Smugglers' Notch
Iconic mountain pass and year-round resort in Vermont, famous for fall foliage and family-friendly winter sports.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Peak fall foliage
Smugglers' Notch
Best Time
Peak fall foliage
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic mountain pass and year-round resort in Vermont, famous for fall foliage and family-friendly winter sports.
"A must-see for leaf peepers and hikers, offering dramatic cliffs and stunning mountain vistas."
🚗 Drive Slowly & Carefully
The notch road is narrow and can get very crowded. Enjoy the scenery, but prioritize safety.
📸 Capture the Foliage
Bring your camera! The fall colors are spectacular, especially from drone shots.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Scenic Drive Through Smugglers' Notch
Route 108
A breathtaking, winding mountain road famous for its dramatic cliffs and stunning fall foliage. Drive slowly and savor the views.
Smugglers' Notch Resort Activities
Smugglers' Notch Resort
Year-round fun with water slides in summer and world-class skiing in winter. Family-friendly with diverse activities for all ages.
Hiking Trails
Various trailheads
Explore the Green Mountains with trails ranging from easy strolls to challenging climbs, offering stunning vistas.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Fall Foliage
Getting Around the Notch
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive Slowly & Carefully
The notch road is narrow and can get very crowded. Enjoy the scenery, but prioritize safety.
📸 Capture the Foliage
Bring your camera! The fall colors are spectacular, especially from drone shots.
🍽️ Dining Options
Resort dining can be pricey. Consider a condo with a kitchen for budget-friendly meals.
🛏️ Accommodation Variety
From studios to townhouses, find lodging that suits your group size and needs.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive Slowly & Carefully
The notch road is narrow and can get very crowded. Enjoy the scenery, but prioritize safety.
📸 Capture the Foliage
Bring your camera! The fall colors are spectacular, especially from drone shots.
🍽️ Dining Options
Resort dining can be pricey. Consider a condo with a kitchen for budget-friendly meals.
🛏️ Accommodation Variety
From studios to townhouses, find lodging that suits your group size and needs.
❄️ Winter Sports Paradise
Smuggs is renowned for its skiing and snowboarding, with lessons and equipment included in some packages. +2
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Smugglers' Notch is highly praised for its family-friendly atmosphere, year-round activities, and stunning natural beauty, especially during fall foliage season. While dining can be pricey and some resort views are obstructed by trees, the overall experience is overwhelmingly positive, with many highlighting the friendly staff and diverse amenities.
"Beautiful resort with so much to do!!! Very family friendly. Everyone was awesome! Sue the owner is amazing! She made our family feel so welcome. The only thing we wish we did differently was to not book a downstairs condo because the upstairs visitors were extremely loud in the middle of the night. Everything was perfect about this resort, location, food, shops, staff, pool, fun zone, you name it they had it. Winter activities are said to be equally perfect!"
Susan Johnson
"The resort has much to offer all year. The water slides and pools in the summer to the snow skiing in the winter. The location to smugglers notch and to all the activities around Stowe majestic the location perfect. The views from the rooms vary depending on the location. Many views from the balconies should be improved by trimming the trees that have grown hiding the awesome mountain view."
Gary Riemer
"Really enjoyed staying here for the disc golf pro tour Green Mountain Championship. Had a great location in Liftside 42 which is close to the main buildings/restaurants and has a balcony facing the green where Fall fest was held. So I had a great box seat for the concerts with no extra ticket charge. Restaurants were a little pricey, but the food was really good. Only one pool was up and running in September, but it was heated nicely. My room was spacious and had a full kitchen, so cooking in is possible if you don't want to pay for the restaurants. The two big disc golf courses were awesome and the little 9 home pitch and putt was fun, too."
David Chambers
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Renting a car is highly recommended, especially if you plan to explore beyond the resort or visit Stowe. While some on-site shuttles exist, a car offers the most flexibility for groceries, dining, and exploring the surrounding areas.
The drive through Smugglers' Notch (Route 108) is a highlight, but it's a narrow, winding road. Drive slowly, be mindful of other vehicles and pedestrians, and consider visiting during off-peak hours to avoid congestion.
Smugglers' Notch is approximately a 1-hour drive from Burlington International Airport (BTV). Renting a car at the airport is the most convenient option.
While Uber and Lyft may be available in the Burlington area, their availability and reliability in the more rural Smugglers' Notch region can be inconsistent. It's best to confirm availability beforehand or rely on a rental car.
Route 108 through Smugglers' Notch is typically closed in winter due to heavy snowfall and avalanche risk. It usually reopens in late May or early June. During other seasons, conditions can vary, so check local advisories.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Driving through the scenic portion of Smugglers' Notch (Route 108) typically requires a day-use fee or is included with camping permits during the operating season (late May to mid-October).
The scenic drive through Smugglers' Notch is generally open from late May to mid-October, weather permitting. Smugglers' Notch Resort has year-round operations.
Yes, there are day-use fees for accessing the scenic drive and hiking trails within Smugglers' Notch State Park. Camping fees also apply if you plan to stay overnight.
