Visitor Services Steps from the Long Trail
The Barnes Camp Visitor Center sits directly on the Long Trail, at the base of Mount Mansfield and at the entrance to scenic Vermont Route 108 (Smugglers’ Notch). The historic building is open seasonally (Memorial Day Weekend in May through Indigenous Peoples’ Day Weekend in October,) and is staffed by dedicated and passionate trained volunteers. From Barnes Camp there are numerous hike options for all abilities, including a wheelchair-accessible boardwalk through a scenic wetland. Let our friendly volunteers get you oriented to the area and pick the perfect way to explore. Barnes Camp is also a popular resting spot for backpackers attempting an End-to-End hike of the Long Trail.
The Barnes Camp Hiker Center is operated in partnership with Smugglers’ Notch State Park, Stowe Mountain Resort, and Lamoille County Planning Commission.
Find Us
Hours: Friday – Monday, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., May – October, subject to volunteer availability.
Amenities: Restrooms, outlets, hiking advice, maps, small retail area, historic and informational displays
Hikes & Recreation in Smugglers’ Notch
Smugglers’ Notch is a narrow mountain pass through the Green Mountains, marked by winding curves, massive boulders, and tall cliffs on either side. Mount Mansfield rises to its peak of 4,395′ to the south, while the rugged peaks of the Sterling Range undulate to the north. Vermont Route 108 winds through the notch, with limited parking areas for recreation. The road closes to vehicle traffic in winter. In earlier times, only a footpath and a trail for horses passed through the Notch. The Notch is popular for rock climbing and ice climbing, cross-country and backcountry skiing, and of course, hiking.
Ample hiker parking is permitted in Stowe Mountain Resort Lot D, across the street from Barnes Camp. Overnight parking is permitted; overnight parking is at your own risk. Please use caution when crossing Route 108 from Stowe Parking Lot D to Barnes Camp and the Long Trail.
Hikes from Barnes Camp
In 2020, the Green Mountain Club relocated the route of the Long Trail through Smugglers’ Notch, to eliminate a long road walk and re-route the trail directly behind Barnes Camp. Crews also built a 660-foot wheelchair-accessible boardwalk extending from the Barnes Camp Parking Lot through a scenic wetland and ending with views of the Notch’s towering cliffs. Visitors can explore the boardwalk or extend their adventure to the 1.5-mile Barnes Camp Loop, an easy-to-moderate hike that includes a small stream crossing.
Visitors can also access the Long Trail north and south, trails on the east side of Mount Mansfield, or drive further into the Notch for the popular Sterling Pond Trail.
Historic Barnes Camp
Built in 1927, Barnes Camp replaced an older logging camp built by W.M. Barnes that was destroyed by fire. Over the years, this historic structure was used for many purposes, including a lodging house for hikers, a ski dormitory, and housing for Green Mountain Club caretakers. In 2014, Barnes Camp underwent a complete renovation and special attention was given to preserving much of the historic charm of this property, including its live edge siding and large, fieldstone fireplace. It has now operated as a modern hiker resource center for more than 10 years.
An Impressive Volunteer Effort
Barnes Camp is entirely volunteer-run, with staff support from the Green Mountain Club. In 2024, Barnes Camp volunteers talked to more than 7,000 visitors and hikers from all over the world. Hikers often return after their hikes to reconnect with volunteers and thank them for the suggestions, often with the phrase, “That was just the type of hike we were looking for!”
Cindy Griffith and Ira Sollace have been spearheading the volunteer training and coordination since the program’s inception. Their years of dedicated service is unmatched. You, too, can join the ranks of Barnes Camp Information Volunteer and help these visitors get oriented to Vermont’s most special mountains. Apply today or contact Emily Mosher, Visitor Services Manager, for more information: ; 802-244-7037.
See what our volunteers have to say:
“After every shift at Barnes Camp, I’m struck by the interesting people I’ve talked to, and how much fun it is to help happy people enjoy being outside in the Green Mountains!
— Marc V.
The setting and location, of course, are extraordinary, and I enjoy interacting with the many visitors/hikers that come through the camp. Everybody is always in a great mood because they are outdoors, hiking or walking, and relishing Vermont’s natural beauty. An added bonus for me is my interaction with French Canadians. I grew up in France and speak fluent French, and Quebecers are always surprised that one of the volunteers can speak their language!”
Become a Barnes Camp Information Volunteer
The Green Mountain Club replies on the support and dedication of volunteers to staff the Barnes Camp Visitor Center and provide visitors with important orientation, safety, and stewardship information before they venture into the mountains.