Top 3 Things to Do around Smugglers’ Notch, Vermont

The Smugglers’ Notch area of Vermont may not be as well known as its neighbor, Stowe, but it’s definitely still worth visiting. Named for a notch in the Green Mountains that was used for smuggling illegal items to and from Canada as early as the 1800s and as late as the 1920s, Smugglers’ Notch is no longer used for such covert activities — but it is a great place to go for some outdoor adventure.

If you’re visiting the region soon, here are the top three things you should do while you’re there — and all allow you to take full advantage of the region’s picturesque scenery.

1. Hike the Notch

Smugglers’ Notch offers some amazing hiking in Smugglers’ Notch State Park. Created during the Great Depression by the Civilian Conservation Corp, the mountainous park provides stellar views, both at the base of, and from the top of, Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont’s Green Mountains. Beyond hikes of varying difficulties, you can also find camping, spelunking, mountain climbing, fishing, mountain biking and swimming opportunities during the summer. During the winter, the state park is primarily used by snow mobiles and skiers; in fact, the winding scenic notch road is closed off during the winter, due to heavy snowfall.

2. Find Family Fun at the Smugglers’ Notch Resort

Mention Smugglers’ Notch to a fellow traveler and you may just find that they assume you’re not talking about the geographical region, but actually the resort that goes by the same name. Smugglers’ Notch Resort is a four-seasons family fun treasure trove, with something to do no matter the month. Winter is prime time for skiing, snowboarding and other fun snow activities, while summer brings plenty of opportunities for hiking, mountain biking and swimming. There are always activities and events on the resort calendar, from festivals to concerts. The best part, though, is that all of this fun can be had easily when you book a stay at the resort, which offers multiple types of accommodations and even restaurants.

3. Bike the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail

If, though, you prefer your outdoor adventure with a side of history, check out the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. The easily bikable rail trail runs through beautiful Vermont country, farmland and wetlands, along the Lamoille River and the spine of the Green Mountains. However, along the way, you’ll pass various spots of historical significance, such as multiple historic covered bridges and other structures and memorials that reflect the rail line’s history, from 1877 through 1994. The rail trail is more than 17 miles in total and stretches through four Vermont counties.

Need More?

Looking for more ways to see and experience the best of the best while in the Smugglers’ Notch area? Find more information on where to stay, where to eat, where to shop and more, with the Smugglers’ Notch Discovery Map guide, available in both online and printed formats.

Interested in advertising your Smugglers’ Notch business in this Discovery Map guide? Learn more!