Most People Have No Idea This Unique Tunnel In Vermont Exists

Most of the tunnels in Vermont are covered bridges, but there is one hiding in plain sight. In fact, it's so spectacular, it was deemed one of the 15 most beautiful tree tunnels in the world by Flavorverse.com. That's right, Smugglers Notch was chosen along with places in the Ukraine, Japan, South Africa, Germany, Northern Ireland, Wales and Brazil.

Let's take a trip through the notch tree tunnel and see what makes it so spectacular!

The foliage season is by far the most spectacular time to drive through the notch, but it is beautiful any time of the year...

That is, when the road is open!

The notch road is closed when there is snow on the mountain. Typically from late fall to early spring.

Enjoy this virtual drive through the notch with this video by Mark Mains.

Smugglers' Notch is a mountain pass in Lamoille County.

The notch separates Mount Mansfield, the highest peak of the Green Mountains, from Spruce Peak and the Sterling Range.

Smuggler's Notch got it's name after the Embargo Act of 1807.

It forbade American trade with Great Britain and Canada.

But its close proximity to Montreal made it a convenient trading partner.

The Act caused great hardship for Vermonters, and many continued the illegal trade with Canada through the notch carrying goods and herding livestock.

Fugitive slaves also used the Notch as an escape route to Canada.

The route was improved to accommodate automobile traffic in 1922 thus providing a route for liquor to be brought in from Canada during the Prohibition years.

Today the road is still used.

Both as a travel cut through and as a sightseeing destination.

This is a drive that everyone enjoys.

Even the littlest helper can help photograph the notch on roadside stops.

Motorcyclists love the winding turns...

Hikers love the many trails throughout...

Commuters appreciate the shortcut...

If they can make it through!

Trucks often get stuck and it takes quite a bit of time to rescue them.

Be prepared for danger!

But don't forget to look up.

You'll love the twists and turns throughout.

Stop often to explore all the little pull off areas.

There is so much to see!

Have fun!

See for yourself why Smuggler's Notch is one of the most beautiful tree tunnels in the world.

Learn more about Smuggler's Notch State Park and start planning a trip today to see it for yourself!