We are partering with Smugglers’ Notch State Park, Stowe Mountain Resort, and Lamoille County Planning Commission to staff the historical Barnes Camp at Smugglers’ Notch this summer and fall – and we need your help! Barnes Camp will be open as a visitor center each weekend from Friday, June 24, 2016 – Sunday, October 9, 2016.
Originally built by Willis Barnes in 1910 as a logging camp, the structure has been used as a Long Trail hiking shelter, a ski dormitory, and off-day housing for Green Mountain Club caretakers. In 2014, Barnes Camp underwent a complete renovation with the goal of establishing a primary point of contact for area visitors interested in recreation and the natural history of Smugglers’ Notch.
“Barnes Camp is among the Notch’s most treasured historic buildings and is a key piece of Vermont’s tourism and recreation history,” said Mike DeBonis, executive director of the Green Mountain Club. “Barnes Camp once provided food and shelter for hikers and skiers and played an important role in Vermont’s recreational industry. We’re excited to see Barnes Camp open to the public once again.”
Volunteers who love meeting new people and enjoy sharing their knowledge of the natural and cultural significance of the area are needed for four-hour shifts on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Volunteer benefits include free passes to Smugglers’ Notch State Park, a membership to the Green Mountain Club, and free lift passes at Smugglers’ Notch Resort. A volunteer orientation is scheduled for Saturday, June 18.
To learn more, contact GMC.
Has there been any thought given to having the center staffed in the winter? There is an enormous weekend travel crowd using the area and it would be great outreach for the GMC. Also having something done about the pet waste problem would be enormous.
Hi Jim,
Thank you for your message.
My understanding is that the Barnes Camp Board plans to operate the facility in winter. Staffing/volunteer capacity and operating costs are the current barriers to keeping the building open all year. I agree that Barnes Camp would be a great winter outpost. Having the building staffed and offering education and outreach would also help cut down on the dog waste problem.
Mike DeBonis
Executive Director