@vermontforreal: The mysteries of Smugglers’ Notch have enticed generations of explorers 💫 This dramatic glen on Vermont’s tallest mountain is curiously known as Smugglers’ Notch. Vermont’s curviest and steepest road passes through a sea of boulders and caves. Leaf peepers and hikers flock here for the stunning views, but Mt. Mansfield’s history is really the main attraction! 🐴 Back in 1804, the villages of Stowe and Cambridge built a carriage road over this 4,400’ mountain from an old Indigenous path. This was the first way to connect these communities separated by our highest peak. But it was no walk in the park… traveling this rocky road was famously intense. When Thomas Jefferson enacted the Embargo Act of 1807, Americans were banned from trading with Britain and Canada. This caused massive upset because our ancestors relied on Canadian goods (see any similarities between the past and present?). 🍂 In true VT fashion, smuggling routes popped up to transport goods from Canada. The mountain pass between Stowe and Cambridge became an essential link. But this was a dangerous trek, with no escape from harsh weather. Smugglers found these caves for resting and hiding their goods. The Notch was used for many other purposes, including potentially the Underground Railroad. There were routes from Ferrisburgh and Montpelier to help escaped slaves head north. It’s possible some made the trek over Mt. Mansfield instead of through the villages. ✨ In 1922, the route was updated for auto traffic. This major upgrade in transportation happened during Prohibition… interesting timing. Booze operations took advantage of this fancy road. The villages by this route became party towns with bustling speakeasy culture. Today, you can find these caves along route 108 (or a short jaunt from the Long Trail). Drive to the top of the Notch, park by the visitor’s center, and explore. The biggest cave is a short but very rocky hike, so wear good shoes! No crocs in the Notch!!! #vermont #vermontforreal #vermonttiktok #vermonttok #newengland

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Sunday 20 September 2026 14:26:41 GMT