If you’re planning a road trip to Vermont, chances are you’ve come across photos of a winding, tree-lined road called Smugglers’ Notch. Smugglers’ Notch is one of the most scenic stretches of road in Vermont and is the most popular spot to see Fall foliage in the state. You may think that this spot is perhaps overhyped. While there are plenty of incredible places to see Fall foliage in Vermont, there is nothing quite like driving Smugglers’ Notch in the Fall. Seeing Smugglers’ Notch Fall foliage should be on everyone’s itinerary when planning a Fall trip to Vermont.
We had so much fun driving down this scenic road and pulling over as many times as possible to take in the beautiful fall colors. Smugglers’ Notch is hands down one of the most beautiful Fall drives I’ve ever done. There are some things to remember to have a relaxing and enjoyable time driving this scenic road near Stowe. I know it may seem like a small stretch of road that doesn’t require much planning, but if you want to have the best possible experience, not be stuck in traffic, or have to do the entire drive in a thick coat of fog, follow these tips.
Before You Go
🏨 Book The Lodge at Spruce Peak for a hotel that is both luxurious and close to Smugglers’ Notch. I personally stayed in the Tälta Lodge, a Scandinavian design hotel. This hotel is near the village, yet is surrounded by nature.
⭐ Hotels sell out well in advance during the Fall, so book your hotel ASAP!
🚗 Rent a Car: You’ll need a car to explore Vermont. Check out the best rental car prices here.
Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. I may earn a small commission when you purchase a product or book a stay through these links at no extra cost to you.
Table of Contents
When to See Fall Foliage at Smugglers’ Notch 2024
Peak fall foliage along Smugglers’ Notch typically lands from the last week of September to early October. However, it can vary depending on the year. The Vermont Foliage Forecaster is an excellent tool to estimate when you’ll find the best colors.
If you plan on visiting the second or third week of October, you should experience some fantastic foliage. Looking at the peak for the prior year can usually help you determine the best time to visit.
READ MORE: Experiencing Fall in Stowe Vermont
Smugglers’ Notch Fall Foliage Drive
Smugglers’ Notch is one of the most scenic roads in Vermont, officially named Smugglers’ Notch Pass. This mountain pass divides Mount Mansfield from Spruce Peak and the Sterling Range. Smugglers’ Notch is only accessible seasonally, and Fall just so happens to be its most popular season. I’m sure you can see why!
Smugglers’ Notch is one of the best places to see Fall foliage in Stowe, VT. There are plenty of places to pull over to take in the views and hiking trails off the road. Yet, the stunning, winding, scenic road is what most people flock to Smugglers’ Notch for.
Driving Smugglers’ Notch is one of the most incredible experiences and was one of the highlights of my Vermont road trip. Due to its popularity, many cars pass through Smugglers’ Notch in the Fall. The route between Jeffersonville to Stowe along Smugglers’ Notch is only 17.3 miles and would take approximately 35 minutes to drive without traffic or stopping. Yet, I guarantee this drive will take much longer than that. There are often backups along the road, which is okay because it allows you more time to take in the scenic beauty of Smugglers’ Notch Fall foliage. And the pullover now moments are abundant! Chances are you will pull off every few minutes to take photos of the winding road lined with Fall foliage or to check out one of the many sites along the way.
TRAVEL TIP: Carve out a few hours to drive Smugglers’ Notch. While you may complete the drive quicker, you don’t want to feel rushed experiencing this scenic drive. For reference, I did the drive in 2.5 hours, early in the morning without much traffic.
Tips for Driving Smugglers’ Notch in Fall
Arrive Early but Not Too Early
Plan on driving Smugglers’ Notch earlier in the day if visiting during Fall foliage season. This way, you can beat some of the crowds. Many travelers don’t get to Smugglers’ Notch until the afternoon, so if you plan on starting your trip by at least 9 a.m., you should be able to enjoy Smugglers’ Notch without too many other cars on the road. While you should arrive as early as possible, you can’t start the day too early due to morning fog. The fog typically takes an hour or two after sunrise to lift completely.
Be Prepared to Park Along the Side of the Road
Parking is extremely limited, with so many cars driving Smugglers’ Notch in the Fall. There are some designated parking areas along Smugglers’ Notch, but often you will need to pull off on the side of the road or squeeze into a tight spot in the pull-off area. You may not have thought you’d have to brush off your parallel parking skills, but it will come in handy when trying to park along the road.
Be Aware of Your Surroundings
Almost everyone driving Smugglers’ Notch is looking to take an iconic photo of the winding road. So it would help if you were always on the lookout for cars and pedestrians. While driving, assume there may be people on the road and take turns slowly. If you are out of your vehicle taking photos, pay attention to the sound of a car approaching and get out of the road.
Seeing Smugglers’ Notch Fall Foliage: Wrap-up
This wraps up the guide to seeing Smugglers’ Notch Fall foliage. This scenic road is truly one of the best places to enjoy the vibrant colors of Vermont’s foliage. While seeing the Fall foliage at Smugglers’ Notch might have brought you to this area of Vermont, it isn’t the only reason to visit. Stowe is one of the best destinations in Vermont to visit in the Fall. Check out the full guide to visiting Stowe, Vermont, in Fall.
For more travel inspiration, check out these posts:
🍁 10 Things to do in Stowe in the Fall
🚠 Riding the Gondola SkyRide for the Best Views in Stowe VT
🍁 10+ Things to do in Woodstock Vermont in Fall
🛖 Best Hotels Near Smugglers’ Notch for your Dream Trip to Stowe
⛪ Stowe Church Viewpoint: How to Get to this Iconic Photo Spot
📷 The Best Photo Spots in Stowe, VT Year Round
For more New York travel, check out my Vermont section!
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