+Gorgeous. The views and landscape are some of the coolest I have seen in the country. Stop and look around between shots- you won\'t be disappointed. +Clean and organized. Tee times are required to prevent backups. Property operates on a ski hill/resort so all fairways and additional course maintenance are top notch. +Big time challenge. Distance and OB will be your main competition here, but it doesn\'t play like a golf course style course as may be expected. More wooded than you would expect, lots of elevation. All aspect of disc golf will be tested. +Great variety of shots. 300 feet all the way to 1200 foot holes. Landing zone par 4s and a couple potential ace runs. Many shots provide great risk and reward lines. You will have many ways to play each hole and results will depend on your execution of these lines. +Multiple tees. Players have options to play professional holes all the way down to recreational tees.

-No trash cans on the course. Would be nice to have some cans on the course itself but pack it in/pack it out is the policy. Never minded this, pretty basic common sense and courtesy.-Gold tees are turf and are great. Other tees are mostly natural or rubber pads.

When watching the pros play the courses at Smugglers Notch in Vermont, I always assumed I would greatly prefer and have much more fun playing the more wooded Brewster Ridge course. Love woods golf, too much OB on Fox Run, it\'s just made to host spectators. While the scale still slightly tips in Brewsters\' favor, the competition in my mind is much closer after playing both courses. While OB is the main consideration on many holes on Fox Run, it just seems to make sense in the design of each hole. While some may clamor for trees to line the fairways rather than white stakes, the design is so good I hardly noticed the difference between the open holes and the more wooded ones. Plus, you will not be at a loss for trees while playing this course. You are still in the Green Mountain State, the green part equals plenty of trees. Last thing on the subject- if you absolutely detest more open, longer disc golf, the other course that starts a mere 100 feet in the other direction from Fox hole 1 will quench your thirst for hitting tight gaps and even more trees. Take a step back from how open the course looks on television. Elevation, water, trees, distance, OB, epic landscape... this course has everything any disc golfer would want if they were to design a dream course. And it\'s only half the fun you\'ll have that day.... Doesn\'t get much better than Smuggs. A previous reviewer mentioned how this is not a destination property, especially when compared to Midwest golf. As a lifelong Midwesterner, I am already looking forward to getting back to Vermont and would definitely not miss out on another trip to Smugglers Notch if I find myself in the area.

-Pretty good gold tee boxes. I don't prefer Astroturf, but they are fine. The rest seem just okay. Short rubber pads and grass.

-Great individual hole designs. Great.

-A few fun and funky tee boxes.

-Even from the golds, this course may be a little long, but not treacherously hard.

-OB for the sake of having OB is ridiculous. It's not just this course, it's a lot of pro level courses.
Just let people play it as it lies from the short rough. Sheesh!

-A couple long walks

-A lot of THICK rough and a couple random steep cliffs that will steal your disc forever.

-Advertising that this as "one of the top disc golf destinations in the world" is pretty silly. If this complex were in Illinois or Wisconsin, it would barely be in the top five for each state.

-Of course it's really nice and I'm glad to have it within an hour of my home, but it's no mecca.
Pros and Midwesterners would absolutely smash this course.

+ All the iconic views from the Green Mountain Championship: the boardwalk from the first tee, alternate fairways leading up to the 4th basket with the rocks around it, the wall behind the 5th tee where the camera guys set up, the boulder behind the 9th basket, the amazing downhill view from the 18th tee


+ It's a resort, so the upkeep is immaculate (mowing, weed whacking, bridges, and all the disc golf equipment). On-site fully stocked pro shop, including snacks, craft beers and a patio overlooking the first tee and the entire 18th hole


+ Permanent signage on all four tees (Gold/Blue/White/Red), and they've kept the DGN tee signage from the Green Mountain Championship on the back tees


+ Some surprisingly short holes (#2, #6, #10) to balance off the big dogs like #4, #7, #8, #18


+ The differences among the tees allow you to match the course to your game. As an 800 rated older golfer, I played from the whites and felt like I had a well-earned +6. Even from the shorter tees there's plenty of challenge offered by the constant threat of OB and other hazards - and the blues would likely have been too much to handle (especially in the wind)

