Smugglers’ Notch State Park
6443 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT, 05672
Back in the 1800s, Smugglers’ Notch was a mountain pass used for illegal trade with Canada. The original park’s historic structures moved to the new Smugglers’ Notch State Park location in 2003. It features a campground, and activities such as hiking, ice climbing, biking, and caving. It’s a popular stop for visitors driving the Smugglers’ Notch road between May and October.
The basics
Smugglers’ Notch State Park campground has 20 tent sites, 14 lean-to sites, and a limited number of RV sites. The park has hiking and mountain biking trails including the Long Trail, the Sterling Park Trail, and the Hellbrook Trail. Many hikers also use the park as a base camp for ascending the 4,393-foot (1,339-meter) Mt. Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont. The Bingham Falls trailhead, with its pathway to the top of the falls, is accessible from the campground as well.
Smugglers’ Notch State Park is largely popular as a campground, but you can visit for daytime activities. A park interpreter engages all ages with night hikes, arts and crafts, and campfire programs. The Barnes Camp Visitor Center is 1.5 miles (2.4 kilometers) northwest of the campground if you want more information about the state park.
Things to know before you go
Most camping spaces are only accessible on foot.
Limited firewood sourced from out of state may be used; acceptable firewood is for sale.
This state park has an entrance fee for both day-use and overnight stays.
How to get there
Smugglers’ Notch State Park campground is at 6443 Mountain Road, northwest of downtown Stowe. It’s close to Stowe Mountain Resort and Mount Mansfield. Visitors will need to drive there or find a reliable taxi/rideshare to secure drop-off and pick-up from the trailheads. Many visitors stay at hotels and resorts nearby and visit Smugglers’ Notch State Park on a convenient day trip.
When to get there
Smugglers’ Notch State Park features year-round outdoor activities including camping and hiking. The Smugglers’ Notch Road is closed between mid-October and mid-May. Early October sees an increase in leaf-peeping crowds, so if you want to drive the road, late May has the lowest volume of visitors at both sites. You can make reservations for camping up to 11 months in advance; the winter months require two-day-minimum stays.
Visit in summer to ascend Mt. Mansfield by car
During the summer months, you can drive up a portion of Mt. Mansfield and park at its visitor center. From there, you can reach the summit of the mountain with a 1.6-mile (2.5-kilometer) hike. The hike is very exposed to the elements so bring water, sunscreen, and expect a slightly challenging ascent with well-earned views.
Travel Like an Expert with AAA and Trip Canvas
Get Ideas from the Pros
As one of the largest travel agencies in North America, we have a wealth of recommendations to share! Browse our articles and videos for inspiration, or dive right in with preplanned AAA Road Trips, cruises and vacation tours.
Build and Research Your Options
Save and organize every aspect of your trip including cruises, hotels, activities, transportation and more. Book hotels confidently using our AAA Diamond Designations and verified reviews.
Book Everything in One Place
From cruises to day tours, buy all parts of your vacation in one transaction, or work with our nationwide network of AAA Travel Agents to secure the trip of your dreams!