Smuggler's Notch State Park provides hiking, camping, nature programs, and mountain biking. Smuggler's Notch Park got its name because In 1807, President Thomas Jefferson passed an embargo act forbidding American trade with Great Britain and Canada. This was a severe hardship for northern Vermonters, since Montreal was closer than other markets in the US. Many local people continued illegal trade with Canada, herding cattle and carrying other goods through the Notch. Later, fugitive slaves used the Notch as an escape route to Canada. During the Prohibition years, liquor was smuggled from Canada over the improved road built in 1922. My mother and I just rode through and it was miles of the park with different areas to explore. The we're many hikers and explorers out. All I can say is the mountains are beautiful and the atmosphere is amazing. I would definitely want to come back in fall to see the trees change colors. read more

I love this twisty road! The spring is a must stop for a drink of water literally flowing out of the mountain. It's usually gorgeous in the fall but we missed the leaves this year. There are plenty of places to stop and hike along the notch. It's really a beautiful place. read more

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What a beautiful scenic hiking place! I would not recommend hiking most of the trails if you're not experienced. My kids have hiked low or hilly areas but nothing like this. My daughter was crying, she thought we would let her die. I helped my son, he's asthmatic but did amazing! The altitude was so crazy it affected me as well I had to stop twice. My husband from NY was in full panic mode lol. I loved it! My husband and I have hiked many places Mount Rainier being one. I can't wait to go back! But we might be minus a kid, since my daughter said she'd never hike again! read more

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If you ever plan to visit Vermont to see the fall colors, this has got to be a go to place on your list. The views are stunning, beautiful and will surely mesmerize you. Once you cross the the auto toll road and the gondola ride (for Mt. Mansfield) you'll be entering this zigzag, twisty scenic road which will bring you to the notch. The enire road is breathtaking. It's scenic during peak fall foilage and you'll see people stopping along to take pictures. The road is very narrow and there would be cars parked on either side so i'd recommend to drive slow and yield to people walking along and the oncoming traffic. There's a visitor center which will help you find your way to a couple of hikes/ trails. There were also porta potty which were clean. The parking is limited and you'll have to wait and search through. During our visit, there was no one in the visitor center. There are helpful signs and boards to guide you along the trails there which was helpful. The sterling pond hike starts from the visitor center and it is about a 1,000 ft elevation total. The smugglers cave is a few steps away from this visitor center. The entire smugglers notch is scenic and makes for great photo opportunities. There are a couple of great hikes/ trails from here and i'd reommend anyone visiting vermont to check out this place during the fall season. read more

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This is a great drive and you can also take some nice hikes as you go (for example, Sterling Pond). A must visit if you're in Vermont! read more

Smugglers' Notch State Park - Parks Near Me - Stowe, Vermont

We stayed at Smugglers' Notch State Park Campground for 3 days. Great location in proximity to trails and Stowe. The facilities were very clean and the campsite we had was awesome. We were at camp site 18 and although there were a few steps to get down to the site, it was well worth it. Nice shaded spot with a fire ring and picnic table. It was close to the bathrooms and water spigot as well. It was very quiet at night too (except for the owl we heard throughout the first part of the night, haha). Would definitely stay here again. read more

Smugglers' Notch State Park - My little dog Zoe at the campsite - Parks Near Me - Stowe, Vermont

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I was really impressed by the cleanliness of the sites. The staff is very knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly. The restrooms and showers are spotless. Beautiful hidden gem. Tip: Book a lean-to site...it was raining and this basically gave me a covered porch to pitch the tent. Firewood and fire starters available. You might even see a black barrel while you're here. read more

Smugglers' Notch State Park - Maple site - Parks Near Me - Stowe, Vermont

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First timers at Smugglers' Mountain in Vermont! Fun time with friends. We decided on a day trip to and take part in the festivities in the of the winter snow and freezing temps but it was all worth it. We traveled from Williston, VT. It was 45 minutes to an hour away. We believe it took a little longer because of the snowy weather. Upon arrival, we parked at the guest center and went to the welcome desk. The staff were friendly and helpful. Everyone purchased a smugglers' notch card which gave access to the fun zone. We later found out that the smugglers notch card gives guest access to the 2nd floor of the fun zone. Many of the activities were for children. If you're interested in ping pong or miniature golf and/or have kids, this is a good option. Otherwise is it a waste of $30. The activities on the 1st floor are at cost. We found out that some of the activities did not cost. The resort is massive with beautiful walking areas. There are also shuttles that pass through the resort regularly. Any staff is able to call a shuttle for guest. The warm apple cider in the country store is the best! We plan to visit again!! read more

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This is a beautiful place to go on hikes and Boulder. I have been coming here for years and I always love the scenic drives over the notch and all the scenic views from the hikes. There is also a really cool waterfall that can be hard to spot but worth looking out for. read more

Smugglers' Notch State Park - Notch - Parks Near Me - Stowe, Vermont

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Drove through here on my way back from Montreal to New Hampshire, with a stop at Alchemist Brewery. Holy crap, great views! The notch is not to be messed with though...drive carefully. The street narrows down to one tiny little one lane hairpin turn. It's not easy to navigate, especially if the weather is bad. Stop by the parking sections and enjoy all that the mountain has to offer. It's cold, but beautiful. I'm so glad we got to drive through here!! read more

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Smuggler's Notch is one of the reasons I came to VT. The entire area is just magical. If you need to relax, being here could very well do it for you. The cave itself is near the bottom of the mountain and doesn't require much walking. It's really nice and you can take some pretty neat pictures here. If you are able to, hop across the boulders in the cave and look around. It's really neat. The hike to Sterling Pond is another thing. I was ill-prepared and in my excitement decided to ignore the map and start climbing the mountain. It was grueling to say the least. The climb up is steep and is well over and hour. I saw small children and old people breeze by as if there was no danger of falling right off the edge if you slip. This trail was not for beginners lol read more

