Smugglers Notch State Park
Smugglers Notch State Park
4.5
About
This narrow path through thousand-foot cliffs, once a smuggling route into Canada, is now a park used for biking, hiking, picnicking and rockclimbing.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
381 reviews
Excellent
283
Very good
79
Average
14
Poor
2
Terrible
3
WitchyYork
Strensall, UK999 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
A beautiful October day and the leaves did not disappoint. We had a beautiful drive through Smugglers Notch to Jeffersonville.
Written 8 October 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Amy A E
Senoia, Georgia, United States271 contributions
Sept 2023 • Solo
Parking is very limited but the scenery is surreal. A majestic piece of Gods beautiful creation with history of smugglers.
NOTE:
- parking is very limited
- bring a rain coat and wear appropriate boots/shoes
- must be in very good athletic shape to crawl up those steep rocks, at several areas I had to use my hands and feet to go up. Though I think there is a trail that is moderate ….I couldn’t find it.
NOTE:
- parking is very limited
- bring a rain coat and wear appropriate boots/shoes
- must be in very good athletic shape to crawl up those steep rocks, at several areas I had to use my hands and feet to go up. Though I think there is a trail that is moderate ….I couldn’t find it.
Written 5 September 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Miranda L
2 contributions
Jul 2023 • Family
Nice quiet small campground. Clean bathrooms with coin showers. One in the male and one in the female bathroom. Great location! Close to Stowe, hiking trails and waterfalls. The campsites were well maintained. We stayed at Site 1 a walk in site, downhill, so a little rough going up and down with supplies. It is very well shaded and private, couldn't see or hear any other campers. Short nature trail around the park. They sell firewood and ice on site.
Written 5 July 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Valentina T
Chatham, MA344 contributions
Jun 2023 • Couples
Great campsite - private and wooded, fire pit, clean bathrooms. Hiking trails were beautiful. Peaceful and lovely experience in early June.
Written 24 June 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kdawg282
Doylestown, PA1,303 contributions
Oct 2022
Fantastic area between Smuggs and Stowe and I can now understand why they close the road in the winter! Beautiful area with many hikes, camping, etc. for the family. Loved the drive so much, especially during fall foliage. Columbus weekend is the perfect time to visit.
Written 4 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jessica R
2 contributions
Dec 2022 • Family
We came for the week after Christmas and the mountain became too busy for the resort to manage. Over multiple nights we were unable to obtain takeout from any restaurant besides the pizza place (and the pizza is gross) because the restaurants were too busy to accommodate takeout orders. We have 3 young kids and after a full day of ski school wanted to eat at home and moreover even if we wanted to go physically to the restaurant the waits were untenable. One restaurant is only open Wednesday-Sunday, so on Tuesday the only open restaurant could not handle the volume. Then Wednesday that place (Morse mountain grill) was closed so we tried Brewsters off property and Hearth and Candle on property, and both refused takeout.
As for the skiing all lift chairs are ancient doubles and one day the only chair on the main mountain was inoperable and the only place to ski was the beginner mountain where the lines were endless. Even when it was running the percentage of time spent in line for and on the lift was shocking. Additionally someone met us here for the day but couldn’t get a lift ticket for the big mountain because it was full. The lifts need to be updated so they can accommodate more people up and down the mountain more efficiently.
I came to this resort because of its reputation for being family friendly but would never come back even if it was free. They need more restaurants, and during busy weeks they should have both on property restaurants open extra days.
As for the skiing all lift chairs are ancient doubles and one day the only chair on the main mountain was inoperable and the only place to ski was the beginner mountain where the lines were endless. Even when it was running the percentage of time spent in line for and on the lift was shocking. Additionally someone met us here for the day but couldn’t get a lift ticket for the big mountain because it was full. The lifts need to be updated so they can accommodate more people up and down the mountain more efficiently.
I came to this resort because of its reputation for being family friendly but would never come back even if it was free. They need more restaurants, and during busy weeks they should have both on property restaurants open extra days.
Written 28 December 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kristi E
Bowie, MD82 contributions
Oct 2022
I would recommend this area to friends who love to hike! Places right off the road were quite amazing to view. The drive is a 'bit' 'fun' but if you take your time it's fine, though some people park where it makes the drive a bit 'tough'! Scenery is beautiful!!
Written 25 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kim
36 contributions
Oct 2022
Managed to catch the last of the fall foliage on a lovely scenic drive thru smugglers notch. Beautiful drive with lots of places to pull over to do a hike to a waterfall or just take pictures.
