I’ve driven through Smugglers’ Notch more times than I can count, and I have a love-hate relationship with this famous stretch of Vermont road.
On a quiet weekday, it’s a beautiful drive. Route 108 winds between enormous boulders and towering rock cliffs, with barely enough room for two cars to pass in places. There’s really nothing else quite like it in Vermont.
On a peak foliage weekend? I’ve spent enough time staring at brake lights to know I’d rather be somewhere else.
Despite its reputation as one of Vermont’s most scenic drives, there also aren’t many places to stop and appreciate the views. You’re driving through the mountains rather than looking out over them, something worth understanding before planning your visit.
What Is Smugglers’ Notch Road?
Smugglers’ Notch Road is the section of Vermont Route 108 connecting Jeffersonville and Cambridge with Stowe. The narrowest, most dramatic portion runs between Smugglers’ Notch Resort and Stowe Mountain Resort Local favorite: Stowe, passing between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.
For locals, it’s an important shortcut. Driving between Jeffersonville and Stowe generally takes around 20–30 minutes when the road is open and traffic is light. When it’s closed, the detour through Morrisville can add considerable time.
The name dates back to the early 1800s, when smugglers used the mountain pass to transport goods between Vermont and Canada. Today, the Notch is better known for its enormous boulders, hairpin turns and occasional tractor-trailer getting stuck.
What Is It Like to Drive Through Smugglers’ Notch?
This is not a road where I’d recommend sightseeing from behind the wheel.
The pavement twists between massive rocks, with sharp turns, narrow shoulders and sections that aren’t in particularly good condition. You’ll need to slow down considerably, especially when meeting oncoming traffic or encountering drivers unfamiliar with the road.
There are also chicanes at the entrances to the restricted section, designed to prevent oversized vehicles from entering. Large trucks simply cannot navigate some of the turns, and a stuck tractor-trailer can shut down the entire road for hours. Thankfully, steep fines and additional precautions have helped discourage drivers from attempting it.
For most people driving a regular passenger vehicle, the road is manageable. Just pay attention, take your time and watch for pedestrians near the summit.
Are There Scenic Overlooks Along Smugglers’ Notch Road?
This is my biggest criticism when I see the Notch recommended as a must-do foliage drive.
The scenery is impressive, particularly the enormous boulders and cliffs surrounding the road. But there aren’t panoramic overlooks around every bend, and safe places to pull over are limited.
If you’re expecting long-range views across Vermont’s mountains, you might be disappointed.
I’d recommend parking near the summit and walking around instead. You can get a much better appreciation for the rock formations outside your car, and there are trails leading to some beautiful viewpoints.
Where Can You Park?
Parking is limited, particularly during foliage season. Here are the main areas to know:
- Smugglers’ Notch summit parking: Small roadside parking areas near the highest point of Route 108 provide access to Sterling Pond Trail and the surrounding rock formations.
- Barnes Camp Visitor Center: Located on the Stowe side near the entrance to the narrow section, with parking and access to nearby trails.
- Designated trailhead parking: Additional small parking areas serve trails along the road, although spaces fill quickly.
I’ve seen the summit area become a mess of cars and pedestrians during busy foliage weekends. Don’t assume you’ll find a space, and avoid parking where your vehicle could obstruct traffic.
Hiking in Smugglers’ Notch
Personally, I think hiking is one of the best reasons to visit the Notch. Several trails begin directly along Route 108, with options for different abilities.
- Sterling Pond Trail
- One of the area’s most popular hikes, this approximately 2.3-mile round-trip trail climbs steeply to Sterling Pond. Expect rocky terrain and roughly 1,000 feet of elevation gain. It’s a beautiful destination, but don’t mistake the relatively short distance for an easy walk.
- Elephant’s Head Trail
- A shorter hike to an overlook above the Notch, with impressive views of the surrounding cliffs and mountains. The trail is steep and can be slippery, so wear proper footwear.
- Mount Mansfield via the Long Trail
- For experienced hikers, trails from the Notch connect to Mount Mansfield’s challenging ridgeline. Expect steep climbs, exposed terrain and changing weather.
You can also explore the boulders near the summit without committing to a longer hike. Just use designated parking and stay mindful of traffic.
Is Smugglers’ Notch Worth Driving During Fall Foliage?
The contrast between the colorful trees and gray cliffs is spectacular in October. Unfortunately, the Notch is also one of Vermont’s most congested roads during peak foliage.
I’ve driven through on weekends when traffic was moving so slowly that taking the shortcut was practically pointless. Between people searching for parking, pedestrians walking along the road and drivers slowing down for photographs, it’s not particularly enjoyable.
And with so few places to pull over, the driver doesn’t get much opportunity to appreciate the scenery.
If you’re visiting during foliage, I’d choose a weekday, ideally early in the morning. Golden hour can also be beautiful, provided you have enough daylight to navigate the road safely.
Would I deliberately drive the Notch on a peak foliage Saturday afternoon? Absolutely not.
When Does Smugglers’ Notch Road Close for Winter?
Unlike most Vermont state highways, Route 108 through the Notch closes every winter. The narrow turns and steep terrain make plowing and winter travel impractical.
The road typically closes in late October or November and reopens in May, depending on weather conditions.
In 2026, Smugglers’ Notch Road reopened May 4 and closed October 19. These dates can change annually, and temporary weather-related closures are also possible.
When the gates are closed, drivers must travel around the mountains through Morrisville. The closed road remains popular for winter recreation, including snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Check New England 511 for current road conditions before heading out.
Other Vermont Mountain Gap Roads Worth Driving
If you’re looking for a scenic mountain drive, I’d also recommend exploring some of Vermont’s other gaps.
Appalachian Gap | Route 17
App Gap connects the Mad River Valley with the Bristol area. It’s one of my favorite drives, particularly during foliage, with steep hairpin turns and views toward the Champlain Valley and Adirondacks.
There are places to stop near the summit, although parking is limited. Watch for cyclists, and be particularly careful during winter weather.
Middlebury Gap | Route 125
Middlebury Gap connects Middlebury and Hancock through the Green Mountain National Forest.
It’s a winding, forested drive that generally feels less intimidating than Smugglers’ Notch. I particularly like combining it with stops at the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail and Texas Falls in Hancock.
Brandon Gap | Route 73
Brandon Gap connects Brandon and Rochester, winding through dense forest with access to hiking trails.
It’s especially pretty during foliage season and works well as part of a longer drive through Rochester, Brandon and the surrounding towns.
Good to Know Before Driving Smugglers’ Notch Road
- Location
- Route 108 between Jeffersonville/Cambridge and Stowe.
- Driving time
- Approximately 20 – 30 minutes between Jeffersonville and Stowe without significant traffic.
- Narrow mountain section
- Approximately 3.5 miles.
- Parking
- Limited spaces near the summit, trailheads and Barnes Camp.
- 2026 operating dates
- May 4 – October 19.
- Vehicle restrictions
- Single vehicles over 40 feet and vehicle-trailer combinations over 45 feet are prohibited.
- Best time to visit
- Weekday mornings, particularly during foliage season.
- Road conditions
- Narrow lanes, tight turns and uneven pavement. Oversized RVs and trailers should take another route.
Have you driven through Smugglers’ Notch? Do you love the drive, or do you think it’s overrated?
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