Smugglers' Notch Information

Even though Smugglers' Notch was used during the Prohibition Era as an overland route to bring alcohol into the United States, the scenic mountain pass received its unique handle from earlier smugglers, who would sneak British goods into the U. S. during the War of 1812, when there was an American ban on these items. Smugglers would often hide their contraband in caves and then transport the cargo only when it was safe to do so.

There are two distinct, modern downhill ski resorts to be found on both sides of the notch. One is called Smugglers' Notch and is centered around the north flank of Madonna Peak. On the south side of Madonna Peak is Spruce Peak, which is a remote part of the Stowe Ski Resort. Here at Spruce Peak, skiers can walk their skis across the upper part of the mountain along a level trail and ski at the other resort for no extra charge. Skiers at Smugglers' Notch Ski Area can do the same thing and then ski down the network of trails that cover Spruce Peak.

The Long Trail is a hiker's footpath that branches off the Appalachian Trail near Woodstock, Vermont, and continues through the state all the way to the Canadian border, passing right through Smugglers' Notch. Traveling north, this popular trail first ascends the summit of Mount Mansfield, then drops steeply into Smugglars' Notch, only to quickly head up the side of Madonna Peak to its summit. This popular footpath can be used by day hikers or overnight campers, and on the trail up the side of Madonna Peak there is a popular lean-to at a small body of water called Sterling Pond, where long-distance hikers can spend the night.

Vermont Highway 108 passes right through the notch, between the two peaks, giving motorists a chance to view the wonderful vistas and rock formations of the area. The road up the north side of the gap from Jeffersonville is gradual, while the climb from Stowe is quite steep. At the pass itself the narrow, two-lane blacktop winds through huge boulders. Motorized travel here is limited to speeds of less than 10 mph in some places. The road over the notch is closed to motorized vehicles in winter, but open to skiers and snowshoers, who find it a great place to hike and ski.

Smugglers' Notch is a great place for birdwatchers, for a special treat awaits when you make the climb out of the notch that follows the Long Trail towards Madonna Peak. After reaching a small level stretch of land, you will first cross a labyrinth of unmarked jeep trails that intersect with the officially maintained Long Trail. At this point you can follow any one of the paths for a few hundred yards to the south and be rewarded with a perch on the top of some very high cliffs. Peregine falcons nest here and can often be seen flying in search of food in the vicinity of the cliffs that line the south side of the notch.