Smugglers’ Notch Resort Hiking Trail Map
Aerial View of Sterling & Spruce Peaks
S
Spruce
Peak
Summit
ad Loo p
an
Eleph t He
Madonna Mtn.
3,640'
E
W
on
The L
il
g Tra
ilcoo
er Ch
p
p
U
N
Sterling Pond
Sterling
Chairlift
Summit
Uppe
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rift
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t
The L
ong
n
6
Trail
7
n
Trail
Snuffy’s
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S
Sterling Mtn.
3,010'
Morse Mtn.
3,380'
Madonna II
Chairlift Summit
2,800'
nd
Po
g
n
rli
Ste
The Long Trail
Th
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(Lo erlin
Smugglers’ Notch
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on
Tra
2,160'
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e’s
Thomk
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Chilco
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Upp
er
Dr
if
hiteface Mtn.
To W
Lo
we
r
Long Trail
The
Upper
Li n
k
Spur to Elephant Head
n
un
r
Rum
Pass
To
Sto
Garde
n
Path
Cu
t
ck
Mo
rse
Log Jam
Hi
gh
lan
ds
Lif
t
rk
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Ru
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Madonna
& Sterling
Base Lodge
1,625'
Bl a
ck
So
uth
10
8
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Ve
Ski & Snowboard Club
ift
ge L
agic
’s M
use
Mo
gul
Mo
Villa
Lot #1
Lot #2
Lot #3
West Hill Road
1
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2
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ark
owl
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Me
Lift
ou
th
1
n
The Gazebo
Ro
ute
The Village Center
Guest Services
on
t
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uu
5
6
7
8
Ve
rm
1,100'
Resort
Entrance
Cross-Country Nature Trail Area
Map for this section on reverse side
3
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4
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10
8S
2
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Lot #4
Morse Mid-Station
1,475'
Wire
Road
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3
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4
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Me
Morse Highlands Lodge
1,400'
Village Reservoir
1,250'
Midway
ba
Sam
’s
Curley’s
Lo
Rumrunner’s Hideaway
1,775'
Morse Highlands
Lift Summit
1,750'
Sna
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Path
Ste
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Ste
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ift
ift
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P
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we
Ga
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Jolly Rodger
L ow
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Midway
Lift
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ad
M
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Village Lift Summit
2,250'
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Hiking Trail Map Legend
MORSE MOUNTAIN
Morse Highlands “Wike”
Rum Runner’s Hideaway &
Morse Mtn. “Wike”
MADONNA MOUNTAIN
Northwest Passage Hike
Madonna Mtn. Summit Hike
STERLING MOUNTAIN
Sterling Mtn. Summit Hike
Elephant Head Loop
Spruce Peak Spur
Sterling Range Ridge Hike
The Long Trail
ille
1-800-451-8752 • www.smuggs.com
4323 Vermont Route 108 South
Smugglers’ Notch, VT 05464-9537
Parking Lots
Summer 2000
• Never hike alone. Leave your hiking plans with a friend.
• Familiarize yourself with the route. Stay on the
designated trails.
• Always check a local weather forecast before departing.
• Stretch before and after you hike to prevent injury.
• Zigzag the trail when ascending and descending steep
terrain to avoid excessive muscle strain.
• Only drink water which you have brought with you.
Gear List
• Wildlife is most active in the early morning or early evening.
• Wildlife scares easily around loud noises.
• Stand behind the trees to observe.
• Stop, look and listen often. Be patient while animals enter
and leave an area.
• Keep your distance. Feeding or chasing wildlife is unsafe.
• Leave your pets at home. They may startle, chase or even
kill wildlife.
dr
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D
n
uf
ge
Se
ren
ity
1,520'
5 Sterling Mountain Summit Hike
u
Elevation 3010' Vertical Rise 1385'
STERLING MOUNTAIN SUMMIT
1,700'
– See Map Inset
Elevation 3030' • Vertical Rise 30' • 1.4 miles; 1.25 hours
While on top of Sterling Mtn. summit, explore the wilderness area surrounding the pond via this very rocky and
rough wooded trail. Admire the serene beauty as you
skirt the shoreline of Sterling Pond.
Wire Road
1,400'
Ma
gic
Lift
7 Spruce Peak Spur
n
Departs from Sterling Mtn. Summit
1,600'
N
– See Map Inset
Elevation 3320' • Vertical Rise 310' • 1.5 miles; 1.5 hours
Magnificent views of the valley below and the summit
of Mt. Mansfield are obtained from this trail. Once atop
Spruce Peak, Mt. Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak) lies
in front of you and the Stowe valley stretches for miles.
The profile of Madonna Mtn. can be seen to the northeast.
