17 Best Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont

Looking for the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont? You’re in the right place! From scenic hikes and covered bridges to cozy spots in town, this guide will walk you through all the highlights.

Stowe is one of the most charming towns in Vermont, especially in the fall when the mountains burst into color. It’s the kind of place that works for everyone, whether you’re planning a romantic getaway, hitting the trails, or adding a stop on your New England fall road trip.

Let’s dive into the best places to visit in Stowe and how to make the most of your trip!

Disclosure: This post contains a few affiliate links, which means I may receive a small commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through my link.

Best Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont

1. Stroll around Main Street

Stowe has the charm of a small village, and the best way to take it in is by wandering along Main Street. This is the center of town, filled with cozy cafés, boutique shops, and historic churches that make it a great spot to start your visit.

You can stop for coffee, browse the local stores, and pick up maps or tips at the visitor center. Don’t forget your camera, since the white-steepled church at the end of Main Street is one of the most iconic photo spots in town.

If you’re into skiing history, the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum is also right here.

2. Follow the Stowe Recreation Path

The Stowe Recreation Path is a 5.3-mile paved trail that winds through town and out into the countryside, making it a favorite for both walkers and cyclists.

It starts right in the center of Stowe and stretches all the way to Topnotch Resort on Mountain Road.

Since no motorized vehicles are allowed, it’s a safe and easy option for families, runners, and anyone out with a dog. Along the way, you’ll pass open fields, covered bridges, and even a few swimming spots if you’re visiting in summer.

In the fall, the path is lined with colorful foliage, so it’s one of the best free things to do in Stowe for soaking up the scenery.

3. Spend a day at Smugglers’ Notch State Park

Just a short, scenic drive from town, Smugglers’ Notch State Park is one of those spots that shows off Vermont at its best.

Towering cliffs, winding roads, and plenty of pull-offs make it a must whether you’re up for a hike or just want to cruise through.

The trails range from quick 1-2 hour walks to tougher 4-6 hour hikes, so you can choose how much adventure you’re in the mood for. If you’re not hiking, the drive itself is still worth it!

The route through the notch from Stowe to Jeffersonville is one of the most beautiful fall drives in Vermont, especially when the foliage is peaking.

4. Experience history at the Grist Mill Covered Bridge

The Grist Mill Covered Bridge is one of the many historic covered bridges in Vermont, and it has a bit of mystery around it.

Nobody knows who actually built it, and over the years, it’s picked up several different names, including the Scott Covered Bridge, Bryant Covered Bridge, and Canyon Covered Bridge.

Like most of Vermont’s covered bridges, it was originally built to withstand heavy rain and snow while still providing safe passage for people and even livestock. Today, it’s a quiet, scenic spot surrounded by trees, and you can walk down to the brook for a closer look.

The best part is that it’s right near the end of the Smugglers’ Notch drive in Jeffersonville, so you can easily combine the two in one day!

5. Catch golden hour at Sunset Rock

Sunset Rock is a small park perched on a wooded hill right in the middle of Stowe. The hike up is short and easy, only about 15-20 minutes, and at the top, you’ll get a beautiful view over the town with Mount Mansfield in the background.

Along the way, you’ll spot little paintings of local wildlife, created by schoolchildren in town.

You can head up any time of day, but golden hour is when this spot really shines and why it’s one of the best things to do in Stowe.

6. Tour a brewery

If you like craft drinks, checking out the local breweries is one of the best Stowe attractions after a day of exploring. The town has a handful of great spots where you can grab a pint and relax.

Von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall serves Austrian-style beers along with hearty food, plus you’ll get mountain views while you sip. The Alchemist Brewery is famous for Heady Topper and also offers seasonal brews and a summer beer garden.

Not into beer? Head to Stowe Cider instead! They mix up creative blends with local fruit, and the taproom often has live music to go with your drink.

7. Hike to the scenic Sterling Gorge Falls

Sterling Gorge Falls is one of the prettiest natural things to see in Stowe, Vermont. Tucked away in the Green Mountains, the gorge is filled with cascading waterfalls and pools surrounded by forest.

You can reach the falls with a relaxed woodland walk that starts from the Sterling Gorge parking lot.

The trail is easy to follow and usually takes about 45 minutes each way, making it a great option if you want a short hike with a big payoff.

