My mother always told me that “playgrounds are one of the few places that a child can go and simply play.” In today’s day and age, with sports and structured activities becoming more and more prevalent, sometimes it’s nice just to let the little ones loose to be, well, kids. After all, kids are naturally adventurous and thrill seekers, so these play areas may be more important than ever. We’ve found a whimsical playground that is positively enchanting, and it certainly lives up to its name. Take a look at the Enchanted Forest Playground in Vermont.
In a wooded area at the Stowe Mountain Resort you'll find the Enchanted Forest Playground.
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
Few things can send kids running with delight like the prospect of a playground.
Here you'll find natural materials in a secluded setting that make up an incredible play structure.
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
Advertisement
One side of this whimsical playground has a challenge: Can you make it from one end to the other without touching the ground?
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
Advertisement
With freshly fallen snow on this crisp November afternoon, all the kids at the playground naturally took on the Enchanted Forest challenge...
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
If you can't master one, try the next!
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
You'd never know you were in the heart of the Stowe Mountain Resort.
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
Don't worry - this year round playground is free!
It's a quick walk over to the winter and summer activities at the mountain.
In addition to the natural aspect of this playground, the spot is loaded with Vermont history.
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
This site was the original Smuggler's Notch Campground, one of the earliest state campgrounds in Vermont.
In the early 1900's, this campground catered to the growing tourism industry.
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
Hiking and camping became a popular escape from the growing urban areas.
Due to the increase in demand for recreational activities, the Vermont System of State Parks was established in 1910.
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
The Smuggler's notch Campground was built from 1938 - 1940 and was the second of the many recreational facilities established in the Mt. Mansfield State Park.
The Smuggler's Notch Campground was built as a direct result of the fork programs initiated by the New Deal manpower provided by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC).
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
Through this act the CCC was established.
For those familiar with the trail names on the mountain...
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
it was Vermont State Forester Perry Merrill who was the main force in getting the CCC crews into VT and used them to create park facilities, access roads to state lands and create ski trails and facilities on state owned mountains.
Advertisement
Smuggler's Notch Campground was associated with four historic contexts and related themes which were:
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
1. Industry and commerce - lumber and production.
2. Tourism and recreation industry.
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
3. Transportation - Auto Travel.
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
Route 108 over the notch was a transportation route first used by the Native Americans and later used by smugglers beginning in 1807 when a trade embargo with Canada and Great Britain was put in place by Thomas Jefferson and later by liquor runners during the prohibition years.
4. Culture and Government- The New Deal.
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
The original structures in the campground were built by the CCC.
In 1958 there was an increasing need for larger facilities.
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
The Vermont Legislature approved the Bond Issue Campsite Expedition Program which appropriated $200,000 for state camping facilities over a 10 year period to be repaid over a 20 year period by camping receipts.
Advertisement
This program funded an additional nine lean-to's 17 tent sites, 15 new fireplaces, a second toilet facility and 800 feet of camping road.
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
In 1996, the Vermont Legislature approved a land exchange with the Stowe Mountain Resort that allowed the resort to acquire the 25 acres where the Smugglers Notch Campground was located a d begin the planning necessary to relocate the campground.
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
In 2003 a new campground was planned, financed and constructed by the resort in cooperation with the Vermont Parks Division was opened on a scenic hillside west of route 108 about a mile south of the former campsite.
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
All the original CCC lean-tos, stone fireplaces, stone water fountain, stone entry gate, a small log bathhouse and the newer park ranger's residence were successfully moved to the new site.
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
This allowed for future generations of Stowe visitors the opportunity to enjoy the beauty and historical heritage of the original campground.
Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
You'll find this magical Vermont playground at the Stowe Mountain Resort. Visit the website for more information!
Have you ever taken the little ones to the Enchanted Forest Playground in Vermont? What are your favorite places to take little ones? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below.
If you’re looking for more fun family attractions in Vermont, check out this exciting road trip!
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
More to Explore
Enchanted Forest Playground in Vermont
Elisa Regulski|August 07, 2022
What are the coolest attractions in Vermont?
If you love nature, you can’t miss an opportunity to visit Lake Willoughby. Located in the town of Westmore, this glacial lake gets up to 320 feet deep! It’s surrounded by the Willoughby State Forest, which is full of verdant beauty. Don’t leave before sunset! These views will make you fall in love with Vermont all over again. Fore more fun, check out the New England Maple Museum in Pittsford. Here, you can learn all about the history of Vermont maple syrup and peruse their vast selection of sugar artifacts. Need more ideas? Here’s a list of the best little-known family attractions in Vermont.
What can I do with kids in Vermont?
If you’re looking for the best playgrounds in Vermont, we know just the places to go. First of all, take the young ones to Get Air Trampoline Park in Williston. This massive indoor park lets kids run, jump, and play. Let their imaginations run wild! This is one place they’ll want to return to again and again. If the kiddos loved this place, make sure to treat them to a day at Monkey Do Indoor Playground. Also in Williston, this colorful destination has everything kids want: slides, climbing areas, and life-size bouncy monkey bars.
What are the best parks in Vermont?
Sometimes, it’s best to travel off the beaten path and explore a lesser-known state park in Vermont. For example, Thetford Hill State Park is absolutely stunning, but rarely crowded! It’s the perfect place to enjoy a picnic or go on a leisurely stroll. We also love adventuring through Jamaica State Park. Walk to a waterfall, stare at the views, and enjoy the peaceful nature all around you.