- Except for #13, the white tees are just ground level rubber mats. They're in good shape, and the white tees have their own permanent signage. This "con" isn't about how they affect play as much as they affect the experience ("We don't get the nice teepads…"). So it's only a note about appearances - even playing from rubber tees, I thought the golf was a 5.0

~ The Fox Run layout has two distinct areas, separated by a long walk out to #4 and back in to #13. The "front" half is much more wooded and has some elevation, especially on the two closing holes. The "back" half is the meadow that gives it the name. Open to the wind, with a lot of OB shaping your shots. By the time you come back in from #12, you may be surprised at how woodsy the course becomes


~ Expect long rounds. Even with the control of tee times, my round took 3+ hours. It's a long walk, and the tall grasses will slow things down hunting for discs


~ It's possible to play a shortened 9 hole loop using only the "front" section: 1-3, and 13 - 18. Plenty of great golf in those nine holes


~ Fun fact: you wouldn't know this from coverage, but the short dogleg #10 where you're throwing into a facing hillside has a huge cliff that begins about 15' behind the basket. If you penetrate the woodline behind the green, you might never see that disc again


~ Also on property: Brewster Ridge!

The main parking lot is plenty big enough , Port O Let next to it .The pro shop , stocked with discs , cold drinks and snacks , is one of the nicest that I have ever seen . There is a concourse next to it that overlooks Fox Run's hole #1 , that has picnic tables with umbrellas where you can rest between rounds .
The equipment - There are currently 3-4 tees on every hole . They go from pavers , to rubber to natural with stakes . The signage is very descriptive and give distance from each pad . The baskets were upgraded to Mach X and have flags at the tops .. There is a putting basket near the parking lot . a few nice bridges and walkways help connect the gaps and navigate any wet conditions . Benches at the golds . There are white stakes that mark out of bounds along the course . Plenty of Next Tee signs to keep you on the right path .
The Landscape - Fox Run's course and grounds are kept in pristine condition . No overgrowing tree branches , and the fairways are mowed short and defined , while the OB grass is longer. There is some higher grass , like off the fairway on 3 , and on the right on #14 , and the right on 18 , but not enough to lose a disc on . Much different from the Brewster Ridge woods course . Fox Run is more semi open to open . The OB will still force you to create your line , but tunnel shots only appear on holes 15 , 16 and maybe 4 . The course rolls here , but the most elevation are the tee box on top the hill at 9 , and sweeping downhill drives on 17& 18 . There is a lake that could come into play on hole 5 , but only if the wind or a shank drive drifts far left .
The Highlights - Fox Run has as good a starting and finishing hole for a course as I have seen . #1 ( 575' from blue/golds ) from the golds starts with a drive over some overgrowth . The fairway turns left and has trees about 400'+from the tee , with the basket in a clearing . #5 ( 445' , golds/blue , 370' white ) has a tee pad on an old foundation of a house . It throws to a row of bushes with some relief on the immediate right and a keyhole in the middle . The lake sits to the left of the hole . #7 is the only par 5 on either course ( 1225' golds 1085' blues,680' whites ) Fairly open , you still have to contend with an slight uphill first shot over low brush to a plateau , then a long slow downhill slope to the basket #16 starts out on a tunnel shot fairway ( 715' G, 600' B 535'W ). . You have to clear some rough while leaving the woods . The basket is slightly elevated on a wood base in the open . When I came to the #18 gold tee ( 775' ) it read par 3 . Granted , it's a downhill slope , but the fairway looks to be 25 to 30 yards wide with OB on both sides , and a wall of high brush guarding a direct throw about 100' or so from the basket . An epic last hole .
Signature Hole - Mine was #4 ( 620' golds ) it had a thin fairway starting out with brush and a dropoff on the left and brush and incline on the right . Eventually it breaks to the right to an elevated green on a ridge .
Time- 90 minutes + .. A group of 4 is going to take all of 3 hours or more .
Disc Risk . Surprisingly low . This course is so well maintained , that you have to really chuck it into some of the overgrowth , or have to wind take it into the lake on 5 .
Other than maybe going out to Texas and Selah Ranch , there is probably nowhere else that you can park your car and play 2 quality courses Brewster Ridge and Fox Run . Fox Run gives you a ton of variety and will force you to empty your bag during your round .
The views on this course are postcard-worthy . Great looks of mountains and Vermont landscapes .