Lift tickets are required for skiing and snowboarding at Smugglers' Notch Ski Resort. You can purchase these separately, though some packages may include them.
The scenic drive through the notch is seasonal (late May to mid-October). However, Smugglers' Notch Resort operates year-round, offering winter sports and other activities.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Smugglers' Notch Resort offers a wide range of activities, including water slides and pools in the summer, and skiing and snowboarding in the winter. They also have disc golf courses and family-friendly entertainment.
Absolutely! Smugglers' Notch is renowned for being extremely family-friendly, with numerous activities, kid-focused programs, and accommodations designed for families.
Yes, Smugglers' Notch offers numerous hiking trails for all skill levels, from easy walks to more challenging mountain climbs, providing beautiful views of the surrounding Green Mountains.
You can expect dramatic views of 1,000-foot cliffs, dense forests, and stunning mountain vistas, especially during the fall foliage season. Some views from resort balconies may be partially obscured by trees.
Yes, pets are permitted in Smugglers' Notch State Park, making it a great destination for travelers with furry companions.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining at Smugglers' Notch Resort can be on the pricier side. Many accommodations offer full kitchens, which can be a more budget-friendly option for meals.
Smugglers' Notch Resort has on-site restaurants and bars, as well as a general store for groceries. For more variety, you'll need to drive to Stowe.
Yes, many condo and townhouse units at Smugglers' Notch Resort come equipped with full kitchens, allowing you to prepare your own meals.
There is a general store on-site at Smugglers' Notch Resort for basic grocery needs. For a wider selection, you would need to drive to Stowe.
The resort restaurants generally offer a range of casual to slightly more upscale dining options, often featuring American cuisine.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire scenic drive is a photographer's dream, especially during fall. Look for dramatic cliff shots, winding roads, and vibrant foliage. Drone photography offers unique perspectives.
Early morning or late afternoon light provides the most flattering illumination for landscape photography, minimizing harsh shadows and enhancing colors.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive mountain scenery. Consider ND filters for smoother water in any streams or waterfalls you encounter.
Generally, photography is allowed, but be mindful of private property and any specific park regulations. Drones may have restrictions, so check local guidelines.
The towering cliffs, the winding road itself, the vibrant fall foliage, and the unique boulder formations are all highly photogenic elements.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Many accommodations include kitchens, making it easier to manage meals for picky eaters and save money. The general store on-site provides convenient access to essentials. When exploring the scenic drive, ensure children are safely secured and entertained during the winding journey. Consider shorter hikes or scenic pull-offs that are easily accessible for little legs. The resort's dedicated family programming ensures there's always something engaging for kids of all ages.
🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers
Plan for slow speeds, frequent stops at overlooks, and be prepared for potential traffic, particularly on weekends and during peak foliage. Consider combining your drive with stops in nearby towns like Stowe for dining and shopping. If you're visiting in the fall, aim for weekdays or early mornings to experience the notch with fewer crowds. Remember that Route 108 is a seasonal road, typically closed in winter, so check operating dates before planning your route.
⛷️ Skiers & Snowboarders
While the resort offers a fantastic on-mountain experience, be aware that it's located over the mountain from Stowe, meaning a 30-minute drive to access restaurants and amenities in town.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Allure of Fall Foliage
+2To truly capture the magic, timing is crucial. Peak foliage typically occurs from mid-September to mid-October, but this also means higher crowds. Many visitors recommend visiting on weekdays or very early in the morning to avoid the busiest times. The vibrant colors can change rapidly, so checking foliage reports closer to your travel dates is advisable.
Beyond the drive, consider hiking some of the trails that wind through the colorful forests. These offer a more immersive experience and unique photographic opportunities. Remember to drive slowly and pull over at designated spots to fully appreciate and photograph the spectacular scenery.
Smugglers' Notch Resort: A Year-Round Destination
The resort is particularly lauded for its family-friendly atmosphere, with a wide array of programs and amenities designed to entertain children and adults alike. When winter arrives, Smugglers' Notch transforms into a renowned ski resort, celebrated for its challenging terrain and excellent snow conditions. It's a popular spot for both skiers and snowboarders, with options for lessons and equipment rentals often bundled into packages.
While the resort provides many on-site conveniences, including dining and a general store, some visitors note that restaurant prices can be high. Opting for accommodations with a kitchen can be a cost-effective strategy for meals. The resort's location, while stunning, means that accessing amenities in nearby Stowe requires a scenic, albeit sometimes lengthy, drive through the notch.
Navigating the Notch: Practicalities and Tips
For those flying into the region, renting a car is generally the most practical option for exploring Smugglers' Notch and the surrounding areas. While ride-sharing services might be available in larger towns, their reach into this more rural mountain pass can be limited and unreliable.
When planning your visit, consider the seasonal closures of Route 108. The road is typically closed during the winter months due to heavy snow and avalanche risks, usually reopening in late May or early June. Always check local road conditions and advisories before your trip, especially if traveling during shoulder seasons.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit