Camping
Day use
THINGS TO DO
Camping
Hiking
Swimming
Boating
Fishing
Biking
Park Events & Programs
Venture Vermont
Winter Activities
Other Activities
Family Fun
Enjoying Nature
Stowe, VT 05672
Fee Area: Day Use/Camping fees apply
Camping: 20 tent sites, 14 lean-to sites
Pets are permitted at this park. Please clean up after your pets.
Park Updates & Alerts
- Smugglers' Notch has reopened after the July 2024 flood. Check out our park flood status updates page for more information.
- Firewood is not to be brought to parks from out of state UNLESS the wood is packaged, labeled as having been heat treated, and certified by USDA or the appropriate state department of agriculture. For more info, click here.
Go 6.5 mi. NW on Hwy 108, at Mt. Mansfield.
Camping: 20 tent sites, 14 lean-to's
Hiking: Proximity to Mt. Mansfield and lots of other hiking trails
Picnicking: There are picnic areas available at the park and in the surrounding area.
Nature Programs: This park offers nature programs. Please call the park directly for more information.
Mountain Biking: There are plenty of mountain biking trails in the vicinity
Welcome
Welcome to Smugglers’ Notch State Park. The famous Smugglers’ Notch is a narrow pass through the Green Mountains. Lined with 1,000-foot cliffs, the winding road is closed in winter. In the earlier days, only a footpath and trail for horses existed here.
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.
Facilities/Amenities
Smugglers’ Notch State Park was relocated in 2003. All of the historic structures originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps were carefully relocated and restored, preserving the work of these pioneering conservationists. The new campground features sites that are further spread out, a new restroom facility that incorporates alternative energy and a location that gives easy access to Bingham Falls. The restrooms have flush toilets, hot and cold running water and coin-operated hot showers. Firewood and ice is available for sale
Most sites are walk-in and not accessible by vehicle. For this reason, as well as the narrowness of Route 108 north of the campground, there are very few spots at the park that can accommodate RVs.
Day Use Area
Smugglers’ Notch State Park is not confined to the campground. Just outside the gates lies a scenic corridor full of adventure. Starting at the Barnes Camp Visitor Center, the 3.5-mile long scenic highway brings visitors though a steep and winding pass filled with beautiful vistas and recreational opportunities.
Visitors can stroll along the wetlands boardwalk near the Barnes Camp Vistor Center or begin a hike on the Long Trail. The Smugglers' Notch Picnic Area, set by a beautiful stream, is further up the road. History buffs will enjoy checking out the fireplaces built by the pioneering conservationists of the CCC.
Other great hikes include the challenging Hellbrook Trail and the popular Sterling Pond Trail.
Activities in the notch include:
- bouldering
- ice climbing
- cave exploring
- biking
Park Interpreter
This park has a park interpreter offering fun, hands-on activities. Interpreters are park staff solely dedicated to helping you learn more about the natural and cultural history of the park. Some popular activities include night hikes, nature crafts and games, campfire programs and amphibian explorations.
Check out the of current events to see some of the programs planned during your visit.