Smugglers' Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest wilderness guide

State Park · VT

Smugglers' Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest

A dramatic mountain pass in Vermont's Green Mountains, Smugglers' Notch State Park is renowned for its narrow, cliff-lined roads and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.

State Park1,000+4+ Trails

1928STATE PARK

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

1,000+

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Smugglers' Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest

A dramatic mountain pass in Vermont's Green Mountains, Smugglers' Notch State Park is renowned for its narrow, cliff-lined roads and abundant outdoor recreation opportunities.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Located within the Green Mountain National Forest, Smugglers' Notch State Park offers stunning natural beauty, with towering cliffs and dense forests. The notch was historically used for illegal trade and smuggling, giving the area its intriguing name. Today, visitors come to explore its rich ecology, including diverse flora and fauna, and breathtaking geological formations. Popular activities include hiking on the scenic Long Trail, rock climbing on sheer cliffs, and enjoying scenic drives through the narrow, winding roads of the notch. The park is ideal for adventure seekers and nature lovers looking to immerse themselves in Vermont's natural landscape.

Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Smugglers' Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The Long Trail – Vermont's iconic hiking trail crosses through the notch offering spectacular vistas.✦ Rare alpine tundra ecosystems – Home to unique plant species adapted to harsh conditions.✦ Lake of the Clouds – A serene spot perfect for reflection and nature viewing.✦ Smugglers' Cave – A hidden cave with historical significance related to the area's smuggling past.

Wilderness Visuals & Gallery

Visual Guide to Smugglers' Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest

Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Smugglers' Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Smugglers' Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest

Park Recreation

Camping

Available in Smugglers' Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest

Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in Smugglers' Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest

Park Recreation

Climbing

Available in Smugglers' Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest

Park Recreation

Scenic Drives

Available in Smugglers' Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest

Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Smugglers' Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest

The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Smugglers' Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No fee required for day use, but campsites require reservations.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.

Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.

Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.

Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).

Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in Smugglers' Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

Smugglers' Notch Campground

Located in the heart of the notch offering tent sites and lean-tos, ideal for families.

Reserve on Recreation.gov

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Smugglers' Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Jeffersonville, Vermont

⌖ 7.45 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Jeffersonville, Vermont

Jeffersonville is a vibrant hub for outdoor adventurers seeking hiking, skiing, and biking opportunities in the heart of Vermont's mountainous landscape.

Fall

Stowe, Vermont

⌖ 7.73 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont offers a stellar mix of outdoor adventures. With its excellent trails, skiing, and cycling routes, it’s perfect for those seeking to explore the Green Mountains and more.

Fall and Winter

Noyan, Vermont

⌖ 7.81 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Noyan, Vermont

Noyan is a quiet Vermont border town offering peaceful hiking, paddling, and birdwatching in a rural setting. Perfect for travelers seeking solitude amid gentle countryside and seasonal outdoor activities.

Late spring through early fall for paddling, biking, and hiking; winter for cross-country skiing

Johnson, Vermont

⌖ 9.25 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Johnson, Vermont

Johnson, Vermont is a charming town tucked along the Lamoille River offering hiking, paddling, mountain biking, and winter sports in a tranquil natural setting. Ideal for adventurers seeking peaceful forests and rivers.

Spring through Fall, with winter for snow sports

Jericho, Vermont

⌖ 9.67 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Jericho, Vermont

Jericho, Vermont offers quiet forest trails, mountain biking, paddling on the Browns River, and cross-country skiing in winter. It’s a serene spot for outdoor enthusiasts who want to explore the Green Mountains’ beauty without the crowds.

Late Spring to Early Fall and Winter

Morrisville, Vermont

⌖ 10.47 miles

Gateway Basecamp

Morrisville, Vermont

Morrisville, Vermont offers outdoor enthusiasts a blend of mountain biking, hiking, paddling, and skiing opportunities year-round. With scenic lakes, forested trails, and proximity to premier ski resorts, it’s an accessible basecamp for exploring Vermont’s Green Mountains.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for skiing

Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Smugglers' Notch State Park, Green Mountain National Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Verified Outdoor Outfitters

Two Hours, Twenty-Five Miles: Backcountry Snowmobiling Across Mount Mansfield

ADVEXPEDITION

Stowe, Vermont

SnowmobileADV Bookable

Two Hours, Twenty-Five Miles: Backcountry Snowmobiling Across Mount Mansfield

A guided, two-hour snowmobile tour through Mount Mansfield State Forest that covers varied terrain and practical planning details for riders of differing skill levels.

