming down, my knees started hurting quite a bit. The Laura trail was pretty much a little stream for a better part of the way (the upper half part I'd say).

Great weather too!

Fish

 

[prino]

Nice!

Hikinngfish.....Glad to here you had a good Hike. I went up the Sunset Ridge Trail the week before you and I think I must have met That same "Custodian" she was very helpfull. One trail worth considering after doing the Chin is "The Subway" and/or The Cliff Trail" These are as tough a trail as any you can find in the DAX or Whites....not very long but well worth it.