1.4 hr
Overview
This is a pretty easy trail that is family friendly. It features a gradual gain in elevation until you enter Bumpass Hell. From here, there is a steeper grade heading back down, ending in boardwalks over a series of thermal pools. The trail is pretty even and easily completed with a decent treaded shoe. <br><br>There is lots of educational material at the boardwalks for kids and adults alike. The trail is mostly uncovered, making a hat and water necessary as the sun is really hot here. The trail starts at a large parking lot that fills up by noon so come early. It's a little over 3 miles but can be extended if you add Crumbaugh Lake Trail or Mill Creek Falls Trail. Either way, this is a great unique, quick trail with or without kids.
Trail Stats
5.2 km
82 m
2553 m
2264 m
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Photos
Cold gases rising from the bottom of Cold Boiling Lake (white dots across the top of the picture) are trapped under a thin layer of ice covering the lake on a cold Novemeber day.
Cold gases rising from the bottom of Cold Boiling Lake (white dots across the top of the picture) are trapped under a thin layer of ice covering the lake on a cold Novemeber day.
The trail to Bumpass Hell can be dangerous in the early summer to due snow and ice still on the trail. Make sure you bring proper traction devices for the trip down.
The trail to Bumpass Hell can be dangerous in the early summer to due snow and ice still on the trail. Make sure you bring proper traction devices for the trip down.
Even the views through the trees are spectacular.
Even the views through the trees are spectacular.
Devil's Kitchen Trail
Devil's Kitchen Trail
Bumpass Hell.
Bumpass Hell.
Cold Boiling Lake is a small lake at the end of Cold Boiling Lake Trail. Cold gases gently percolate up out of the lake.
Cold Boiling Lake is a small lake at the end of Cold Boiling Lake Trail. Cold gases gently percolate up out of the lake.
Looking back at Lake Helen. Even in the summer, it can be covered in snow and ice.
Looking back at Lake Helen. Even in the summer, it can be covered in snow and ice.
A views of the hills that drain into Bumpass Hell.
A views of the hills that drain into Bumpass Hell.
Looking back into Bumpass Hell from the trail.
Looking back into Bumpass Hell from the trail.
The boardwalk that works its way through Bumpass Hell. Make sure the kids stay on it as the ground can give way to scalding water underneath.
The boardwalk that works its way through Bumpass Hell. Make sure the kids stay on it as the ground can give way to scalding water underneath.
A look at the boardwalk as it passes through Bumpass Hell.
A look at the boardwalk as it passes through Bumpass Hell.
Great views of the surrounding mountains and ravines are offered from the trail before it descends.
Great views of the surrounding mountains and ravines are offered from the trail before it descends.
Bumpass Hell
Bumpass Hell