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...
Flickr/Craig's Obsession
That is, when the road is open!
Flickr/Iain Stewart
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.
Flickr/Bre LaRow
Smugglers' Notch is a mountain pass in Lamoille County.
Kristin Grimes
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.
Kristin Grimes
It forbade American trade with Great Britain and Canada.
But its close proximity to Montreal made it a convenient trading partner.
Kristin Grimes
The Act caused great hardship for Vermonters, and many continued the illegal trade with Canada through the notch carrying goods and herding livestock.
Flickr/Doug Kerr
Fugitive slaves also used the Notch as an escape route to Canada.
Kristin Grimes
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.
Kristin Grimes
Both as a travel cut through and as a sightseeing destination.
This is a drive that everyone enjoys.
Kristin Grimes
Even the littlest helper can help photograph the notch on roadside stops.
Motorcyclists love the winding turns...
Kristin Grimes
Hikers love the many trails throughout...
Kristin Grimes
Commuters appreciate the shortcut...
Kristin Grimes
If they can make it through!
Kristin Grimes
Trucks often get stuck and it takes quite a bit of time to rescue them.
Be prepared for danger!
Kristin Grimes
But don't forget to look up.
Kristin Grimes
You'll love the twists and turns throughout.
Kristin Grimes
Stop often to explore all the little pull off areas.
Kristin Grimes
There is so much to see!
Have fun!
Kristin Grimes
See for yourself why Smuggler's Notch is one of the most beautiful tree tunnels in the world.
Kristin Grimes

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

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