8. Eat at a cute cafe

Between hikes and sightseeing, it’s worth slowing down to enjoy some of the cozy cafés around town.

Grabbing breakfast, a light lunch, or just a coffee break is one of those simple Stowe attractions that lets you soak up the small-town vibe.

Green Goddess Café sits by the Little River and is known for hearty breakfasts like pancakes, egg scrambles, and breakfast sandwiches. Café on Main is right in the center of town and makes a great stop for a morning bagel while people-watching.

If you want variety, Black Cap Coffee & Beer serves everything from lattes and craft beer to soups and baked goods. For fresh pastries and sandwiches, Woodland Baking and Coffee is another local favorite.

9. Hike to the summit of Mount Mansfield

Mount Mansfield is the tallest peak in Vermont at 4,395 feet, and you’ll spot it right away from town. If you’re up for a challenge, hiking to the summit is one of the best things to do in Stowe, and the views at the top are absolutely worth the effort.

The main loop trail is about 7.3 miles and usually takes 5–6 hours, with plenty of steep sections and some scrambling along the way. It’s definitely a tough hike, so I’d only recommend it if you’re fairly experienced and comfortable with a bit of climbing.

It’s also a great way to spend a day during a fall weekend in Stowe, especially when the foliage is at its peak.

If hiking isn’t your thing, you can always take the Gondola SkyRide to the top instead and still enjoy those incredible mountain views without breaking a sweat.

10. Drive the Stowe Scenic Auto Road

The Stowe Scenic Auto Road is a toll road that winds its way up Mount Mansfield, almost to the summit. Once you reach the top, you’ll have sweeping views of the Adirondack Mountains and the Lake Champlain Valley.

At the end of the road, you can pick up a hiking trail if you’re up for more exploring, or simply enjoy the drive itself. It’s one of those classic fall drives in Vermont where the journey is just as good as the destination!

Keep in mind the road is only open from July through December, so plan your visit accordingly.

11. Explore Stowe Mountain Resort

Stowe Mountain Resort is the big draw for skiers and snowboarders, with the season usually running from late November to late April. If you’re visiting in winter, spending a day on the slopes is one of the top things to do in Stowe.

The resort isn’t just about skiing though. In summer, it turns into a hub for hiking, cycling, and even outdoor concerts at the performing arts center. The views are incredible year-round, especially when the mountains are blanketed in snow or glowing with fall colors.

If you’re looking for a little relaxation, the resort’s spa is open all year. And if you want to stay right in the middle of it all, The Lodge at Spruce Peak puts you just steps away from the action.

12. Sunset Ridge Trail

The Sunset Ridge Trail is another great option for exploring Mount Mansfield. It’s about 5.1 miles long, making it a bit shorter than the full loop trail, though still a solid moderate hike. Parts of the route even overlap with the Mount Mansfield Loop.

Since much of the trail is above the tree line, you’ll have wide-open views almost the whole way. The path doesn’t go straight to the summit, but if you connect with the Long Trail, you can add on a climb to the very top.

Like the loop, this hike has sections with scrambling and steep drop-offs, so it’s best left to experienced hikers. Be sure to avoid it in bad weather, as conditions can change quickly on the mountain.

13. Visit the “haunted” Gold Brook Covered Bridge

The Gold Brook Covered Bridge is one of the most famous covered bridges in Vermont, but most people know it by its nickname, Emily’s Bridge.

Local legend says that back in the 1850s, a young woman named Emily tried to elope with her lover, but the plan fell apart. Heartbroken, she is said to have leapt into the brook below, and her ghost has supposedly haunted the bridge ever since.

Spooky stories aside, it’s a beautiful spot and one of the most Instagrammable things to see in Stowe, Vermont. Whether you believe in the ghost or not, it’s worth a quick stop to snap a photo.

14. Eat the original Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream

Ben & Jerry’s might be a global brand now, but it all started right here in Vermont! Just a short drive south of Stowe in Waterbury, you can tour the original factory and learn how the famous ice cream got its start.

The best part, of course, is sampling the flavors fresh from the source. Don’t skip the quirky “Flavor Graveyard” outside, where retired favorites are remembered with funny headstones.

It’s a fun stop for kids and adults alike, and an easy addition to any Stowe itinerary.

15. Walk to the Giles W. Dewey Memorial Bridge

The Giles W. Dewey Memorial Bridge is another covered bridge in Stowe, named after a local farmer, politician, and philanthropist who passed away in 2000.

