Route 108 at Smuggler’s Notch
Two weeks ago, on one of my off days, I explored the Green Mountains just east of Burlington. Specifically, I was curious about Vermont Route 108 which has the reputation of being one of the most intimidating roads east of the Rockies. I have to say that it didn’t disappoint… at Smuggler’s Notch – the pass through the mountains near Mt Mansfield – the road narrows to a single lane and traverses a chasm, with an S-curve, that prevents seeing oncoming traffic. The only comfort is that no one in their right mind would be traveling more than 5 mph through this curve, so the risk of a high-speed head-on collision is nil. But, still, I did this with my monster truck and would have appreciated an extra set of eyes so that I could simultaneously watch for sides scraping and oncoming traffic.
I made it, but I am not about to do it again.
This route passes by both Smuggler’s Notch (north of the notch) and Stowe (south of the notch) resorts, two of the largest and best ski areas in the east. Should I ever go skiing at one of these places (unlikely as they are a long way from Ft Myers), I will know how to get there.