Route 108, Vermont

(Scenic Drives of America Feature)

A steep, winding mountain road in Northern Vermont.

route108 Route 108 is a fairly long road that goes through a large part of Northern Vermont, starting in the popular resort town of Stowe and winding its way up to the Canadian border. But it is the section of Route 108 between Stowe and Jeffersonville that is particularly striking, as this 20-mile stretch of road cuts its way through some of the most rugged country in the Northeastern United States.

smugglers notch From Stowe, Route 108 climbs gradually for a few miles before steepening as it approaches Mount Mansfield, the highest mountain in Vermont. Then it rises at near-impossible grades through Smuggler’s Notch before dropping rapidly through the remote alpine lands south of Jeffersonville. From there, Route 108 flattens out, meandering through farmland to Canada.

Map of Route 108 in Vermont: Click here to find the location of a particularly beautiful section of Route 108.

THINGS TO SEE AND DO ALONG ROUTE 108:

  • Stowe Recreation Path, Stowe–A mostly level biking and walking path that begins in Stowe Village, this 6-mile stretch of pavement cuts through scenic farmland and quiet woods.
  • Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe–One of the premier resorts of the Northeast, the Trapp Family Lodge seems like it could be located in the Swiss Alps, with dramatic views of the valley below giving it an alpine feel.
  • Mount Mansfield, Stowe–The largest mountain in Vermont and one of the most challenging ski areas in New England, Mount Mansfield is popular with outdoors lovers of all kinds.
  • Smuggler’s Notch State Park–Wild, rugged, and remote, the stretch of Route 108 that cuts through this dramatic pass is closed in the winter due to its steepness and sharp curves.
  • Village at Smuggler’s Notch, Jeffersonville–The Village at Smuggler’s Notch is one of New England’s most popular family resorts. Adults and children alike can ski, hike, swim, bike, and play tennis at this fun spot.