Smugglers' Notch

Smugglers' Notch from Stowe

Seasonal Route 108 narrows between giant boulders north of Stowe before crossing the pass toward Cambridge. Check the live road status, long-vehicle restriction, weather, and trail updates before entering the notch.

Check the road first

The scenic notch road is seasonal. Check New England 511 for the current opening or closure before starting a loop.

Go early in foliage

Peak color fills the small pull-offs and tight curves quickly. An early start leaves more room for a safe stop.

Pick one hike tier

Sterling Pond, Long Trail segments, Hell Brook, and Bingham Falls differ sharply in grade, footing, exposure, and time. Choose by current conditions and ability.

Summer hiking meadow near Mount Mansfield

Trip shape

Route 108, Sterling Pond, or Mount Mansfield

Smugglers' Notch can be a scenic road crossing, a short boulder stop, a steep hike to Sterling Pond, or the start of a serious Mount Mansfield route. Combining all four leaves too little time for safe parking, hiking, and changing weather.

For most first visits, arrive early, park only where the road allows it, choose one walk or overlook, then return toward Stowe before rain or foliage traffic fills the narrow pass.

Notch hikes

Four hikes from Bingham Falls to Hell Brook

Conditions, closures, mud, ice, and parking can change the right trail quickly. Read current Green Mountain Club updates, carry the correct map, and turn around when weather or daylight requires it.

Short but steepAllow several hours for the climb, pond stop, and careful descent

Sterling Pond Trail

A steep pond hike that does not require a Mount Mansfield summit route.

Sterling Pond Trail climbs steeply from the notch to a high-elevation pond. The mileage is short, but roots, wet rock, and sustained grade make it more demanding than a roadside walk.

Choose Sterling Pond when the hike is the main notch activity rather than a brief roadside stop.

Variable and map-dependentChoose a short out-and-back unless the group is prepared

Long Trail from the notch

Best for experienced hikers who already understand Vermont trail footing.

The Long Trail crosses the notch area and climbs from roadside boulders into steeper Green Mountain terrain. Do not continue without a current map, suitable footing, and a fixed turnaround time.

Turn around at the planned point even if the ridge continues beyond it.

Very steep, rugged, and exposed-feeling in placesOnly for a full hiking day with an early turnaround

Hell Brook Trail

Best treated as an expert-only Mount Mansfield route.

Hell Brook climbs steeply toward Mount Mansfield over rugged terrain. Wet rock, unsuitable footwear, and a late start make an already difficult route more hazardous.

Most Stowe weekend visitors should choose a less demanding trail unless they have the fitness, equipment, map, and conditions for Hell Brook.

Short, rocky, and slippery near waterOften works as a compact stop, not a full hike

Bingham Falls

Best waterfall add-on when the notch road is part of a broader Stowe day.

Bingham Falls is reached from the Mountain Road side south of the narrowest notch road. The descent is short, but wet rock and steep sections still require shoes with traction.

Choose Bingham Falls for a shorter waterfall stop rather than the longer climb to Sterling Pond.

Road sense

Boulders and cliffs close around Route 108

The notch is memorable because it feels compressed: boulders, tight curves, cliffy forest, and a road that requires low speeds. Use signed pull-offs and leave enough distance between vehicles.

Use signed pull-offs and parking areas; the road is narrow enough that a shoulder pause can block traffic behind you.

Walk carefully around the boulder fields and keep children close around deep gaps, traffic, and wet stone.

Vehicles longer than 40 feet and combination vehicles longer than 45 feet cannot fit through the chicanes on seasonal VT-108.

If the road is closed for the season, use Mountain Road, Bingham Falls, the Recreation Path, or the village instead of attempting a loop that no longer exists.

Official resources

Check Route 108 and trail status before entering the notch

Seasonal closures and weather make Smugglers' Notch different from a normal scenic road. Confirm road status, park information, and trail guidance before departure.

Official sourceNew England 511 road statusCheck the live Vermont traffic list for the seasonal VT-108 opening, closures, and the current long-vehicle restriction.Official sourceSmugglers' Notch State ParkCheck the state-park page and alerts for camping dates, facilities, wildlife notices, and current park information.Official sourceGreen Mountain Club trail updatesRead current Long Trail updates, then pair them with the correct map and weather report before a notch hike.

Second Star gear guide

Mountain Town Day Kit

Mountain-town packing list