#1 Tee Pads - if lesser players are paying the same amount to play as the better players , shouldn't they have the nice paver or turf tees , too ?
#2 Long confusing walk - Not that it can be helped , but the walk from 3-4 and back from 12-13 is crazy long . I caught myself walking toward 13 from 3 because it was visible . You sometimes think that you are off course .
#3 Pay to play - $10 per round , $15 day pass allows play on both courses . A bargain for me ( hey , it's world class disc golf ) , but worth mentioning for a dad bringing the family up for a round , or a newbie still learning the game that might want to invest he cost into another disc .
Bring something to drink . You won't return back to the start until you finish #18 .Use bug spray during summer .

If this destination isn't on your bucket list , you may want to pencil it in . I can't begin to tell you how first class this place is . Professionally maintained , this is what world class golf looks like . You have the technical tight Brewster Ridge , then come back with the more open Fox Run , dodging the OB , with its creative lines . Smugglers Notch looks like it puts a lot of the money it takes in back into the course . I'm sure they want to create a disc golf experience like no other , and they keep moving closer . 2 top tier courses within 50 yards of where you park your car . Scenic views with challenge that will even test the world's best . It is a good idea to call ahead for a tee time here , especially on the weekends Check the homepage , too , so you don't waste a trip because of the many gatherings and tournaments held here .

Fox Run Meadows is the younger, more open, OB laden brother of Brewster Ridge, the amazing course right across the street.

Fox Run is a course that, from the gold tees, will challenge every part of your game. Distance drives, Placement shots, hitting lines, among other things.

Fox Run has 3-4 tees on every hole, with the Gold tees obviously playing the most challenging, but with red, white, and blue tees suitable for all skill levels. The Gold Tees are extremely professional turf tees, and every hole has a bright Yellow Discatcher.

Fox Run is a more open course than some, but it has a solid mix of open, mostly open, and mostly wooded. The Out of Bounds that is on every hole on the course also forces you to throw different lines, to avoid the OB as well as be in the best landing zone.

There is a wide variety of elevation, with the final two holes playing extremely downhill. 17 is a downhill RHBH hyzer onto a sloping green, with hole 18 being an outstanding signature finish, an open downhill crush with OB on the left and right, less than 100 feet between them.

This course is fantastic, and there is no reason to not play this course, especially if you are in the area, but it has a few things that keep it from being a 5.

The walk from 3-4 and then 12-13 is abnormally long, as it takes you across the road to a completely different section of the property. I would take the walk to play those holes any day, but it wasn't the most practical.

The Red, White, and Blue tees are no where near the quality of the gold tees, either being gravel, rubber, or natural. They had less signage pointing to them, and they are not the greatest layout.

There are a few places where the out of bounds was a tiny bit unfair, a place where it juts out too far into the fairway, or is too close to a green. I understand it, because it makes the course more pro caliber, but it really stings when you go out of bounds by a foot, only to move backwards by 250 feet.

This course is a great compliment to Brewster Ridge, and this destination should be on everybody's bucket list. The views are enough to make you want to visit the Vermont Mountains, but the golf will make you want to stay here.

While the adjacent 18-hole Brewster Ridge course plays primarily in the woods, this is meadow golf. I'll come back to that in a second. First off, with the more open nature of the course, the views here are spectacular. The Green Mountains loom just across the street. Of the 180+ courses I've played, this is absolutely in the top 5 for scenery.

Back to meadows. You don't need heavily wooded holes to make for good design. Hole 1 may be is my favorite hole of any of the 36 holes on site. The blue and gold tees shoot across a grassy marshy area to the landing area on the other side. There maybe a dozen trees dot the fairway for the rest of the several hundred feet to the basket. There are landing zones, and your preferred throwing style will dictate where you want to land. It's a pretty, well manicured hole that has good design.

Hole 2 is a fun tunnel shot down a slight hill with a guardian rock and the Green Mountains in the background to distract you.
Among the middle holes, I like 10 and 11. Hole 10 is a downhill valley hole with the basket on the upslope and dangerous ridges beyond. Hole 11 is a straight shot finishing with a downhill rightward lean into the woods, forcing a great drive to set up the right line to the basket.

Hole 14 is another great hole, playing along the hilly electrical easement. The blue and gold tees shoot from a little ridge with a big bump in the middle of the fairway that you need to clear before the fairway descends on the other side and curves to the left. Fun shot.

Hole 18 is a great tournament finishing hole. Seriously, watch the 2016 and 2017 Green Mountain Championships. There is an opportunity to gain strokes here with phenomenal shots, and Nikko Locastro (2016) and Michael Johannsen (2017) put forth a valiant effort to do so.

Most of the tee pads are just grass. The gold tees were permanent, but the blues the rest were grass when I played.

So much of the course's challenge is defined by artificial OB (lined by stakes). Sometimes this follows some contours of the land, but othertimes not. I don't love this. Holes 4-14 all have this feature to varying degrees.

The middle holes are more "open with OB" than the meadow characteristics I really enjoy with the beginning and ending holes.

One last thing: the transition from hole 3 to 4 and from 13 to 14 is long. The original 9 holes (1-3 and 14-18) are not right next to the other holes.

I played the blue tees. The gold tees have rubber pads but the others are just stakes in the ground, so if you're a less than stellar player, the tee pads are underwhelming.

I'm excited that this property got the World Championships for 2018. It is worthy. I do hope that it enables the final touches to both Fox Run and Brewster Ridge to complete these courses. Top among those is putting in tees that aren't just stakes in the ground (other than the golds).

I said it in my review of Brewster Ridge, but it shouldn't be understated: this area is one of the best parts of the country. I've been to 48 states, and Vermont is among the best. If you like great disc golf, or excellent hiking, or challenging skiing, or exceptional beer, or just being around people who are very happy to be where they are, you should not overlook this corner of the country.

Well kept, beautiful course with huge, long wide open fairways.

Nice course, but my group of 4 novices all agreed that after playing the companion Smugglers Notch - Brewster Ridge course (which we all loved) this course was somewhat frustrating for all of us. We are all novice players. Even playing the red and white tees this is a long course that starts to wear on you. We are sure it's awesome if you can throw long shots, but beginners should stick to Brewster Ridge until they can handle the distances.

Some decent variety but the middle 10 holes start to feel repetitive.

Long walks, but honestly if you can't handle them go bowling or something ... so not actually a con. Plus it's gorgeous.

Amazing facility that was still dressed up for the Green Mountain Championships. Multiple tees on every hole, fair and fun design. Elevation, OB Challenges and Iconic Vermont Beauty.


I used bullet points if you don't want to read the entire review.

Smuggler's Notch is destination disc golf
Smuggler's Notch provides TWO top rated courses in one location. Brewster Ridge plays through the woods while Fox Run covers the meadows and lightly wooded hills. There is true balance here: Yin and Yang, Wooded and Open, Fun and Funner! Since both courses are amazing and both courses offer multiple tees, Smuggler's Notch is a destination for disc golfers of all abilities.


My Favorite?
This course is a picture postcard for why Vermont is so amazingly beautiful. Vermont beauty alone makes this course one of my all time favorites. The fact there are two courses on site, adds to the experience. I think Fox Run is my favorite course at Smuggler's. However, it is very difficult to choose. It is like having to choose between Apple Pie and Chocolate Cake. Apple pie is my favorite pie, and Chocolate is my favorite cake. I think I found the Fox Run course to be more enjoyable as a solo player as it is very easy to navigate and you can see where you are throwing. It could have been the timing as I played this on a late fall afternoon and the fall colors were just beginning to show. It really was the perfect end to a perfect day of disc golfing in Vermont.


Four Sets of Tee on Every Hole!
I love the fact there are four tees on each and every hole. The long Gold tees have been developed and have tee signs. The Gold tees are made of turf placed over a bed of crushed rock. The Blue Tees were generally rubber mats. The shorter White and Red tees are marked by stakes. The Red tees are the shortest and would be perfect for new players or young kids. I am a weenie arm and I played from the Gold Tees and was able to get pars on nearly every hole. The big arms have plenty of opportunities to be searching for birdies or getting in trouble.