Fantastic camping experience here! I spent a few days by myself here camping under a lean-to (basically a covered platform) and it it kept me nice and dry especially given the overnight torrential rainfalls. By morning, the sun always came out and the views of the surrounding mountains and valleys were literally at my feet. Like others have posted, even driving around here is beautiful. By all means drive along Highway 108 during the summer months if you can given that they close this road off during the winter months. It's a twisty, bindy, road underneath trees and ferns and ancient massive boulders. Take your time, it's totally worth it! The hikes come in all different levels, from beginners to advanced. If you're an outdoor enthusiast, you're bound to find something you like, whether it's climbing over rocks, walking through peaceful meadows, or swimming in rivers of rushing gorges. Plus, I have to say, the park rangers I met were all super helpful and very friendly. read more

Words cannot describe this beautiful drive. The road is lined with lush forests and hidden streams. There was a natural spring we drank right from. Plenty of places to go hiking or wander through the trails. Take the road carefully because it is narrow in places and it's not always easy to see oncoming traffic. read more

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Want to see a breathtaking mountain lake located about 1,000 feet high that you reach by walking up boulders and tree roots along a 1-mile path that takes you about an hour to ascend? The lake is actually a pond and it's called Sterling Pond. Psst...don't tell too many people. It's our little secret, okay? read more

My review focuses specifically on Smuggler's Notch Campgrounds (you can read the other reviews about its insanely beautiful scenic offers)... We had a great time camping at Smuggler's Notch. We stayed on tent site 6 and I really liked that it was slightly more secluded from the nearby sites, making it very peaceful and quiet. It was also very close to the bathrooms (2 min walk). You have to pay to use the showers (50 cents for 4 mins; 75 for 6 mins; etc.) so make sure you bring quarters! At first I was annoyed by having to pay for the shower but once I realized there's only ONE shower for everyone to share I was happy about it. I recommend showering at night if you don't want to wait forever in the morning; it gets busy starting around 6am. Also note that there is no hand soap and no paper towels / dryers in the bathroom; so you will need to bring those yourself if you want to wash your hands after using the restroom. Also note that the firewood purchased at the park does not come bundled. I made the mistake of walking there to grab some and had to come back with the car to load it in. The driveway to the campground is directly across the street from the footpath to Bingham Falls, an adorable and pretty swimming hole with small waterfalls. It is a short a hike there (approx 1/4 mile), including steep, slippery rocks so make sure you wear the correct shoes (unlike my friends who wore flip flops). Again, it gets packed during hot summer afternoons so time yourself accordingly. The campground is a 5-10 min drive from the lodges and resorts along the mountain, a 15 min drive from downtown Stowe (stores, food, gas, etc.) and a 20-25 min drive from the same attractions in Waterbury; all of which will admit you to a beautiful, scenic drive. This could be either a perk or a negative depending on personal preference. :) Overall, a very affordable, simple, scenic, peaceful, and beautiful campground. Probably one of my favorite ones I've stayed at in the country. Can't wait to come back! read more

I recently got back from a section hike of the Long Trail and went through Mt Mansfield and down the LT through the Sterling Pond and Smuggler's Notch State Park. This might have been the most rewarding hike of my life and I'm not even 1/7 of the way through down the whole LT. Though the trails here are going to be some of the most crowded with tourists that you'll find while hiking in Vermont, they will leave you to yourself so you can enjoy your hike and the solitude in nature. If you're going to Smugg's and want to hike, you MUST do the trail up to Sterling Pond. It is absolutely breathtaking and one of my favorite parts about the Green Mountain State. And this is coming from someone who summited Mount Mansfield the day before. read more

We really enjoyed our day trip there. Beautiful sights. We even stopped on our way to take a gondola ride up the nearby mountain. The fall times seems like the best time of year to go read more

One of my favorite hikes in VT was to Sterling Pond...a little steep at first but well worth the rocky one mile climb! Wish I had brought a swim suit, as I saw others cooling off with a quick dip in the clean, cool water! read more

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The drive through the notch alone is worth it - whether you are a Vermonter or a tourist! Bring your camera! There's a nice little hike up to Sterling Pond across from the parking pull off. The road through the notch is closed once the snow flies so you will want to check first if the weather is iffy! Oh, and every year, some idiot with a tractor trailer decides to take a shortcut through the Notch. Don't be that idiot. read more

Beautiful mountain views, lovely drive or hike! Picnic areas and more a great place to spend the afternoon

Sweet little park up in a high pass right past Stowe and on Mt Mansfield. Lots of rocks and crevices. Otherworldly! Don't try to bring a truck through here! read more

Didn't "hike" the Notch (ok, maybe a little!) but drove through it and truly enjoyed the majestic scenery. So many spots that are truly picture-worthy. As several other reviewers indicate, the road through the Notch closes in early November, so if you have plans to drive, keep this in mind. While the drive is a little hairy -- some serious curves, very narrow roadways, and many blindspots - it's worth it. We actually turned around twice just to go through it a couple of times. Don't know that I would want to navigate that road at night in the dark, but then again, why would you? read more

Absolutely love this place!!! First time camping out there this summer and headed back next weekend for a fall trip. We stayed in a walk-in tent site which was spacious but also secluded. Park rangers are there to help with anything you need. Reasonably priced ($22 a night) and the bathrooms are absolutely spotless. Showers are quarter operated and you can buy dried wood/fire starters from the rangers. We hiked an 8 mile section of the Long Trail and the views were breathtaking!! Looking forward to going back! read more