Smugglers Notch Vermont: 1st Time Visitor Guide
If you’re planning a scenic Smugglers Notch Vermont getaway packed with mountain views, hidden trails, waterfalls, and fall foliage, then this guide is for you. Nestled in the Green Mountains near Stowe, this narrow mountain pass offers year-round adventure for hikers, families, leaf-peepers, and outdoor lovers. Whether you’re road tripping through Vermont or planning a fall foliage escape, this guide will help you navigate your first visit to Smugglers Notch with ease.
Overview
Smugglers Notch Vermont, often just called “The Notch,” is a historic mountain pass in northern Vermont. It’s part of Smugglers’ Notch State Park and sits along Route 108 between Stowe and Jeffersonville. Famous for its dramatic cliffs, alpine forests, and narrow winding road, it once served as a smuggling route during the early 1800s, hence the name.
Today, Smugglers Notch is a four-season outdoor playground offering world-class hiking, scenic drives, rock climbing, and some of the best fall foliage in New England.
Photos
How to Get to Smugglers Notch
By Car:
- From Burlington, VT: About 1 hour (40 miles) via I-89 and Route 108.
- From Montpelier, VT: About 1 hour and 15 minutes via VT-100.
- From Stowe, VT: Just 15 minutes north via Route 108 (seasonal access only, closed in winter).
Note: Route 108 through the Notch is closed to vehicle traffic in winter due to steep, narrow curves. Access is still possible from the north or south but you’ll need to detour.
Best Times to Visit
- Fall (Late September – Mid October): Peak foliage season. Brilliant reds, golds, and oranges light up the cliffs and trails.
- Summer (June – August): Best for hiking, swimming holes, and lush green views.
- Winter (December – March): Ideal for skiing at nearby Smugglers’ Notch Resort or Stowe Mountain Resort.
- Spring (April – May): Quieter, but trails can be muddy due to snowmelt (known locally as “mud season”).
10 Best Things to Do in Smugglers Notch
- Drive through the Notch on Route 108: A must-do scenic drive with sharp turns and stunning cliffside views. Easily one of the most scenic drives in North America.
- Explore Smugglers’ Notch State Park: Discover waterfalls, historic caves, and trailheads tucked into the forest.
- Visit Bingham Falls: A short hike to one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the area.
- Check out the Smugglers Caves: Historic hideouts once used by smugglers, fun to explore near the roadside.
- Ride the Stowe Mountain Auto Toll Road: Ascend Mount Mansfield for sweeping views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks.
- Rock Climbing or Bouldering: Cliffs along the Notch are popular for climbers of all skill levels.
- Picnic at Barnes Camp: A historic visitor center and scenic pull-off perfect for lunch with a view.
- Hike to Sterling Pond: Vermont’s highest alpine pond, located just above the Notch.
- Enjoy a Scenic Gondola Ride at Stowe: Ride to the summit of Mount Mansfield in summer or fall.
- Tour the Vermont Maple Outlet or Cold Hollow Cider Mill: Local treats and souvenirs just a short drive away.
On top of these, I also recommend this Tripadvisor page on Smugglers Notch for even more awesome ideas!
10 Best Things to Do in Smugglers Notch Fall
- Leaf peep along Route 108 during peak foliage.
- Capture sunrise or sunset photos from Mount Mansfield.
- Take the Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Chairlift Ride.
- Stroll the Barnes Camp Boardwalk through golden forests.
- Join a foliage photography workshop in Stowe.
- Try a cider tasting at nearby orchards.
- Bike the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail surrounded by color.
- Attend the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival.
- Relax at a local cabin with a hot drink and autumn views.
- Explore Stowe Vermont nearby.
Best Hikes:
Beginner
- Barnes Camp Loop Trail – 1-mile easy loop with boardwalk views.
- Bingham Falls Trail – 0.5-mile one way, short and steep to a stunning waterfall.