Signs and Navigation
Big beautiful full color tee signs on every tee. The signs clearly show all four tees, all the OB and the directions to the Next Tee. As long as you pay attention, you will not have any trouble following the layout. They have Fox Run maps in the tee shop as well. I was going to add that map to files, but can't seem to find it.


Its a big one
While it is a beautiful walk in the country, it is a long walk. This course is over 9,000 feet from the Golf Tees. There are some big bomber holes where you discs can fly free and far. The 1150 foot Hole 7 is a wonderful wide open hole from an elevated tee to a green across a small creek. When I played Fox Run, it was still set up for the Green Mountain Championships, which created OB islands and narrowing fairways. The OB areas definitely add more challenge to these more open holes.

Adam's Rib
Apparently, this course was originally part of Brewster Ridge as an extra 9. Nine holes play up and around a gently wooded slope. While the lines are not as tight as Brewster, you still have to avoid the trees and hit the fairways. Holes 5 -13 are on an area of land that was apparently once an executive ball golf course. They are long and open with elevation changes and they are beautifully manicured. There is a small pond that provides some extra challenge on Holes 5 and 12. Hole 18 is one of the most beautiful finishing holes in disc golf. A wonderful sweeping 775 foot down hill hole with OB road on the left and rough on the right.


On Site Pro Shop
There was a great variety of discs at the Pro Shop. They also had drinks and snacks. Staff was super friendly. They were very helpful and knowledgeable about the merchandise.

All 18 in a row
Once you head out on Hole 1, you do not return to the parking area and pro shop until you play the signature Hole 18. Although, you could play Hole 4 and walk to Hole 14 instead of playing the 9 holes in the meadow. But, why would you skip the most beautiful holes on the course?


Kids Carts and Strollers
The terrain is gentle enough for strollers and carts. Since there are four sets of tees on every hole, even younger players and newer players can play a round. However, it is a very large course and spread out over a large area. You will not return to parking area until after Hole 18 so prepare accordingly.

Restrooms
There were facilities at the pro shop. I don't recall seeing any other portables or facilities on the course. This is a very open course, but there are a couple of opportunities for privacy if needed.

Stop and Smell the Roses
If you spend all your time focused on the disc golf, you might miss the beauty of the mountains around you. Be sure to take a minute, take a deep breath, look around and enjoy the scenery.


Lost Discs
Unless you get unlucky on the holes near the water and send a stray shot into the pond, there is little chance to lose discs on this course. I suppose you could lose a disc on the meadow holes if you send a disc into the bordering rough.

Lots of walking
This course covers a lot of ground. In addition to the sheer length of the course, there are also long walks from 4 to 5 and again from 13 to 14.

Open
If this course is too wide open or doesn't have enough variety for you, check out the heavily wooded Brewster Ridge on site.

Lodging
I did not stay at the Smuggler's Notch RESORT. I stayed at a small Bed and Breakfast in Jeffersonville called Smuggler's Notch INN. I felt like I had stepped back in time and onto the set of the Bob Newhart show. It really was just like that. An hisoric inn owned by a nice couple and everyone was friendly. All of Vermont seems quaint, cute, old fashioned and proud of it.

Immaculate
Course was in exceptional condition following the 2016 Green Mountain Championships. Everything was mowed and trimmed and shiny. Although I would imagine they keep these two resort courses looking nice all season. All the extra features and grooming were a great change of pace from the rustic backyard course at nearby Black Falls. While I love rugged, wilderness disc golf, it is nice to be pampered!


Review delay
I played this course as part of my trip playing 12 States in 12 Days. I promised myself before the trip that I would review every single course I played. I wanted to save the best (Fox Run) for last. I had hoped to finish my review sooner. I could have just slapped together a few lines, but I really wanted to convey how awesome it was to play here. It was literally a disc golf dream come true for me. My round at Fox Run is forever etched in my memory. I will savor these sweet disc golf memories for many, many years to come. I hope I can return again one day.


Rating
This course is a perfect match for the wooded Brewster Ridge on site. The entire Smuggler's Notch disc golf complex gets a 5. Fox Run gets 5 for being immaculately maintained. Fox Run gets a 5 for amazing Vermont Beauty. Fox Run gets a five for having four tees on every single hole. Fox Run gets a 5 for thoughtful use of elevation and natural challenges. Fox Run gets a 5 and is absolutely, hands down, the BEST course I played in Vermont!

The Fox Run course at Smuggler's Notch is stunning and does not disappoint! The views are breathtaking and the staff are very friendly! Out of bounds comes into play on every hole which​ keeps you thinking and on your toes for every shot. Every single hole is well thought out and fair. The gold layout had turf tee pads, which were awesome to play from! The tee signs were incredibly accurate and made for no confusion.

This really is not a con, but perhaps golf carts could be implemented here. The gold layout measures in at almost 2 miles of tee to basket distance, but the walk as a whole is easily 4 to 5 miles. Be prepared for a hike

This course is a must visit! The amenities at and around the course are top notch. I would recommend staying at Smuggler's Notch resort and playing multiple rounds at Fox Run and it's sister course Brewster Ridge.

- The fairways were freshly mowed. And for what I could see and feel from the place, much love is put in the maintenance of the course.

- This course is kind of open with thoughtful placement of the out of bound but also carefully thought placement of each basket.

- The amenities for the players are very welcome. Most holes (all?) have benches with even a hole with a swing! I have seen many trash can AND recycle bin.

- This course is VERY clean. In all the holes, I found absolutely NO garbage or littering whatsoever, even in the bushes or in the out of bound areas. The owner can be proud of himself!

- It's a very good course for beginner and advanced players alike since the placement of the different pins (gold, blue, white and red) is well thought. It's not just a matter of distance, it's also a matter of placement.

- Owner was very friendly and has a very nice pro shop with a very good selection of discs and other stuff (T-Shirts promoting Brewster Ridge, hat promoting Brewster Ridge, etc.)

- The fairways of some holes are a bit close from one another. In a very busy day, I can see a bad shot from one hole going in the fairway of the adjacent hole, which can cause confusion for some players. With that said, it was never a problem with our play during our presence.

- With both 18 holes course in shape like that, I can see this place going forward for a long time. Which is nice for us disc golfers.

Detailed hole map at each of the 4 tees available on every hole. Map clearly shows all OB lines and distances to the pin from each tee.

Terrific use of the natural terrain combined with thoughtful OB lines makes for a challenging but fun round. Risk/reward is abundant on every shot.

Rubber tee pads for all of the gold tees.

Benches or tables available on almost every hole.

Hole #18 finishes right next to the tee for #1, and right across the street from the Brewster Ridge course and pro shop. Pro shop is small but always very well stocked with discs, bags, shirts, hats, towels, snacks, and drinks.

Good hole variety for a predominantly "open" course. Uphill, downhill, water carry shots, ravines, elevated baskets, a few death putts, and a few tight wooded fairways... like I said, variety.

OB is challenging but fair. Played too aggressively my first round and went OB 7 times. Played smarter my second time around and only went OB once.

This course is long form the gold tees, over 9000ft! Hole 7 is 1150ft by itself.

There are multiple signature holes here. Hole #18 is a downhill bomber with OB on both sides. You can throw your personal best longest drive on this hole, but is it worth the probable OB stroke? Hole #5 plays downhill to a basket on a small ridge next to a pond. Big drives can reach the pin and the pond.

And the views are spectacular. 360 degree views of the VT mountains on almost every hole. The most scenic course I have ever played.

There is a dedicated crew from Smuggler's Notch resort that maintains the course. Everything is in pristine condition all the time.

The blue/white/red tees are mostly just colored stakes in the ground. And the fly pads used for most of the gold tees get very slippery when wet. Being a brand new course though, these are minor flaws that will probably be addressed as time goes on. Once these items are fixed, the course will be a 5 easy.

Expanding Fox Run to a full 18 holes now gives two top-notch courses at Smuggs. They balance each other perfectly and make this a disc golf destination. With all of the Smuggler's Notch resort amenities and activities in the area, this makes a phenomenal disc golf vacation.