Smugglers' Notch
A narrow mountain pass on Route 108, flanked by towering boulders; legend says smugglers used it to carry goods to Canada during the 1807 Embargo Act era.
Smugglers' Notch lies between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Route 108 winds sharply between boulders, and at its narrowest point only one vehicle can pass, so large vehicles and RVs are not permitted. Legend says that during the 1807 Embargo Act, Vermonters smuggled goods to Canada through this pass. The area around the notch is a state park where you can climb among the boulders, or hike about an hour from the top of the pass to Stirling Pond. The road is closed in winter, and it becomes very congested during the autumn foliage season.
Opening hours
About May–Nov, road open
Nearby sights
- Bingham Falls
- Stowe Mountain Resort
- Stowe Recreation Path
- Mount Mansfield
- Trapp Family Lodge
- Smugglers' Notch Resort
- The Alchemist Brewery
- Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum