Famous for its spectacular fall foliage and excellent winter skiing, there are tons of fun things to do in Stowe, Vermont. We’re sharing top sights, hidden gems, and insider tips to help you plan your visit to this iconic New England town.
Perhaps the most iconic fall town in New England, Stowe, Vermont is popular for good reason.
The charming downtown boasts a postcard-worthy church complete with a white steeple. Cozy coffee shops, boutiques, bed and breakfasts, and upscale-yet-casual eateries line the streets.
Rolling mountains loom in the not-so-far distance, and in the fall, they are bespeckled in hues of orange, red, and yellow.
It is quintessential Americana.
Here’s the thing: Stowe gets busy in the fall. Like, really busy.
So if it’s on your New England road trip itinerary (and it should be!), you should come with a game plan.
That’s why we created this guide that walks you through the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont. From the iconic sights (along with details on whether reservations are needed!) to the hidden gems where you’ll beat the crowds, you’ll definitely want to save this handy resource.
While most of these things to do in Stowe can be done year round, we’ve put an extra emphasis on fall, since that’s the best time to visit (in our opinion!).
Stowe Travel Guide
For more tips and advice for planning your trip to Stowe, jump to the following sections (or just keep scrolling to see it all!).
- How many days do you need
- Best time to visit
- Where to eat
- Where to stay
- Roundup of things to do in Stowe
Top things to do in Stowe, Vermont
If you’re looking for the very best things to do in Stowe, Vermont, here are our top recommendations.
- Drive Smugglers’ Notch
- Ride the gondola at Stowe Mountain Resort
- Hike to Bingham Falls
- Photograph Stowe’s iconic church
- Grab a pretzel & pint at von Trapp Brewery
- Take in the views at Sunset Rock
Keep reading for more detailed information on each of these things and more ideas of fun things to do in Stowe.
1. Drive Smugglers’ Notch
This scenic, winding route through the Smugglers’ Notch Pass offers breathtaking views of rugged mountain terrain and vibrant fall foliage.
The 17-mile route begins in Stowe and ends near Jeffersonville. You can drive all or part of it, and there are some fun stops along the way.
Our advice: If you’re visiting during peak leaf peeping season, get here as early as possible. It gets incredibly busy and is hard to navigate in traffic. Also, if you come when it’s really busy, you won’t be able to find parking for the hikes in this area. And there are definitely some hikes you don’t want to miss!
2. Ride the gondola at Stowe Mountain Resort
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 15 to October 20
- Entrance fee: $40 adult, $26 children (tax not included, 4 and under are free)
- Google Maps location
If you’re visiting Stowe in the fall, you won’t want to miss the Gondola Skyride at Stowe Mountain Resort.
Glide to the top of Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak) and be awed by panoramic views of the forests below painted in shades of red, orange, and gold.
Our experience: On the day we went, the top of the mountain got the first snow of the season, so it was really cool to ride up past the frost line. If it has snowed, be sure to wear warm layers (hats & mittens too!) because it is much colder at the top of the mountain than below.
A couple of important things to know before you go:
- Same-day tickets can only be purchased in-person, or you can book online in advance (our recommendation)
- All resort activities, rentals, and dining are credit card only, cash is not accepted
Good to know: Stowe Mountain Resort is one of Vermont’s premier ski destinations and reopens for the winter season December 16. Ski season has different hours and prices, so be sure to check their website for details if you’re visiting during that time.
3. Hike to Bingham Falls
- Distance: ½ mile
- Elevation gain: 157 feet
- Type of trail: out and back
- Difficulty: rated moderate, but it’s very easy up to the viewpoint
- View trail notes
This is one of the most popular waterfall hikes in Vermont because it’s so easy to access. The rushing falls spill into a narrow river gorge, carving out interesting rock formations.
A short trail leads to a viewpoint where you can see Bingham Falls. If you want to climb down for a close-up, use caution, as the rocks are steep and slippery (this is where the AllTrails rating of “moderate” comes from).
Want to experience the best fall foliage hikes in New England?
If you’re planning a trip to New England this fall, you’ll want to check out our New England hiking guide filled with the best hikes for fall foliage across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York.
Plus we’ve included one popular hike that—in our opinion—may be worth skipping, if you don’t plan correctly.
Enter your email to get our New England Hiking Guide today! It’s totally FREE so why not!?
4. Photograph Stowe’s iconic church
With a utilitarian name like Stowe Community Church, this landmark doesn’t sound like anything special. But the pristine-white church with its pointed steeple is breathtaking when seen against the backdrop of Vermont’s wooded mountains.
This viewpoint is the place to get the iconic shot that captures the church, the mountains, and the meandering Little River. Though beautiful both in the lush summer greenery and draped in sparkling snow, the scene is most spectacular during the fall.
5. Grab a pretzel & pint at von Trapp
- Hours: Bierhall open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily; tours offered Tuesdays 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
- Entrance fee: Brewery tours are $20 per person; no entrance fee for the bierhall
- Google Maps location
Ever wondered what happened to the von Trapp family after the events of The Sound of Music?
I’ll tell you: they bought a farm in Vermont and joined the hospitality industry.
No, I’m not kidding—these are the real-life von Trapps.
The family business now includes an Austrian-style lodge as well as a brewery, bierhall, and restaurant.
In addition to the allure of its connection to the famous musical, von Trapp Brewery offers traditional Bavarian fare alongside a beer lineup consisting mainly of various styles of lagers.
6. Take in the views at Sunset Rock
- Distance: 1.1 miles
- Elevation gain: 324 feet
- Type of trail: out and back
- Difficulty: moderate
- Google Maps location
- View trail notes
This short trail makes a steep ascent to a viewpoint overlooking the town, with the church taking center stage and the mountains rising in the background. The lookoff faces roughly west, making this the perfect place to catch a sunset.
Though the trail is rated moderate for difficulty, some consider this an easy hike.
Cute fact: Instead of the usual dashes of spray paint on trees and rocks, the trail is marked by little paintings of native plants and wildlife, painted by 4th grade students at Stowe Elementary School. Genius!
7. Sip a crisp Vermont cider
Nothing hits the spot on a bright fall day in Vermont like a fresh apple cider! Here are a couple of places to get your apple fix around Stowe:
Stowe Cider
- Hours: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday
- Google Maps location
Stowe Cider serves flights and pints of hard cider with a laid back vibe. You can watch production right from your table in the tasting room, or grab a picnic table in the sunshine.
Insider tip: The dry-hopped “Safety Meeting” is one of the best ciders we’ve ever tried!
Stowe Cider has live music Fridays and Saturdays and hosts open mic nights, paint nights, and other fun events you can check out here.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
- Hours: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- Google Maps location
With its red siding and tin roof, this farmstand-style cider mill and market looks like something out of a Hallmark movie.
Cold Hollow offers fresh-pressed apple cider and a variety of baked goodies, including their hugely popular cider donuts.
Good to know: We visited during peak season on a Saturday and it was PACKED. We recommend getting here early (like as soon as they open) in the morning to try and beat some of the crowds.
They don’t offer guided tours, but there’s plenty to see on your own:
- Watch apple pressing take place Monday to Thursday, 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
- If you can’t get here during pressing hours, you can still see a video of the process while enjoying a free sample of cider!
- See the honeybees in action
- Watch (and smell!) production of their famous cider donuts
- Browse the farmer’s market for more local products
- Head into “The Barn” tasting room for a flight of their hard ciders and a bite to eat
- Good to know: Breakfast is served daily from open until 10:30 a.m. We didn’t eat here so we can’t vouch for the food, but the prices are pretty reasonable. They also have a lunch menu of salads and handhelds available from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
8. Climb to the top of Vermont’s tallest mountain
- Distance: 5.1 miles
- Elevation gain: 2,539 feet
- Type of trail: out and back
- Difficulty: hard
- View trail notes
If you’re looking for a more challenging hike near Stowe, the Sunset Ridge Trail to Vermont’s highest peak should be at the top of your list.
Making its way up the west side of Mount Mansfield, this popular route first passes through lush forest. Maple and beech trees display hues of yellow, orange, and red in the fall as hikers scramble over roots and rocks.
Above the treeline, the trail is exposed for the final ascent and the ecosystem is akin to that of arctic tundra.
Depending on the weather, you might be rewarded with glorious 360-degree views that stretch all the way to the faded blue horizon.
Or, you might find yourself looking out over an endless sea of cotton-white, with just a few peaks poking out here and there (as pictured above). But hey, being above the clouds is a pretty cool experience!
Good to know: The trailhead is located in Underhill State Park, which has a $5 entry fee for day use (8 a.m. until sunset).
9. Traverse the treetops on a ziplining adventure
- Hours: Vary by season; tours have scheduled start times and courses may be closed if there are days with no bookings. Advanced reservations are strongly encouraged.
- Cost: $139 per person (+ taxes and fees)
- Google Maps location
- Book your tour
We’ve done some pretty epic adventure tours on our travels. And autumn is by far my favorite season. So it blows my mind that we’ve never been ziplining in the fall foliage!
On the Zipline Canopy Tour at ArbortTrek Canopy Adventures in Smugglers Notch, you’ll soar through the colorful leaves, cross suspension bridges hidden in the canopy, and rappel from the towering treetops.
The Canopy Tour takes about 2.5-3 hours and costs $139 per person, plus taxes, fees, and if you choose to tip your guides. They also offer a day package for $199 that includes all their activities: the canopy tour, a treetop obstacle course, and a climbing adventure.
We undoubtedly would have added this to our itinerary, but there is a minimum weight requirement of 70 lbs and we were traveling with our daughter, who was only 10 months old at the time.
10. Hike Sterling Pond Trail
- Distance: 2.1 miles
- Elevation gain: 938 feet
- Type of trail: out and back
- Difficulty: moderate
- View trail notes
One of the most popular hikes in Smugglers’ Notch, this trail leads to a picturesque mountaintop pond surrounded by dense forest. An optional loop around the pond offers additional viewpoints to take in the stunning scenery.
Though rated “moderate”, the steep climb may be challenging depending on your fitness level. Budget 1.5-2 hours to hike to the pond and back; 3 hours if you add the loop around the pond.
Our experience: We unfortunately had to skip this hike because it was so packed that we couldn’t find a place to park. If this trail is on your list, make sure you get here early in the morning, on a weekday if possible.
11. Walk the Stowe Recreation Path
- Distance: 5.3 miles
- Elevation gain: 252 feet
- Type of trail: point to point
- Difficulty: easy
- View trail notes
This 5.3-mile paved greenway is a popular trail for walking, jogging, cycling, and rollerblading, as well as cross country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter. With stunning mountain views and access to restaurants and other local businesses, it offers a scenic route to explore the town.
The meandering path follows the course of the West Branch of Little River, with picturesque footbridges dotting the route.
There are several access points throughout the town, so you can choose one that’s most convenient to you.
12. Browse the downtown shops
There’s just something so romantic about wandering around a quaint village with a coffee in hand, popping in and out of the local shops, don’t ya think?
Stowe’s downtown streets are lined with cozy cafes, cute boutiques, art galleries, and antique shops. Grab a treat to go and find a unique souvenir to take home.
13. Drive through Morristown
Most people will drive through Smugglers’ Notch, turn around in Jeffersonville, and head back the same way they came. Instead, we recommend circling back through Morristown, another cute town that is much less crowded than Stowe.