SnowmobilePT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Vermont Wines Along Lake Champlain: A Four‑Hour Vineyard Tour from Burlington

ADVEXPEDITION

Burlington, Vermont

Sightseeing TourADV Bookable

Vermont Wines Along Lake Champlain: A Four‑Hour Vineyard Tour from Burlington

A focused, 4-hour tasting route that traces shoreline vineyards outside Burlington — this guide explains what you’ll taste, what to bring, and how the door-to-door tour runs.

Sightseeing TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

A Taste of Stowe: Three Hours of Vermont Flavor and Story

ADVEXPEDITION

Stowe, Vermont

Guided TourADV Bookable

A Taste of Stowe: Three Hours of Vermont Flavor and Story

A guided, three-hour walking-and-ride tasting that samples local cheese, ice cream, chocolate and more with door-to-door transport for guests staying in Stowe.

Guided TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Four Miles of Quiet: Paddling the Winooski beneath Camel’s Hump

ADVEXPEDITION

Burlington, Vermont

Boat TourADV Bookable

Four Miles of Quiet: Paddling the Winooski beneath Camel’s Hump

A roughly two‑hour, four‑mile paddle from Waterbury that threads gentle currents, Vermont farmland vistas and steady birdlife—this guide explains what to expect and how to match the right craft to the river.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Upper Gorge, 9 Miles of Winooski Whitewater: A Short, Savage Run Through Vermont’s Gorge

ADVEXPEDITION

Burlington, Vermont

Boat TourADV Bookable

Upper Gorge, 9 Miles of Winooski Whitewater: A Short, Savage Run Through Vermont’s Gorge

A 9-mile, typically 4-hour run of the Winooski River’s advanced upper gorge featuring Class I/II whitewater—this guide distills what paddlers need to know before they commit.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Float Richmond: Tube Rentals Launched from Main Street

ADVEXPEDITION

Richmond, Virginia

Water ActivitiesADV Bookable

Float Richmond: Tube Rentals Launched from Main Street

Umiak Outdoor Outfitters rents tubes daily from its Richmond store (and Stowe); this guide explains pickup, timing, and the self‑shuttle vs. operator shuttle options to plan a seamless float.

Water ActivitiesPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Car-top Paddling Out of Stowe: Simple, Self-Serve Boat Rentals from Umiak

ADVEXPEDITION

Stowe, Vermont

Boat TourADV Bookable

Car-top Paddling Out of Stowe: Simple, Self-Serve Boat Rentals from Umiak

A compact rental program offering kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, canoes and inner tubes from Umiak Outdoor Outfitters in Stowe — this guide explains what’s included, how day and multi-day rentals work, and practical packing tips.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

Woods, Dogs, and Sugar: A Private Walk Through a 7,200‑Tap Sugarbush

ADVEXPEDITION

Johnson, Vermont

Walking TourADV Bookable

Woods, Dogs, and Sugar: A Private Walk Through a 7,200‑Tap Sugarbush

A private, 50‑minute walking tour through a 7,200‑tap sugarbush that ends with a sugarhouse visit and maple syrup tasting — this guide explains what to expect and which option fits your group.

Walking TourPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

A Season’s Worth of Throws in One Day: Burlington’s Marathon Axe League

ADVEXPEDITION

Burlington, Vermont

Axe ThrowingADV Bookable

A Season’s Worth of Throws in One Day: Burlington’s Marathon Axe League

A full-day IATF-format marathon axe league led by Burlyaxe LLC in Burlington that condenses a full season into a single day; this guide lays out what to expect.

Axe ThrowingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

One Night in Waitsfield: A Lodge Pause Between Snow and Summer Green

ADVEXPEDITION

Waitsfield, Vermont

LodgingADV Bookable

One Night in Waitsfield: A Lodge Pause Between Snow and Summer Green

A one‑night retreat at the Swiss Ski Club of New York’s Vermont lodge in Waitsfield offers year‑round cozy accommodations with seasonally tiered member and non‑member rates.

LodgingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

One hour on Burlington’s trolley: waterfront vistas, university gates and Church Street’s pulse

ADVEXPEDITION

Burlington, Vermont

TrolleyADV Bookable

One hour on Burlington’s trolley: waterfront vistas, university gates and Church Street’s pulse

A concise, one-hour guided trolley circuit that orients first-time visitors to Burlington’s waterfront, campuses and marketplaces.

TrolleyPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip

One Hour of Axe-Throwing Precision in Burlington: Aim, Swing, Score

ADVEXPEDITION

Burlington, Vermont

Axe ThrowingADV Bookable

One Hour of Axe-Throwing Precision in Burlington: Aim, Swing, Score

A one-hour guided session at Burlyaxe in Burlington teaches beginners to throw hatchets safely across six lanes; this guide tells you what to expect and how to prepare.

Axe ThrowingPT2HCertified Outfitter

Bookable OnlineBook Trip