Directory
- Address
- 6443 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT, 05672
- Telephone
- 802-253-4014
- Website
- http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/smugglers.cfm
- Visited
- 25
Smugglers Notch is a narrow pass through the mountain with 1,000 foot cliffs on either side. In the early days, only a footpath and trail for horses existed.
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. Many people, therefore, 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 prohibition in the 1920s, liquor was smuggled from Canada over the improved road that was built in 1922.
Many species of plants found in Smugglers Notch are endangered and grow nowhere else in Vermont. These plants are alpine species and thrive in the arctic-like conditions of the moist, cold, rocky cliffs. In more recent years, the peregrine falcon has successfully nested amongst the cliffs in the Notch.
Smugglers Notch State Park is a corridor park with developed facilities along VT 108. It consists of a campground, a picnic area, the "Notch" proper, and trailheads to some of the more popular hiking trails in Vermont.
The campground, with majestic views of Mount Mansfield - the highest peak in Vermont, has 20 tent/trailer sites and 14 leantos. 15 sites (3 being lean-tos) feature walk-in camping for a more rustic experience. One of the two restrooms includes hot showers. A sanitary dump station is available, but no hookups. The campground is surrounded by many miles of hiking trails accessible from a variety of trailheads.
The picnic area, provides travelers along VT 108 - Smugglers Notch Scenic Byway - a stopping place for a picnic meal. The Long Trail can also be accessed from this location.
Going north along VT 108, the traveler can catch glimpses of various rock outcroppings and cliffs, many of which have names - Elephants Head, The Singing Bird, The Hunter and His Dog and the Smuggler - to name a few. In the "Notch" proper there is a parking area, information booth, restroom facilities, and access to hiking trails.
Smugglers Notch Scenic Byway is one of the more popular and scenic routes in Vermont, especially during the fall foliage season.
Directory
Vermont
Stowe/Smugglers' Notch