Rock Art Brewery
This local brewery is a 100% family-run operation, from the father and son who brew the beer, to the mom who runs the taproom and the son who designs the labels. Even the family pup is featured as the “tasting room greeter”!
They offer flights, pints, and cans to-go in a cool space that includes a gallery showcasing more than 60 local artists.
- Hours: Open 10 a.m. every day; close 5 p.m. Monday, 6 p.m. Tuesday to Thursday & Sunday, 7 p.m. Friday & Saturday
- Google Maps location
Bonus: You can even camp at Rock Art Brewery through Harvest Hosts!
North Country Donuts
You know we love a good donut – we even wrote an entire article all about the best donuts in Portland, OR. For the sake of science, y’know?
At North Country, everything is made fresh in-house, using locally-sourced ingredients as much as possible. Their menu changes weekly, offering a mix of crowd-pleasing classics, seasonal sweets, and unique flavors, such as ricotta cream, salted maple chocolate, or jasmine green tea.
To get your hands on these delicious donuts, we recommend you order online at 7 a.m. (as soon as orders become available) and schedule your pickup before noon the same day (they only do same-day orders). This is your best chance to get the flavors you want, as they often sell out quickly.
Check their Instagram for their weekly menu – and feel free to drool over their feed while you’re there!
- Hours: Open 7:30 a.m. Friday, 8 a.m. Saturday & Sunday; close at noon or when sold out
- Google Maps location
14. Photograph the Gold Brook Covered Bridge
Built in the 1840s, this picturesque covered bridge is the only one left standing over Gold Brook. Its dark wooden trusses, peaked roof, and stone abutments spanning the babbling brook appear to be straight out of a storybook.
But this pretty picture may have a dark side…
Those in the know refer to it as “Emily’s Bridge”, named for a local legend that says a young woman died here in the late 1800s – early 1900s—and who haunts it to this day.
Though there’s no evidence of anyone actually dying at the bridge, people claim that strange things happen here between midnight and 3 a.m…
Check it out and let us know how it goes, ’kay?
15. Hike to Moss Glen Falls
- Distance: ½ mile
- Elevation gain: 125 feet
- Type of trail: out and back
- Difficulty: easy
- View trail notes (Moss Glen Falls & VAST 100)
This picturesque cascade is the highlight of a longer, moderately challenging route. When combined with the VAST 100 Trail, the hike is 5.2 miles out-and-back with 951 feet of elevation gain.
Most people turn back after the falls, so the full hike could be worthwhile if you’re looking for a bit of exercise on a quiet, wooded trail.
Moss Glen Falls is only about a quarter of a mile from the trailhead, most of which is a flat boardwalk. To get to the viewpoint above the falls requires a short, steep climb with some switchbacks and stone stairs. Use caution, especially if the trail is wet.
16. Try the “world’s best cheddar” at Cabot Creamery
- Hours: 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday to Saturday
- Google Maps location
Whenever I see a business self-advertise as the “world’s best”, I think of that scene in Elf with the “world’s best coffee”. Anyone else??
But I have to give Cabot Creamery credit because their Classic Extra Sharp Cheddar is 10/10.
In addition to their huge cheese selection, the Creamery sells a variety of other dairy products, such as yogurt, butter, dips, and even their own boxed mac & cheese.
17. Mourn ice creams passed at Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily
- Entrance fee: Factory tours are $6 for adults and $1 for children ages 2-12; the grounds, shops, and Flavor Graveyard are free to visit
- Google Maps location
This is one of those kitschy, lovable, oddball tourist attractions that you can only really find in the US.
The Waterbury location of the world-famous ice cream brand is the only place you can tour a Ben & Jerry’s factory. The super-affordable $6 ticket includes a 30-minute guided tour, as well as a couple of samples.
Otherwise, you can visit for free and still have access to the grounds, the shops, and the Flavor Graveyard.
So, what exactly is a Flavor Graveyard?
