Mt Mansfield via Hell Brook 10-2-05

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dom15931

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I decided to do this hike Sunday on the way back to St. J. from the Dacks. I had heard this was a steep, demanding, hike. Looking at the map irom VT 108 to the summit of Mansfield it is only 1.8 miles. It was an unusually warm day with some humidity. There were a lot of tourists in the area despite fall foilage not expected to peak for another week. I left my car at about 1:30.
The trail wastes no time becoming steep. There is no 'walk in' on this hike whatsoever. The trail is wet as it follows a drainage basin. There were some steep rocky sections here and there as well as muddy areas. They were larger and more frequent that usual for these mountains.
I found the trail to be less traveled and those on it to be relativily experienced hikers, less of the tourist types.
The view of the Chin from the ridgeline just below the Adam's Apple is quite impressive. It looked similair to the summit knob of Camel's hump, except somewhat larger and more dramatic, at least to me. It looks like it is going to be a very steep climb up to the summit, but it is not as bad as it first looks. Although by no means technical and having only limited exposure I would still presume that those afraid of heights may not enjoy this section. There are several hundred feet of steep switchbacking up the knob and the trail takes you to an overhand with an impressive view of Sunset Ridge just before making a final turn before reaching the summit. The summit was croweded with tourists (as usual) and the insects were horrible from the late summer warmth. The views were good, but limited by the humidity from the warm day. I still always manage to enjoy this summit for it's uniquness and low timberline. There are many interesting areas along the ridge and I was disapointed that I did not have time to visit 'The Subway', one of my favorite side trails. I did bag the Adam's Apple on the way down. I got back to my car at about 5:30.
Overall I would say that this trail is a fun, more difficult, and less traveled route up a very commercialized mountain. If you like tougher hikes and have not done it, put it on your list.

Two notes of caution:

1) I would not recomment this route for decent. I found the muddy sections to be tricky on the way down. Consider the Long Trail as an alternate route.
2) Watch out for bushwacking/ski trails. I got sidetracked on one for a bit. This happened right where the trail makes a sharp left about halfway to the ridgeline. Here there is a herd path that continues up the mountain but leads to nothing but a network of vague paths. One of the summit stewards told me that many of these are made by adventurous skiers in the winter. I know at least on other person got sidetracked on this path. It is easy to miss the log that had been placed in front of it and there are a lot of footprints making it look, for a bit, like the trail.
 
Last edited:
dom15931 said:
2) Watch out for bushwacking/ski trails. I got sidetracked on one for a bit. This happened right where the trail makes a sharp left about halfway to the ridgeline. Here there is a herd path that continues up the mountain but leads to nothing but a network of vague paths. One of the summit stewards told me that many of these are made by adventurous skiers in the winter. I know at least on other person got sidetracked on this path. It is easy to miss the log that had been placed in front of it and there are a lot of footprints making it look, for a bit, like the trail.

Funny, I got separated from my group skiing the hellbrook area and found myself on the hiking trail at one point. I'd really like to hike that trail to see what it looks like in the summer.
 
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