Smugglers' Notch is named for the smuggling that was prompted by a request of President Thomas Jefferson to prevent American involvement in the Napoleonic Wars.

The United States Congress passed the Embargo Act of 1807 which prohibited American trade with Great Britain and Canada.

The British bypassed the embargo by importing products to Canada and they were smuggled down mountain trails through Smugglers' Notch by Vermonters.

[2] The Act caused great hardship for locals, many of whom continued the illegal trade with Canada, carrying goods and herding livestock through the notch.

[10] Smugglers' Notch State Park on Vermont Route 108 is open for year-round recreation, but access is limited in the winter months to snow mobiles and skiers.