Smugglers Notch is a narrow pass through the mountain with 1,000 foot cliffs on either side. In the early days, only a footpath and trail for horses existed. In 1807, President Thomas Jefferson passed an embargo act forbidding American trade with Great Britain and Canada. This was a severe hardship for northern Vermonters, since Montreal was closer than other markets. Many people, therefore, continued illegal trade with Canada, herding cattle and carrying other goods through the Notch. Later, fugitive slaves used the Notch as an escape route to Canada. During prohibition in the 1920s, liquor was smuggled from Canada over the improved road that was built in 1922. Many species of plants found in Smugglers Notch are endangered and grow nowhere else in Vermont. These plants are alpine species and thrive in the arctic-like conditions of the moist, cold, rocky cliffs.

• Take a hike keeping an eye out for the rare alpine plant species.