Smugglers Notch State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Smugglers’ Notch State Park — A dramatic mountain pass in Vermont’s Green Mountains with 1,000-foot cliffs, access to Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak), Sterling Pond Trail, and primitive camping with 20 tent + 14 lean-to sites near Stowe.
Smugglers’ Notch State Park sits at the base of one of Vermont’s most dramatic mountain passes — a narrow gap between Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak at 4,393 ft) and Spruce Peak, with towering cliffs rising nearly 1,000 feet on either side. The pass road (Route 108) is a federally designated Scenic Byway, closed in winter due to its extreme narrowness. The park provides a base camp for some of Vermont’s most challenging hiking.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Route 108, near Stowe, Lamoille County, VT |
| Season | 3rd weekend of May – 2nd Monday of October |
| Campsites | 20 tent sites + 14 lean-tos (many walk-in) |
| Facilities | Flush toilets, hot showers (token-operated) |
| Pass Road | Closed in winter — too narrow for large RVs |
Hiking
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sterling Pond | 2.4 mi RT | Moderate | Scenic alpine pond at 3,000 ft |
| Hell Brook | 1.6 mi to summit | Strenuous | Technical rock scramble to Mt. Mansfield |
| Long Trail | Thru-trail | Moderate–Strenuous | Vermont’s 272-mile trail passes through the Notch |
| Cliff Trail | Variable | Expert | Iron rungs, rock gaps — dry conditions only |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Sterling Pond, Mt. Mansfield, Long Trail access |
| Camping | 34 sites — tent & lean-to, many walk-in |
| Rock Scrambling | Technical routes on Mt. Mansfield |
| Scenic Driving | Route 108 Scenic Byway (seasonal) |
| Fall Foliage | Spectacular October colors in the Notch |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive through Smugglers’ Notch in an RV?
No — Route 108 through the Notch is extremely narrow with tight switchbacks and is not suitable for large RVs, trailers, or buses. The road is closed entirely during winter. Check with the park office about vehicle size limitations before planning your trip.
What is Sterling Pond Trail?
Sterling Pond Trail is a 2.4-mile round-trip moderate hike that climbs to a scenic alpine pond at about 3,000 feet. It’s considered one of the best hikes in the Stowe area and is accessible from the Notch road. Allow about 2 hours for the round trip.
Can I hike Mount Mansfield from here?
Yes — several trails access Mount Mansfield (4,393 ft, Vermont’s highest peak) from Smugglers’ Notch. Hell Brook Trail is the most direct but extremely steep and technical. The Long Trail also passes through the Notch and connects to the ridgeline. All summit routes are strenuous — bring a paper map, layers, and extra water.
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