Smugglers Notch

The road through Smugglers Notch is one of the most memorable short drives in New England. Route 108 climbs from the Stowe side into a narrow gap between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, where cliffs rise on both sides, car-sized boulders sit beside the pavement and the road twists tightly between them. The notch takes its name from the days when goods were smuggled over the border during the early nineteenth-century embargo, and local legend lends the place a sense of mischief. Today the area is a state park with a campground, picnic spots and trailheads, and it is popular with drivers, hikers, climbers and photographers. At the narrowest points the road is barely wide enough for two vehicles, so the drive is slow and you will want to stop frequently. Rock formations such as one resembling an elephant head and a famous cave add curiosity.

Plan the visit around the season, because the pass road is closed to vehicles in winter and reopens in spring. Large vehicles and trailers are prohibited because of the tight turns, so check the rules before you go. In summer and fall the road is busy, and parking at pull-offs is limited. Go early or on a weekday for the best experience, and drive slowly, because pedestrians, cyclists and climbers share the shoulder.

Short walks branch from the road. The cave is an easy stroll for most families, while trails to viewpoints and waterfalls are steeper and rougher. Climbers know the cliffs as a serious area, but casual visitors can watch from below. Bring a flashlight if you want to explore the cave, wear sturdy shoes and carry water, because there are no services along the pass. Cell service can be patchy, so download directions in advance.

The notch connects naturally with other stops. On the Stowe side, you can combine it with the falls near the road, and on the far side the road descends toward Jeffersonville and the resort that runs the zipline course. Cyclists test themselves on the climb, and in winter the closed road becomes a quiet place for skiing and snowshoeing, depending on conditions and rules.

Fall color on the surrounding slopes can be spectacular, and fog can add atmosphere in the morning. Respect the environment by staying on marked paths and following leave-no-trace principles. For many visitors, an hour in the notch is the most vivid memory of their trip to Stowe.

It helps to think of the notch as a place to linger rather than a road to get through. Allow time to walk beside the boulders, listen to the stream and look up at the cliffs, where in early summer you may see peregrine falcons nesting, with some areas temporarily closed to climbers and hikers to protect them.

Picnic tables and pull-offs make it easy to eat outdoors, but there are no shops, so bring everything you need. Mornings tend to be cooler and quieter, while late afternoon light warms the rock walls and can be lovely for photography. Keep an eye on weather as thunderstorms can build quickly in the mountains.

Families can turn the drive into a game, counting boulders that look like animals or spotting waterfalls after rain. Rangers and local guides sometimes lead walks in season, so ask at the state park office or on the website about programs.