Jeffersonville-Cambridge Notch Road
Historic military road through Lamoille Valley
The Jeffersonville-Cambridge Notch Road follows an old military route established in the 1850s to connect the Lamoille River valley communities during Vermont’s early settlement period. This well-maintained gravel road climbs through mixed hardwood forests and open meadows, offering spectacular views of Mount Mansfield to the south and the Worcester Range to the east. The route passes several historic farmsteads and the remnants of a 19th-century sawmill at Brewster River, where massive granite foundation stones still mark the spot where timber from these hills was processed for the railroad boom.
This is an easy to moderate route suitable for any vehicle with decent ground clearance, making it perfect for overlanders seeking Vermont’s scenic beauty without technical challenges. The road is passable year-round but most enjoyable from late spring through fall when the foliage peaks. No permits required, and several designated camping areas provide legal overnight spots with fire rings and basic facilities. Fill up in Jeffersonville and expect decent cell coverage along most of the route. This road delivers classic Vermont countryside driving with enough history to keep things interesting.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | Camping, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 24 mi / 38.6 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 1850 ft |
| Best season | April-November |
| Minimum vehicle | Stock SUV |
| Nearest town | Jeffersonville, Vermont |
| Land manager | Vermont State Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | Decent |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | Yes |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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Location
Trail Conditions
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Frequently asked questions
Can a stock Subaru Outback or RAV4 handle this trail?
Yes. The surface is graded gravel and the grade is mild — a stock all-wheel-drive crossover or SUV handles it without issue. No lift or skid plates required.
When does the road typically open in spring and close in fall?
Best window is April through November. Spring mud season (late March–mid April) can make the gravel soft and rutted, so early April access depends on how the thaw went that year. Snow typically closes it by late November.
Do I need a permit to drive or camp here?
No permit is required to drive the road. Dispersed camping on Vermont State Forest land is allowed without a fee or reservation, but follow Leave No Trace and respect any posted closure signs.
What's the hardest section of the road and what should I expect?
The climb toward Cambridge Notch gains most of the 1,100 feet of elevation over a short stretch — surface stays manageable but can be washboarded and loose after rain. Nothing technically challenging, just take it easy on descents if wet.
How far is the nearest gas station from the trailhead in Jeffersonville?
Jeffersonville has a gas station right in town before you head out. Stock up there — the road is 24 miles point-to-point and there's nothing in between.
Trail track
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