E
W
Morse Highland’s
Lift Summit
1,750'
S
STERLING & MADONNA MTN. SUMMITS
Range Ridge Hike
u8uSterling
Elevation 3640' • Vertical Rise 2015' • 4.5 miles; 4 hours
⁄2 Km
1
2004
SMUGGLERS’ NOTCH RESORT CROSS-COUNTRY NATURE TRAILS
Our cross-country nature trails area is located behind the Tennis
Center and extends around The Village to the Morse Highlands
area. There are 23 kilometers/14 miles of trails used for crosscountry skiing and snowshoeing in the Winter and for walking
in the Spring, Summer and Fall. This trail system provides an
excellent area to view many wildlife habitats. Some trails have
information posts along their routes with topics relating directly
to the surrounding area. The terrain varies and the elevation
climbs gently, but steadily from the No Name Brook. Supportive
footwear is strongly recommended in this area.
A Forest Loop Walk
l
Elevation 1,450' • Vertical Rise 245'
1.5 miles • 45 minutes
Stroll along the shaded banks of the No
Name Brook. Follow it upstream to the
Village Reservoir and enjoy its peaceful surroundings. An abundance of
wildflowers and berries line the
trail. Discover the numerous
insects and reptiles that live in and
around the brook and reservoir.
Suitable for the family.
B Hubbard’s Run Meadow Path Walk
l
Elevation 1,200' • Vertical Rise 125'
1.75 miles • 1 hour
Sample the nature trails by walking this perimeter loop
over rolling terrain through the hardwood forest and open
meadows. You will cross many small streams and have
the opportunity to explore this bird lover’s paradise and wildlife habitat. Take a rest on the
wooden bench swing in the grand old
maple tree overlooking the picturesque
meadow.
C Follow The Bear “Wike”
n
•
Elevation 1,520' Vertical Rise 445'
2 miles • 1 hour
Travel up through this hardwood forest with its
canopy covering and look for signs of wildlife. The
upper loop is a little more remote, but really just a
short distance from The Village. There are information
posts about the Vermont Black Bear, their habitat and
our surroundings.
•
• 2.7 miles; 3 hours
Wildflowers compliment the trail along with views of Lake
Champlain, New York, Canada and our picturesque Resort
Village below. Sterling Pond rests atop this summit and is
nestled among the evergreen trees. It is the highest trout
pond in the state. Fishing is permitted with a valid Vermont
license (ages 15 & older). As you descend, the sounds
of waterfalls are heard along this trail from the forest’s
babbling brooks.
6 Elephant Head Loop
n
Departs from Sterling Mtn. Summit
Village Reservoir
1,250'
ds Lift
Highlan
Morse
⁄3 Miles
r Pass
Con
n ectio
n
oir Tracks
erv
Res
•
1,775'
r’s
ive
Dr
Woodrun
Lang
la
1
⁄4
Watson’s Wand
ere
r
Log
Th
8
10
To learn more about the Black Bear and their habitat visit
our “Follow the Bear” cross-country nature trail.
Frenc
k Logger’s
C
B n
l
The Bou
A
leva
l
rd
h
Mo
gu
lM
ou
se’
s
1
3.25 miles; 2 hours
Escape to Rum Runner’s Hideaway which rests beneath our
majestic mountains. Enjoy the surrounding hillsides and
valley below. Outstanding view of Mt. Mansfield. Suitable
for the family. Extend your view of the Lamoille Valley by
continuing to the Village Lift summit on Morse Mountain.
•
y
Vill
ag
eL
ift
0
2 Rumrunner’s Hideaway & Morse Mtn. “Wike”
n
Elevation 2250' • Vertical Rise 1150'
Climb the Resort’s highest peak and admire the spectacular
scenery beyond and below you. View Canada to the north
and New Hampshire’s White Mountains to the east. This is
truly a photo opportunity.
st
Ea
Resort
Entrance
0
Explore the Morse Highland’s trails just above The Village.
Great mid-mountain views of the valley below and the
mountains around can be enjoyed on this short, but steep,
scenic “wike”.
4 Madonna Mountain Summit Hike
u
Elevation 3640' Vertical Rise 2015' 4 miles; 4 hours
a
n
• The survival of the Black Bear depends on their use of
remote areas free from human intrusion.
• Please do not use MEADOWLARK TRAIL on Morse Mtn. from
May 1st – June 15th and from Labor Day – November 1st .
• Use of MEADOWLARK TRAIL is discouraged on all Fridays
and Sundays as this area crosses a wildlife travel corridor.
Cooperation with this conservation
effort is greatly appreciated!
Vermont Bears:
• Are omnivores, feed mostly on plants, but they also
feed on meat.
• Are among the smallest of all the world’s bear species,
but one of Vermont’s largest mammals. An average adult
bear weighs 150 – 300 lbs. and is 4'-5' long.
• Are very agile creatures even though they may seem clumsy.
They can swim, run swiftly and are excellent tree climbers.
• Have an excellent sense of smell and hearing, but have
poor eye-sight.
• Are a game animal in many states, including Vermont.
Dale
’s Trail
C
Lin
ATTENTION – Bear Habitat
BLACK BEAR
ursus americanus
The mountains
around Smugglers’ Notch are
home to many different species of
plants and animals. One of the most
interesting animals that makes this area
its home is the Black Bear. Although
bears commonly have the reputation
of being fierce, the Black Bear is a shy
and elusive animal. Black Bears are very frightened by any
human presence, and most often will run away if they encounter
people. If you notice any wildlife along the trails, please be
respectful of their “wildness” and maintain your distance.
