The Whimsical Playground In Vermont That’s Straight Out Of A Storybook
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 in VT that is positively enchanting, and it certainly lives up to its name of the “Enchanted Playground.”

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
Few things can send kids running with delight like the prospect of a playground.

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
Don't worry - this year round playground is free!

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
Or a wonderful detour if you're exploring Smuggler’s Notch State Park.

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
This site was the original Smuggler's Notch Campground, one of the earliest state campgrounds in Vermont.

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
Hiking and camping became a popular escape from the growing urban areas.

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.

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
Through this act the CCC was established.

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.

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
1. Industry and commerce - lumber and production.

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State

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.

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
The original structures in the campground were built by the CCC.

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.

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State

Kristin Grimes/Only In Your State
The drive through Smuggler’s Notch is now closed for the season. Did you see it before it closed? It’s one of the most unique tree tunnels in the world – see for yourself!