Written 23 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nihoncrab
Richmond Hill, GA47 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
We were advised by our audio tour not to miss this park in Vermont. The cliffs and fall foliage were stunning. The history of the area very interesting as well.
Written 21 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
J T
Burley257 contributions
Oct 2022
We were here for the fall colors and we were not disappointed. Traffic can get heavy and parking is very limited. We had great colors and even got a lite snow fall. Several trails in the area along with streams and the cave. The rocks and trees were nice for a different look. Would return.
Written 16 October 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
casa09
Laguna Beach, CA6 contributions
Hi everyone, I would like to know if I need to make reservations to get into the park? We don't need camping, just want to go hiking. Thx in advance.
ImaBlueman
Owego, NY260 contributions
No reservations required, or fee charged, for any of the multitude of trails in the park. There is a place that is for camping use only, and I imagine a fee for that, but this doesn't limit any trails as far as I know. Many of the trailheads are accessed via parking areas along the road. Vermont has excellent websites on exploring their state.
granny1117
United States14 contributions
What are the hours for the park. We came past the entrance of the park and the gate was closed and their was no sign out front giving us any idea if the park was open or closed for the seaso.
jonathb5
Glen, NH689 contributions
Smugglers Notch itself is open 6 months of the year. To find out the hours of the State Park, I would either call or check the website as the hours are often idiosyncratic this time of year.
Deanne P
1 contribution
Is there a marked trail that's easy enough for little kids and older grandparents?
D W
Kansas City, MO88 contributions
The trail is simple to follow and well worn, but could be considered challenging in spots due to incline and loose or slippery rocks. You can always try the lower part and turn around if it appears to be beyond an acceptable challenge... We've hiked quite a bit and that trail was not what we'd call easy by any means. Beautiful area, and around the trailhead there are rocks and shallow caves with cool breezes to explore - young kids would love it!
satravel2015
New York City, NY20 contributions
IS there enough for older folks to see without doing any strenuous hike? While they can certainly walk quite a bit, they may not be able to do moderate to difficult hikes. Is the smugglers notch a good place for them to visit.
jonathb5
Glen, NH689 contributions
The base of this wild notch is well worth seeing although they probably would not enjoy the Sterling Pond Trail which is steep and rocky. There is easier hiking elsewhere; however the base of the notch is worth seeing because of its rugged beauty.
Deannabutwell
Georgetown, Canada3 contributions
Are we able to enjoy a picnic on your park grounds? Thx.
williame975
Kansas City, MO720 contributions
The area we were in was very rugged and I didn't see a picnic area.
Michele Newland
1 contribution
Are there dogs allowed on the hiking trails
Ricklafleur
St. Augustine, FL29 contributions
Yes, hiking trails have them.
kagoodrum
Orange, CT
Any trails at the notch that would be appropriate for young children? Ages 7, 4, and 2. Thanks!
Kathy W
Clearwater, FL107 contributions
Smugglers Notch has everything you need for fun & relaxation. Trails are all over the place. They have a kid's zone. Check out their website. Also I have posted pictures of the grounds on my original posting in November.
PaulineRehoboth_MA
Rehoboth, MA59 contributions
how longs the notch
Travelingover50
Sandwich, MA1,092 contributions
Driving through.. about a 1/4 mike. It’s hair raising! If you stop and hike trails... once you round the notch..as long as you like! It’s an amazing exsperience!
BUBrat2
Milford, PA45 contributions
Which is better? This park or Mount Mansfield?
MainerGirl90
Sanford, ME68 contributions
I would say the Notch. Mt. Mansfield has a great view, but so do many other places in VT. Hiking around the notch was more unique, fun, and appropriate for a wide range of ages.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Smugglers Notch State Park
- Hotels near Smugglers Notch State Park:
- (1.15 km) The Lodge at Spruce Peak
- (3.30 km) Edson Hill
- (5.40 km) Stone Hill Inn
- (3.39 km) Innsbruck Inn At Stowe
- (0.84 km) Lodge Condo 10 - Peaceful and cozy one bedroom!
- Restaurants near Smugglers Notch State Park:
- (3.88 km) Trattoria La Festa
- (7.79 km) Stowe Bee Bakery & Cafe
- (7.07 km) Idletyme Brewing Company
- (9.38 km) Butler's Pantry
- (9.22 km) Harrison's Restaurant & Bar
- Attractions near Smugglers Notch State Park:
- (1.35 km) Stowe Mountain Resort
- (1.43 km) Bingham Falls
- (3.34 km) Mount Mansfield
- (1.94 km) Stowe Mountain Auto Toll Road
- (1.12 km) The Spa at Stowe Mountain Lodge