Remember that we are visitors in their home.
Log ger’s
Logg e
r’s
o
Wo
Tennis
Center
1,075'
1 Morse Highlands “Wike”
n
Elevation 1750' • Vertical Rise 650' • 1.5 miles; 1 hour
3 Northwest Passage Hike
u
Elevation 2800' Vertical Rise 1175'
1,400'
u n West
dr
o
o
W
So
ut
h
MORSE MOUNTAIN
MADONNA MOUNTAIN
CROSS-COUNTRY NATURE TRAILS
Co
unt
ry Road
Hu
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a rd
’s Ru
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rm
on
tR
oute
101
or
e
Ru
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Pa
th
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Walk
W
ay
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uu
Easiest
More Difficult
Most Difficult
Experts Only
Morse, Madonna & Sterling Mtns.
“Wikes” & Hikes – Map on reverse
•
• 2.5 miles; 3 hours
Enjoy the open mountainside views from the Madonna II Lift
summit. Then journey off the beaten path down through
the hardwood forest and wildlife area. Challenging rises
and intermittent plateaus await you.
1,200'
Walk
l
n
Smugglers’ Notch Resort Management and Employees are
committed to being responsible stewards of Vermont’s natural
resources. Vermont’s intrinsic beauty and healthfulness are
integral to our business. We live here, and working to maintain
it comes naturally.
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Stay on the trails…
respect private and State Forest land.
Pack it in, pack it out…
keep the environment clean.
Take only pictures…
leave only footprints.
Enjoy the wildflowers…
please do not pick them.
Many are protected by state law.
Leave pets at home…
they are likely to encounter their own trail problems.
Fires are not permitted…
on State lands at higher elevations.
e
ont
R
Vertical Rise is the difference between the highest and lowest
points of land. Hiking a vertical rise of 10' is equivalent to
walking up one flight of stairs. Therefore, a vertical rise of 650'
is equivalent to walking up 65 flights of stairs.
Ex
pl
Hiking Trail Map
Ver
m
HIKER’S RESPONSIBILITY CODE
“LEAVE NO TRACE”
You can help preserve Vermont’s “footpath in the wilderness”
as you enjoy it by leaving no trace of your visit. While you hike,
please follow a few guidelines to ensure the trail and the backcountry experience will be there for others to enjoy. Please leave
no trace of your passing. – Courtesy of the Green Mountain Club
Walk
A 1-2 hour walk involving mild to moderate exercise.
“Wike” A little longer in duration, up to 3 hours, and moderate
to demanding exercise.
Hike
The most physically demanding and time consuming.
4-6 hours is the typical hike duration. Caution and
evaluation of personal fitness is urged.
Smugglers’ policy of environmental stewardship pervades all
our activities. We seek to raise the environmental awareness of
guests and employees and to broaden their knowledge and
appreciation through educational programs along with our
active and passive use of the land for year round recreation.
Wildlife Viewing
l’s
Bil
Hiking distances and times are round trip. Hiking times are
estimates and may vary with personal fitness. Elevation and
vertical rise are given in feet to help determine the difficulty
of the hike.
Smugglers’ Notch Resort Environmental Policy
• Hiking Boots • Back Pack • Water (1-2 qts.) • Food
• Layered Clothing • Rain/Wind Jacket • First Aid Kit
• Bug Repellent • Sunscreen
Meado
Trail Key
General Hiking
Information
Hiking Safety
D Wire Road Watson’s Wanderer “Wike”
n
Elevation 1,775' • Vertical Rise 675'
3.5 miles • 1.5 hours
Wander your way up to the highest
point of the cross-country nature area
on this scenic old logging road by
traversing part of Morse Mountain.
Lush foliage outlines the road as you
walk through the forest. A little more
isolated, this is surely one to check
out as wildlife abounds. Note the
elevation, vertical rise and length
of time.
Travel this isolated, wooded and rugged ridgeline trail to
the Madonna Mtn. summit, the Resort’s highest peak, to
capture a unique view of Sterling Pond and its surroundings.
Discover the many ups and downs on this challenging trail.
THE LONG TRAIL
The Long Trail is a primitive footpath extending
270 miles along the crest of the Green Mountains from
the Vermont/ Massachusetts border to Canada. Built
by the Green Mountain Club (GMC) between 1910 –
1930, The Long Trail is the oldest long-distance hiking
trail in the country. It is primarily maintained on a
volunteer basis by the GMC. The Long Trail traverses
the Resort’s three mountain peaks (Sterling, Madonna,
Morse) and can be accessed from the summits
of Sterling and Madonna or in The Smugglers’ Notch
Pass located on Vermont Route 108 South. (The trail
access in The Notch is located across from the parking
area.) The trail is marked with two-by-six inch white
blazes found on trees and sometimes on rocks.