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 wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.5
383 reviews
Excellent
283
Very good
81
Average
14
Poor
2
Terrible
3
Justin P
Raleigh, NC4,561 contributions
Aug 2021
We stopped at Smugglers' Notch State Park to hike to a couple waterfalls with our dog while visiting Stowe. Hell Brook Cascades is along the Hell Brook Trail, the steepest route to Mount Mansfield. Fortunately, the waterfall is only a quarter-mile up the trail. The water level was a little low so not super exciting. We then stopped at Bingham Falls. This was an easy trail that led to a cool gorge at the top of the waterfall. The trail was a little step then getting down to the base. Bingham Falls is a really beautiful waterfall that falls into a gorgeous green pool. We had fun scrambling on the rocks in the creek and enjoying the falls. Definitely worth a stop if visiting Stowe.
Written October 7, 2021
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
7 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 July 5, 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.
Alison S
Springfield, MA1,042 contributions
May 2021
What a fascinating and unique place! We had a person with mobility issues, so couldn't venture far. Nonetheless we were amazed by the natural wonder of this place. Huge boulders, tumbled down from the mountains, have formed caves and crevices over the decades. On top of these, incongruous, intrepid trees grow with their roots almost fully exposed in wonderful, gnarled patterns. Plus, people practicing rock climbing, a drone pilot, etc. I would love to hike up higher to some of the caves! The state road leading up to the notch (closed in winter) is a beautiful ride in itself, with many switchbacks through lovely woodland.
Written June 3, 2021
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 December 28, 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.
GrandTour46756038986
North Naples, FL1 contribution
Aug 2019
A wonderful place to experience New England. The quaint Inns and restaurants will harken you back to the olden days while offering all the best amenities of the new. Absolutely take the road up to the top of Mt. Mansfield for a 360 degree view of Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine and upstate New York. This is not to be missed, but dress warm. It's chilly all the way up there. Enjoy!
Written February 12, 2020
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 States320 contributions
Sep 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 September 5, 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.
J T
Burley258 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 October 16, 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.
Scott M
Cambridge, MA486 contributions
Aug 2020
Rt 108 through the Notch is an awesome drive, and the state park that's nestled at the top is really beautiful.
We walked up the steep trail to Sterling Pond. The trail is well maintained, but it's wet and can be slippery. And the start is genuinely steep.
The 1.5 mile walk up rewards you with Sterling Pond, a pretty little alpine pond. We went for a quick chilly swim, which felt great on a warm summer morning.
Rock climbing is doable on the other side of 108, but the rock doesn't look like it ever gets really dry. Winter ice climbing there is even better.
We walked up the steep trail to Sterling Pond. The trail is well maintained, but it's wet and can be slippery. And the start is genuinely steep.
The 1.5 mile walk up rewards you with Sterling Pond, a pretty little alpine pond. We went for a quick chilly swim, which felt great on a warm summer morning.
Rock climbing is doable on the other side of 108, but the rock doesn't look like it ever gets really dry. Winter ice climbing there is even better.
Written August 17, 2020
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.
trkr6468
Cantrall, IL393 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
My wife and I were here 4 years ago and it rained every day and we were too early for the colors. Today’s trip was unbelievable. The attached pictures help to describe but do not do justice to this amazing place. Take your time, walk around, relax and just enjoy the beauty of nature around you.
Written October 11, 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.
WSB19
Winchester, VA58 contributions
Jul 2021 • Couples
A beautiful, rocky, rugged pass through the highest of Vermont’s Green Mountains. DO NOT MISS the new boardwalk that starts at the Barnes Camp Visitor Center! Great for all ages, it provides a level walkway through a marsh to a beaver pond. Scenic views of the mountains and Notch, framed by a lovely forest.
The rest of the trails are very steep, but roadside pull offs allow you to explore a bit even if you don’t want to hike. Note: after Barnes Camp Visitor Center, the largest pulloff (and it has a restroom) is north of the top of the Notch about 3/4 mile. Road closed in winter.
Need a place to eat without paying resort prices? Try Burger Barn in Jeffersonville VT a short drive north of Smugglers’ Notch - maybe 10 minutes or so.
The rest of the trails are very steep, but roadside pull offs allow you to explore a bit even if you don’t want to hike. Note: after Barnes Camp Visitor Center, the largest pulloff (and it has a restroom) is north of the top of the Notch about 3/4 mile. Road closed in winter.
Need a place to eat without paying resort prices? Try Burger Barn in Jeffersonville VT a short drive north of Smugglers’ Notch - maybe 10 minutes or so.
Written July 12, 2021
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.
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.
Written September 25, 2022
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.
Written September 25, 2022
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.
Written October 18, 2019
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.
Written October 27, 2019
Is there a marked trail that's easy enough for little kids and older grandparents?
Written August 15, 2019
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!
Written August 16, 2019
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.
Written August 15, 2019
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.
Written August 16, 2019
Are we able to enjoy a picnic on your park grounds? Thx.
Written August 8, 2019
The area we were in was very rugged and I didn't see a picnic area.
Written August 9, 2019
kagoodrum
Orange, Connecticut
Any trails at the notch that would be appropriate for young children? Ages 7, 4, and 2. Thanks!
Written December 28, 2018
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.
Written December 29, 2018
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!
Written August 15, 2018
Which is better? This park or Mount Mansfield?
Written July 25, 2018
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.
Written August 20, 2018
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