Intermediate
- Sterling Pond Trail – 2.2 miles roundtrip, moderate climb to a serene alpine pond.
- Elephant’s Head Trail – 1.6 miles, great views and less crowded.
Advanced
- Long Trail through the Notch – Rugged segment of Vermont’s 272-mile thru-hike trail.
Packing List
You can get a majority of these items on my Amazon gear store:
Essentials:
- Hiking shoes or trail runners
- Reusable water bottle or hydration pack
- Trail map or AllTrails app (some areas lack signal)
- Snacks or a packed lunch
- Rain jacket (weather changes fast in the mountains)
- Layers (temps can drop quickly)
- Bug spray (especially in summer)
- Headlamp or flashlight (for cave exploration or early hikes)
- Camera or phone with extra battery
- Trekking poles (for steep hikes)
Fall-Specific Items:
- Warm hat and gloves
- Extra layers
- Thermos with hot drink
- Lightweight blanket for scenic overlooks
Where to Stay
Check lodging around Smugglers Notch Vermont
Things to Know Before You Go
- Route 108 closes in winter to vehicles through the Notch due to steep terrain and snow.
- Cell signal is limited in the Notch itself, download maps offline in advance.
- Parking is limited near trailheads and fills up fast on weekends in peak season.
- Restrooms are available at Smugglers’ Notch State Park and Barnes Camp.
- Weather changes quickly, especially in higher elevations, always pack layers.
Related
Final Thoughts
Smugglers Notch Vermont is one of the state’s most stunning natural gems, perfect for fall foliage chasers, hikers, and scenic explorers alike. Whether you’re after quiet trails, epic views, or a road trip stop filled with local charm, this destination delivers year-round. With winding roads, hidden caves, waterfalls, and incredible summit hikes, your first trip to Smugglers Notch will leave you planning your return. Save this guide, pack your layers, and get ready to explore one of Vermont’s best-kept mountain secrets.
Hello! I’m from southern Vermont, which is a bit of a drive to Smugglers Notch. It was only 2 years ago I had the opportunity to visit Smugglers Notch for the first time. I went there in late September. The foliage was so stunning and beautiful that it’s indescribable.
Having grown up in Vermont all my life, I admire and appreciate the natural beauty the state has to offer. However, the experience of seeing Smugglers Notch during peak foliage left me in awe.
I tried to catch peak fall foliage last year in Smugglers Notch Jade but made it a few weeks late. Though it was beautiful, I hope to try and make it happen this year as I do believe it can be one of the best places to see fall foliage in New England. Really glad you like this place so much!
When I was young, my parents took me to New Hampshire and upstate New York for vacation. Not sure why we never went through Vermont. When I was an adult, I visited Vermont going up Route 100, which is a beautiful scenic drive. I did drive up Stowe Mountain once and it was great. If you are looking for great scenery, then Vermont is a great place to check out.
Agreed, although I will admit, I did a secondary drive through other areas of Vermont and it was very boring, with endless fields/farms. It’s way better to pick out the scenic locations and head there, then from there, find another, it’ll make the trip much better.
My wife and I are planning a trip to New England in October, and we are planning on spending a couple nights in Stowe, so this post came in handy.
That looked like a beautiful drive, so we will add it to our list of things to do while there. I’ve heard that the ski resort offers zip lining. But I’m not sure if they offer it in October or not. If we’re able to hit it, I’ll come back and update the comments.
Oh that’s awesome Dustin! Make sure to visit that location and possible even Ausable Chasm if you have the chance!
This looks like a beautiful area to visit! It is a part of the United States that I have not visited and I will definitely consider it for my next trip.
I am a hiker, but not extreme. Are the trails clearly marked for degree of difficulty?
I really like what you said about the misty weather. I actually prefer a day like that to full sunshine, too.
Great helpful with my planning!
Ruby
Great to meet another hiker Ruby! I didn’t get a good look at the trail markers, but you should check them out prior to see if they are indeed marked with a difficulty.