You’ll find this one right in the town center, so it’s one of the attractions in Stowe, Vermont that you can easily visit without a car.

Unlike most of the others, it only covers the pedestrian walkway, making it a quick but unique stop as you explore Main Street.

16. Hike up to Stowe Pinnacle

Stowe Pinnacle is a 3.7-mile out-and-back trail located just southeast of town. It’s a moderately challenging hike with steady climbs, but the payoff at the top is more than worth it. From the summit, you’ll get sweeping views of Mount Mansfield and the valleys all around.

This trail is best in summer and fall, when conditions are clear and the foliage adds an extra layer of beauty.

In winter, heavy snow makes it tricky without special gear, so it’s not recommended unless you’re very experienced.

17. Visit Moss Glen Falls

Moss Glen Falls is one of the most spectacular waterfalls in Vermont and also the tallest, dropping 85 feet into the forest north of Stowe. It’s a quick and easy outing that should definitely be on your list when visiting the area!

The shortest trail takes about 20 minutes from the parking lot and is well-marked. Near the end, you’ll reach a fork where you can either head left up a steep section for a higher view or keep right to follow the river to the base of the falls.

If you’re looking for a longer walk, there are extended trails that can turn the visit into a couple of hours.

Map of the Best Attractions in Stowe, VT

Below you can find a customized map that includes all the locations mentioned in this guide about the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont. This way, you can ensure you’re not missing out on anything!

How to use this map: This map is fully interactive, so you can move around, zoom in/zoom out, and click on the icons. If you want to see a larger map, click on the bracket in the upper right corner. To see more details and the different layers, click on the tab in the upper left corner. If you want to save it for later, click on the star icon next to the name of the map. Then simply open Google Maps either on your desktop or phone, go to ‘Saved’/’Maps’, and open the map whenever you need it.

Useful Info for Visiting Stowe, VT

Where to stay in Stowe

Stowe is well-equipped with hotels, guest houses, and motels to cater to all travel styles and tastes.  Staying in the town itself is more convenient for shops, amenities, and restaurants.

As the town is one of the best places to stay in Vermont in the fall, accommodations tend to sell out in advance. If you’re visiting in the fall season, make sure you book well in advance!

If you’re in a hurry, below you can find my top picks for different budgets.

• Luxury: Trapp Family Lodge
• Mid-range: Tälta Lodge
• Budget: Green Mountain Inn

How to get to Stowe

Stowe is tucked away in northern Vermont, about 45 minutes by car from Burlington International Airport (BTV). Burlington is the closest airport at just over 23 miles away, and it’s the easiest option if you’re flying in from within the US.

If you need a bigger hub with more connections, Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) is about 200 miles from Stowe, which works out to a 3-hour drive. Coming from New York City? The drive takes around 5.5 hours to cover 333 miles.

For travelers flying in from overseas or the West Coast, it often makes sense to land in Boston or New York. From there, you can either catch a connecting flight to Burlington or turn the trip into a road trip through New England.

Best time to visit Stowe

Stowe is a year-round destination, with each season offering something different. There are so many places to visit in Stowe, Vermont that it’s easy to find a reason to come back more than once.

Fall is the most popular time to visit, and for good reason. Vermont’s forests explode with color, turning brilliant shades of gold, red, and orange. If you’re planning a trip to Vermont in the fall, Stowe is a must for experiencing peak foliage.

Summer is perfect for hiking, biking, and exploring the trails around town. July is usually the warmest month, but temperatures stay comfortable and rarely climb much higher than the mid-60s °F (around 19°C).

In winter, Stowe transforms into one of the top ski and snowboard resorts in the northeast. A mountain getaway here means plenty of time on the slopes, but just remember that December and January can be very cold, often dropping well below freezing.

How to get around Stowe

The center of Stowe is compact, so you can easily explore on foot or by renting a bike. Most of the main things to see in Stowe are right in town, including cafés, shops, and a couple of the covered bridges.

To reach the waterfalls, hiking trails, and other landmarks outside of town, having a car makes everything much easier. You can rent one when you arrive, since public transport in the area is limited. There are taxis in Stowe, but they’re not always easy to find.

If you’re visiting in winter, Green Mountain Transit runs a free shuttle from late November through early April. It connects the town with the local ski resorts, and you can check the schedule on the Green Mountain Transit app.