The best family-friendly hikes and walks in Smuggler'S Notch State Park
4.7
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1,256
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Family friendly hiking trails in Smuggler'S Notch State Park are set within Vermont's Green Mountains, offering a diverse landscape for outdoor exploration. The region is characterized by a dramatic, narrow mountain pass with towering cliffs, separating Mount Mansfield from Spruce Peak and the Sterling Range. Hikers can experience dense secondary forests, alpine vegetation at higher elevations, and notable features like Bingham Falls and Sterling Pond. The terrain includes winding paths, rock stairs, and varied gradients suitable for family outings.
Best…
Last updated: May 13, 2026
13
hikers
6.71km
02:00
200m
200m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
21
hikers
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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3.68km
01:31
450m
20m
Embark on a moderate hiking adventure to Madonna Peak, a route that spans 2.3 miles (3.7 km) and climbs 1479 feet (451 metres). This trail offers a rewarding journey through…
38
hikers
5.10km
01:55
340m
340m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
20
hikers
Hard hike. Very good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Tips from the Community
The Stowe Recreation Path is a 5.3 mile fully paved trail from Stowe Village to Top Notch Resort. It is a beautiful path to walk that is free from car traffic.
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A coffee shop and a brewery right across the street from each other! What more can you ask for on a relaxing ride around Stowe? Idletyme Brewing and PK Coffee are two great spots to grab a burger and beer or coffee and pastry depending on your mood (and time of day). Both of these local-favorite spots are right off of the Stowe Recreational Path, making them convenient to stop at and refuel as you explore the area.
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Madonna Peak stands at 3,664 feet above sea level and is along the Long Trail, a famous thru-hike in Vermont. This beautiful mountain is part of Smuggler's Notch Ski Resort and there is a chairlift that takes skiers all the way to the summit in winter. During the summer you will encounter hikers rather than skiers, but far fewer than the amount you might have passed headed up to Sterling Lake if you took the Sterling Lake Trail to get here. At the summit of Madonna you get fantastic, panoramic views of surrounding Green Mountains and on clear days, you might be able to see Mount Washington in New Hampshire!
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Thompson Park is home to a parking area, picnic tables, and trailhead for the paved Stowe Recreational Path. The trail leaving from here is wide, smooth, and easy for any skill level.
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Great view from the road of the surrounding area. Smugglers' Notch is between Vermont's highest peak (Mount Mansfield), Spruce Peak and Sterling Ridge.
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Chase Park is a great little local park near downtown Stowe. It is a common access point for the Stowe Recreation Path, a popular 5.3-mile paved multi-use trail that runs through the town of Stowe. There is parking available here for the Recreation Path as well as a bike repair station for those who might need it.
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Sterling Pond is Vermont’s highest-elevation Trout Pond and an extremely popular destination in Smuggler's Notch. You can swim and fish (with a permit) and relax by its waters. It's also a great spot for observing wildlife and photography all year round; there are sometimes volunteers at the pond who are there to talk about the local plants and animals, and to answer questions. There is a shelter on the east side of the pond for Long Trail thru-hikers.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many family-friendly hiking trails are available in Smugglers' Notch State Park?
Smugglers' Notch State Park offers a wonderful selection of family-friendly hikes. You'll find 23 routes specifically curated for families, with 10 easy options and 13 moderate trails to explore.
What are some easy, scenic walks suitable for families with young children?
For an easy and scenic walk, consider the trail to Bingham Falls. It's a short 0.5-mile path leading to a beautiful 40-foot waterfall with unique rock formations and natural pools, perfect for a quick family outing. Another option is the Stowe Recreation Path – Idletyme Brewing & PK Coffee loop from Adams Camp, which is a longer but relatively flat 9.1 km route with minimal elevation gain, ideal for a leisurely stroll.
Are there any circular routes suitable for families?
Yes, there are several circular routes that families can enjoy. The Smugglers' Notch Summit loop from Smuggler's Notch State Park is a moderate 6.8 km loop offering diverse scenery. Another great option is the Smugglers' Notch Summit – Sterling Pond loop from Smuggler's Notch, which is about 5 km and takes you past beautiful natural features.
What natural features or landmarks can we expect to see on family hikes?
Smugglers' Notch State Park is rich in natural beauty. You can expect to see the dramatic towering cliffs of Smugglers' Notch itself, especially along the scenic byway. Bingham Falls is a highlight, with its impressive waterfall and unique rock formations. Many trails also lead through dense secondary forests, and you might even spot some of the historic stone fireplaces built by the Civilian Conservation Corps.
Are there any trails that lead to a pond or lake?
Yes, the Madonna Peak via Sterling Pond Trail is a popular moderate hike that leads to Sterling Pond, which is Vermont's highest-elevation trout pond. It's a beautiful destination for families to enjoy the water and surrounding nature.
What is the best time of year for family hiking in Smugglers' Notch State Park?
The park is beautiful year-round, but for family hiking, late spring through early fall (May to October) is generally ideal. The fall foliage season is particularly stunning, transforming the Notch into a vibrant display of colors. During winter, some trails are suitable for snowshoeing or cross-country skiing, but conditions can be more challenging for general family hikes.
What do other hikers say about family-friendly trails in Smugglers' Notch State Park?
The komoot community highly rates the family-friendly trails in Smugglers' Notch State Park, with an average score of 4.7 out of 5 stars from 84 ratings. Reviewers often praise the diverse scenery, the accessibility of trails to natural wonders like waterfalls and ponds, and the overall enjoyable experience for all ages.
Are there any trails with good viewpoints for families?
Many trails offer scenic views, especially those that climb higher. The Smugglers' Notch area itself provides breathtaking views from the winding road. For specific trails, routes that ascend towards Sterling Pond or offer glimpses of the surrounding Green Mountains will provide excellent photo opportunities and memorable vistas for the whole family.
Is parking readily available at trailheads for family hikes?
Parking is generally available at popular trailheads and designated areas within Smugglers' Notch State Park, including near the Barnes Camp Visitor Center. However, during peak seasons, especially fall foliage, parking lots can fill up quickly, so it's advisable to arrive early.
Are there any longer, more challenging family-friendly routes for older children?
For families with older children looking for a bit more challenge, the Ruschp Ridge and Papa's Trail Loop is a moderate 9.5 km route with over 500 meters of elevation gain, offering a rewarding experience. The Smugglers' Notch Summit loop from Smuggler's Notch State Park is also a good moderate option at 6.8 km.
What other activities can families enjoy near Smugglers' Notch State Park?
Beyond hiking, the area around Smugglers' Notch State Park offers a variety of family-friendly activities. You can explore the numerous caves within the Notch, enjoy a picnic at the Smugglers' Notch Picnic Area, or visit the nearby Smugglers' Notch Resort for water parks, adventure camps, and other attractions. The charming town of Stowe is also close by, offering local shops and eateries.
Most popular routes in Smuggler'S Notch State Park
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