It’s a real-life cemetery. There may not be anything buried in the graves, but each is marked with a proper granite tombstone to commemorate a discontinued ice cream flavor. Each stone is inscribed with a witty epitaph, often describing the flavor or hypothesizing why it didn’t last.
If you love ice cream, cow puns, Americana, and quirky experiences, this could be a fun stop to add to your itinerary.
Fun fact: If you find yourself drawn to any of the departed ice creams, you can vote to resurrect a flavor on the Ben & Jerry’s website.
18. Sip local flavors at the Smugglers’ Notch Distillery Tasting Room
- Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- Google Maps locations:
Founded by a father-son duo in 2006, Smugglers’ Notch Distillery produces award-winning spirits such as vodka, gin, rye, rum, and bourbon.
They have multiple tasting rooms across the state of Vermont, including one in the heart of downtown Stowe and one in Waterbury next to the Cabot Creamery Store (#X on this list!).
Choose whichever one works best for your itinerary, and definitely try the maple bourbon – you’ll thank us later!
19. Catch some live music at Zenbarn
- Hours: Check their calendar for upcoming events
- Entrance fee: Varies by event
- Google Maps location
This Waterbury venue is a local hidden gem. Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, the red barn looks as though it was plucked out of a picture book.
Zenbarn hosts a variety of local and touring talent in their century-old dairy-barn-turned-event-space. They showcase musicians of all different genres, from folk to jazz, bluegrass to reggae to rock, as well as comedy nights, drag shows, and more.
They’re especially known for their weekly Grateful Dead nights, with rotating cover bands performing every Wednesday from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. Tickets for these shows are $10 and a limited pub menu is available from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.
20. Get hopped up at The Alchemist Brewery
- Hours: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily
- Entrance fee: Guided tours are $25; otherwise free to visit
- Google Maps location
When you come to The Alchemist, you might think you’re at an art gallery rather than a brewery. The building itself has a cool design, and the attached silo is covered top-to-bottom in a giant, colorful mural.
The Alchemist has partnered with various artists, not just for their beer labels and merch, but to turn the brewery itself into a work of art with murals on the walls, ceilings, and even the tanks.
A guided tour of the brewery takes about 40 minutes, and you get to take home your tasting glass as well as a can of beer. Otherwise, grab a pint of their famous flagship DIPA, “Heady Topper”, and hang out in the cozy Beer Cafe or the expansive beer garden.
Good to know: You want the Stowe location (linked above), not the Waterbury location, which is production only and not open to the public.
Bonus: Hike to Nichols Ledge
- Distance: 0.62 miles
- Elevation gain: 243 feet
- Type of trail: out and back
- Difficulty: moderate
- View trail notes
This was one of our favorite hikes for fall foliage, though it would be stunning in any season. At the top, you’ll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views overlooking Nichols Pond and the surrounding forest.
The trail is less than an hour from Stowe, and there tend to be far fewer people than other popular spots. In fact, we had the lookout entirely to ourselves for a while.
The hike took us about 30 minutes round trip (just hiking time), but you’ll want to budget some extra time at the top to take in the view!
Roundup of the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont
Here’s a recap of all the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont, so you can see everything in one place.
- Smugglers’ Notch
- Stowe Mountain Resort Gondola Skyride
- Bingham Falls
- Photograph Stowe’s iconic church
- Von Trapp Brewery
- Sunset Rock
- Stowe Cider & Cold Hollow Cider Mill
- Sunset Ridge Trail to the peak of Mount Mansfield
- Ziplining with ArbortTrek Canopy Adventures
- Sterling Pond Trail
- Stowe Recreation Path
- Shopping downtown
- Morristown
- Gold Brook Covered Bridge
- Moss Glen Falls
- Cabot Creamery
- Ben & Jerry’s factory & Flavor Graveyard
- Smugglers’ Notch Distillery
- Live music at Zenbarn
- The Alchemist Brewery
How many days do you need in Stowe?
