Smugglers Notch facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Smugglers' Notch |
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Smugglers' Notch, looking north from high on the slopes of Mt. Mansfield
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| Elevation | 660 metres (2,170 ft) |
| Traversed by |  Vermont Route 108 |
| Location | Cambridge, Lamoille County, Vermont, U.S. |
| Range | Green Mountains |
| Coordinates | 44°33.32′N 72°47.74′W / 44.55533°N 72.79567°W |
| Topo map | USGS Mount Mansfield |
 Location in Vermont
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Smugglers' Notch is a famous mountain pass in Lamoille County, Vermont. A mountain pass is like a low spot or gap between mountains that makes it easier to travel through.
This special notch separates Mount Mansfield, which is the tallest peak in the Green Mountains, from Spruce Peak and the Sterling Range. Most of Smugglers' Notch is part of the Mount Mansfield State Forest.
The water in Smugglers' Notch flows in two directions. North of the highest point, the Brewster River drains the area. This river flows into the Lamoille River, and then into Lake Champlain. To the south, the West Branch Waterbury River flows into the Little River, then the Winooski River, and finally into Lake Champlain.
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Why Is It Called Smugglers' Notch?
The name "Smugglers' Notch" comes from its history as a secret route. This happened a long time ago, when President Thomas Jefferson wanted to keep America out of wars in Europe.
Trading During the Embargo Act
In 1807, a law called the Embargo Act of 1807 stopped American trade with Great Britain and Canada. But Vermont is very close to Canada, especially Montreal. Many Vermonters found it hard to live without trading with their neighbors. So, they secretly carried goods and herded animals through the Notch to trade with Canada. This was against the law, but it helped them survive.
A Route to Freedom
The Notch was also used by people seeking freedom. Enslaved people who had escaped used this route to get to Canada, where they could be free.
Secret Deliveries During Prohibition
Later, in 1922, the road through the Notch was made better for cars. This was just in time for a period in American history called Prohibition. During Prohibition, it was against the law to make, sell, or transport alcohol. People used the improved road through Smugglers' Notch to secretly bring alcohol from Canada into the United States.
Smugglers' Notch State Park
Smugglers' Notch State Park was first created by a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression. This group helped build many parks and public works.
In 2003, the park was moved to a new spot. This allowed for a bigger campground and new, modern buildings. To save the work of the original builders, all the old structures were carefully moved to the new location.
Hiking the Long Trail
The Long Trail is a very long hiking path, stretching 272 miles (438 km) across the entire state of Vermont. This famous trail goes right through Smugglers' Notch.
If you hike down from the top of Mt. Mansfield, the trail meets the road south of the pass. It then crosses Vermont Route 108 near the Barnes Camp Visitor Center. From there, it climbs east towards the top of Madonna Peak.
Ski Resorts in the Notch Area
Two popular ski resorts are located near Smugglers' Notch.
- Smugglers' Notch Resort is on the northeast side of the pass. It has ski slopes on Spruce Peak (which they call Sterling Mountain), Madonna Peak (which they call Madonna Mountain), and Morse Mountain. The resort gets its name from the nearby pass.
- Stowe Mountain Resort is at the southern end of the pass. It has ski areas on both Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak.
Images for kids
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Large boulders line the narrow pass through the Notch.
