Stowe Vermont: 1st Time Visitor Guide

Known for its charming downtown, stunning mountain views, and year-round outdoor adventures, Stowe Vermont is a destination that offers something for everyone, especially first-time visitors. Whether you’re planning a cozy winter ski trip, a summer hiking getaway, or a foliage-filled autumn road trip, this guide will help you experience the best of Stowe with confidence and ease.

Overview

Tucked into the Green Mountains of northern Vermont, Stowe is a small town with big outdoor appeal. It’s home to Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak), scenic covered bridges, and a walkable village filled with boutique shops, craft breweries, and farm-to-table restaurants. From hiking and biking to skiing and fall leaf peeping, Stowe delivers in all four seasons!

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How to Get There

By Car: Stowe is most easily accessed by car. It’s a 3.5-hour drive from Boston, 2 hours from Montreal, and just under 1 hour from Burlington, VT.
By Plane: The closest major airport is Burlington International Airport (BTV). From there, rent a car or take a shuttle to reach Stowe.
By Bus/Shuttle: Limited bus options exist via Greyhound or Megabus to nearby Waterbury, VT. From there, local taxis or shuttles can take you to Stowe.

Best Times to Visit

Fall (Late September to Mid-October): Peak foliage season with incredible autumn colors along the mountain roads and valleys.
Winter (December to March): Ideal for skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cozy fireside stays.
Summer (June to August): Great for hiking, mountain biking, swimming holes, and enjoying scenic drives.
Spring (April to May): Quieter season with wildflowers and the Vermont maple syrup harvest, but be mindful of “mud season.”

10 Best Things to Do in Stowe Vermont

Ride the Stowe Gondola Skyride: Take a scenic gondola up Mount Mansfield for sweeping views, alpine hikes, and mountaintop dining.
Hike the Stowe Pinnacle Trail: A moderately challenging trail that rewards you with panoramic views of the valley below, especially beautiful at sunrise.
Explore the Stowe Recreation Path: A 5.3-mile paved trail for walking, biking, or cross-country skiing that runs through woods, farms, and riverside views.
Visit the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum: Learn about the history of skiing in the Northeast through vintage gear and interactive exhibits.
Stroll through Stowe Village: Wander the historic downtown filled with charming shops, cafés, and the iconic white steeple church.
Sample Local Brews at The Alchemist: Home of the world-famous Heady Topper, this craft brewery is a must-stop for beer lovers.
Take a Covered Bridge Tour: Drive or bike to nearby Emily’s Bridge and Gold Brook Covered Bridge for a taste of Vermont’s rustic charm.
Go Ziplining or Tree Climbing at Arbortrek: Located nearby in Jeffersonville, this treetop adventure is perfect for thrill-seekers and families.
Relax at Topnotch Spa: Treat yourself to a massage or soak in a hot tub with mountain views after a long day of exploring.
Try a Maple Creamie at a Farm Stand: A Vermont classic: soft-serve ice cream flavored with real maple syrup, available in season at local stands.

10 Best Things to Do in Stowe Vermont in Fall

Drive the Smugglers’ Notch Pass (Route 108): A winding mountain road filled with brilliant foliage and dramatic rock formations. Smugglers Notch is an amazing area to add to your Stowe visit.
Hike to Sterling Pond: One of the most scenic fall hikes in Vermont, featuring a tranquil alpine pond surrounded by color.
Attend a Fall Festival or Farmers Market: Local events like the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival showcase crafts, cider, food, and live music.
Take a Foliage Chairlift Ride: Many ski resorts offer scenic lift rides in fall to enjoy the colors from above.
Visit a Local Orchard: Pick your own apples and enjoy cider donuts from places like Cold Hollow Cider Mill.
Photograph Covered Bridges in Peak Color: Iconic bridges like Gold Brook look extra magical framed by bright reds and oranges.
Hike the Sunset Rock Trail: An easy, quick hike from town that delivers postcard-perfect fall views of Stowe Village.
Go on a Scenic Bike Ride: Cruise the Stowe Recreation Path with foliage lining both sides.
Drive the Route 100 Scenic Byway: One of Vermont’s most iconic routes, especially stunning during foliage season.
Stay at a Historic Inn with a Fireplace: Cozy up in a classic bed & breakfast surrounded by maple trees and mountain views.

On top of these amazing year round activities I also highly recommend checking out this Tripadvisor page on Stowe for even more things to do!

Packing List

What to bring depends on the season, but you can get a majority of these on my Amazon gear list. Here are essentials for any first time visit:

Layers: Weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. Bring a mix of light, warm, and waterproof clothing.
Hiking Boots or Comfortable Walking Shoes
Reusable Water Bottle
Map or Offline GPS App (Cell service can be spotty in the mountains)
Rain Jacket or Windbreaker
Swimsuit (for hot tubs, rivers, or spas)
Camera or Smartphone for Photos
Bug Spray (especially in summer)
Daypack or Backpack for Hiking
Cash/Card for small shops and markets

Where to Stay

Check hotels around Stowe Vermont

Things to Know Before You Go

Book Early in Peak Seasons: Fall foliage and winter ski season can fill up fast, reserve lodging in advance and by that I mean weeks if not a month or more out. Check hotel listings.
Check Road Closures: Smugglers’ Notch Road often closes in winter due to snow.
Parking Can Be Limited: Arrive early at popular trailheads or use the free shuttle system in peak season.
Cell Service May Be Spotty: Especially on trails or in mountain areas, download offline maps or GPS ahead of time.
Respect Local Wildlife and Trails: Leave no trace and stay on marked paths.
Weather Fluctuates Fast: Especially in fall and spring, pack accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Stowe Vermont is a rare blend of adventure and charm, and first-time visitors will find no shortage of things to do no matter the season. Whether you’re chasing fall colors, hitting the slopes, or hiking to mountaintop views, Stowe is a destination that welcomes you with small-town hospitality and big mountain beauty. It is one of the most popular destinations in the entire state and certain the Green Mountains area of Vermont.

25 Fall Foliage Road Trips to Try This Year