You can get a good taste of Stowe in as little as a day, making it an easy stop to fit into your New England road trip itinerary. Depending on your interests, we think 1-3 days would be ideal.
Best time to visit Stowe
Autumn is arguably the best time to visit Stowe. But keep reading, because this comes with a caveat…
As summer turns to fall, Vermont’s picturesque wooded mountains transform into a vibrant tapestry of autumn colors. Stowe’s cozy cafes serve up maple- and apple-flavored treats, and the cooler temperatures provide perfect weather for hiking.
Autumn in Stowe is iconic. But it comes with a price (literally and figuratively!).
Fall is peak tourist season, which means the popular sights, hikes, and scenic drives (I’m looking at you, Smugglers’ Notch!) will be very crowded. Accommodations will be more expensive, and you’ll want to make sure you book your lodging and activities well in advance to avoid missing out.
As long as you come with a plan and know what to expect, we still think you can have a fantastic trip to Stowe in the fall!
Psst! Check out these helpful tips for visiting New England in the fall.
Where to eat in Stowe
From cozy cafes to sunny patios, fine dining to casual comfort food, there are plenty of places in and around Stowe to fill your belly. Here are a few of our top recommendations.
- Woodland Baking and Coffee: cozy spot for breakfast sandwiches and pastries (try the Woodland swirl!)
- Michael’s on the Hill: A memorable dining experience just outside of town perched on a hill is a renovated 1820’s house serving farm-to-table fare in an elegant setting. Reservations are necessary.
- Butler’s Pantry: popular brunch spot serving classic American comfort food with a focus on hearty breakfasts, lunches, and homemade baked goods
- Backyard: casual outdoor dining experience with tacos, tots, burgers, and cocktails
- The Bench: stylish setting with gourmet burgers, small plates, craft beers and cocktails
- Green Goddess Café: vibrant, health-conscious cafe with vegetarian and vegan options
- Idletyme: chic brewery and bistro
- Stowe Bee Bakery & Cafe: charming cafe serving up delicious, handcrafted baked goods, artisanal breads, and fresh coffee
Where to stay in Stowe
Whether you’re looking to stay downtown amongst all the action or in a quieter area just outside town, here are some of our top picks for accommodations in and around Stowe.
Von Trapp Family Lodge: A picturesque retreat inspired by the Austrian Alps (Sound of Music ring any bells??), with spacious, rustic accommodations, stunning mountain views, and a range of outdoor activities. The lodge also features a unique blend of traditional charm and modern amenities, along with a brewery and fine dining options.
Brass Lantern Inn: A cozy and welcoming stay with charming, individually decorated rooms, a hearty breakfast, and a homey atmosphere. Located conveniently near Stowe’s attractions, the inn is known for its warm hospitality and inviting common areas.
Sterling Ridge Resort: Sterling Ridge offers a peaceful, secluded getaway with a variety of rustic cabin accommodations set amid beautiful natural surroundings. Guests can enjoy a range of outdoor activities, including hiking and fishing in a tranquil atmosphere.
Tiny House in Stowe Center (Airbnb): This freestanding studio apartment on Main Street in Stowe is walkable to everything downtown. The completely renovated space is cozy and well-decorated with a queen bed, small kitchen and full bath.
Converted Barn (Airbnb): As part of a 200 acre estate just outside of Stowe, the Red Road Farm ‘Bunkhouse’ offers a unique glamping-esque experience. The open-air living spaces feature seating and a small kitchenette. There is a full bathroom and bedroom enclosed within the barn as well.
You might also like…
- New England Fall Road Trip Itinerary Ideas
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- How to Plan a Road Trip
- Best USA Campervan Rentals
Don’t forget to grab your New England road trip map!
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We want to hear from you!
Which of these things to do in Stowe is going straight to the top of your bucket list? Do you have any questions that we didn’t cover in this article? Leave a comment below and we will do our best to get back to you!