Smuggler’s Notch State Park, Vermont
Bingham Falls, Smuggler's Notch State Park, Vermont
Smugglers' Notch State Park, nestled in the stunning Green Mountains of Vermont, is a captivating destination renowned for its dramatic landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Named for the narrow mountain pass that was historically used by smugglers during the Prohibition era, the park offers visitors a rich blend of history and natural beauty. With its rocky cliffs, beautiful forests, and awesome wildlife (Moose and Squirrel Bear), Smugglers' Notch is a haven for hikers, campers, and outdoor enthusiasts. Sandwiched between Smuggler’s Notch and Stowe Ski Resorts, you aren’t far from civilization, but when you’re in the campground - you FEEL like you are.
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Smuggler’s Notch State Park Trail Map
Smuggler’s Notch State Park Campground Map
Smuggler’s Notch State Park Campground Info
The campground at Smuggler’s Notch State Park has been modernized with excellent facilities. While not friendly for large vehicles, due to the terrain, motorcyclists should find it easy to park on the pavement and carry their tents a few steps away to their campsites.
One of my favorite things about this campground is the buffer each site provides between campers. Most of the campsites have good forestation and distance between them so you have privacy in your own site! The campfire rings are nice, tent sites are graded perfectly flat (at least in the sites I observed), and it’s a short walk to get to the restroom facilities.
The campground facilities feature flush toilets, hot running water, and coin-operated hot showers! Firewood and ice is available for sale (Vermont state parks throw a fit if you bring in your own firewood anymore).
Activities available in the park include:
Bouldering
Hiking
Ice climbing
Cave exploration
Biking
History
Smugglers Notch, Vermont, holds a significant place in American history, particularly during the 18th and 19th centuries when it served as a clandestine route for smugglers evading British customs duties. Nestled between the majestic Green Mountains, the narrow pass became a vital corridor for transporting goods, including illicit distilleries’ products and timber, across the border into Canada. This rugged landscape not only facilitated trade under the radar but also played a role in the early narratives of the American Revolution, as local residents often utilized the Notch to outmaneuver British forces.
Small waterfall in Smuggler’s Notch State Park Campground, Vermont
Smugglers Notch also served as a pivotal route during the U.S. Prohibition era of the 1920s. Bootleggers exploited the notches’ secluded location to transport illegal alcohol between Canada and the United States, avoiding law enforcement and navigating the densely wooded landscapes. The area's steep slopes and narrow paths provided natural cover, facilitating the movement of both goods and people, while locals often turned a blind eye to the illicit activities unfolding around them. As a result, Smugglers Notch became notorious as a key smuggling corridor, reflecting the lengths to which those defying the prohibition were willing to go to serve an eager market for alcohol.
Today, its historical legacy remains a testament to the resourcefulness and resilience of those who traversed its challenging terrain, marking it as an enduring symbol of Vermont's rugged spirit.
Autumn Leaves in Northern Vermont
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