Discover the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont, from the mountain scenery
of Mount Mansfield and the village's historic streets to Smugglers' Notch,
scenic waterfalls, covered bridges, the Stowe Recreation Path, winter sports,
local food and the area's distinctive Vermont character.
Stowe combines a compact Vermont village with mountain landscapes, outdoor
recreation, scenic roads and year-round attractions. Many experiences are
spread between Stowe Village, the Mountain Road, Mount Mansfield and
Smugglers' Notch, so a car is useful for covering the wider area while
walking and biking work well for shorter sections around the village.
1
Explore Mount Mansfield
Mount Mansfield is Vermont's highest peak and the defining mountain
backdrop of Stowe. The mountain offers hiking, scenic viewpoints and
seasonal access to high-elevation landscapes.
Why go:
Mount Mansfield provides some of the area's most dramatic mountain
scenery and is central to the Stowe outdoor experience.
What to see:
Depending on the season and conditions, visitors can explore hiking
trails, reach higher viewpoints and experience the mountain through
Stowe Mountain Resort's seasonal activities.
What to expect:
Conditions can change significantly with elevation. Mountain weather,
trail conditions and seasonal access should be checked before setting
out.
Recommended time:
2–5 hours, depending on the activity.
Best for:
Hikers, photographers, outdoor enthusiasts, families and visitors
seeking mountain scenery.
Best time:
Late spring through fall for hiking and scenic mountain activities;
winter for snow sports.
2
Explore Historic Stowe Village
Stowe Village provides the small-town center of the destination, with
historic buildings, local shops, restaurants, galleries and the distinctive
white steeple of Stowe Community Church.
Why go:
The village offers an easy introduction to Stowe's New England
character without requiring a strenuous outdoor activity.
What to see:
Walk along Main Street, visit local shops and galleries, see Stowe
Community Church and explore the surrounding streets and businesses.
What to expect:
The village is compact and pedestrian-friendly, although visitors
should expect more activity during foliage season, winter weekends
and holiday periods.
Recommended time:
1–3 hours.
Best for:
First-time visitors, couples, families, shoppers, photographers
and travelers interested in Vermont architecture.
Best time:
Year-round.
3
Drive Through Smugglers' Notch
Smugglers' Notch is a dramatic mountain pass between Mount Mansfield
and Spruce Peak, known for towering cliffs, narrow roads, forest
scenery and access to hiking and outdoor recreation.
Why go:
The Notch combines a scenic drive with some of the area's most
distinctive mountain landscapes.
What to see:
Follow Route 108 through the pass, stop at designated viewpoints
and explore nearby trails when conditions allow. Barnes Camp
Boardwalk and other trail areas provide additional ways to experience
the landscape.
What to expect:
The road through the Notch is narrow and winding, with large rock
formations and tight sections. The route is not open to automobile
traffic throughout the winter, so check seasonal road conditions
before planning a drive.
Recommended time:
2–4 hours.
Best for:
Scenic-drive enthusiasts, photographers, hikers, families and
fall-foliage travelers.
Best time:
Late spring through fall for driving; winter for snowshoeing and
Nordic recreation in appropriate areas.
4
Walk or Bike the Stowe Recreation Path
The Stowe Recreation Path is a paved public trail that runs through
the Stowe area and provides an easy way to experience the landscape
without committing to a mountain hike.
Why go:
The mostly level path works well for walking, cycling and relaxed
outdoor sightseeing.
What to see:
The route follows the Little River through meadows and wooded areas
and provides access to parks, shops, restaurants and scenic stops.
What to expect:
The path can be enjoyed in different sections rather than all at
once. It is used for walking, biking and other recreation in warmer
months and can support winter Nordic activities when groomed.
Recommended time:
1–3 hours.
Best for:
Families, cyclists, walkers, casual outdoor travelers and visitors
wanting a lower-intensity activity.
Best time:
Spring through fall for walking and biking; winter for Nordic
skiing and snowshoeing where conditions permit.
5
Visit Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Mountain Resort is a major four-season recreation destination
at the base of Mount Mansfield. Winter brings skiing and snowboarding,
while warmer months offer mountain sightseeing and outdoor activities.
Why go:
The resort provides access to Mount Mansfield scenery and a wide
range of seasonal mountain activities.
What to see:
Depending on the season, visitors can ski or snowboard, ride the
Gondola SkyRide, hike, explore mountain trails and enjoy views from
the resort area.
What to expect:
Available activities, operating dates and mountain access vary by
season and weather. Check current resort information before visiting.
Recommended time:
Half day to full day.
Best for:
Skiers, snowboarders, families, hikers, photographers and visitors
looking for a mountain-resort experience.
Best time:
Winter for snow sports; summer and fall for mountain sightseeing
and warm-weather activities.
6
See Moss Glen Falls
Moss Glen Falls is one of the most recognizable waterfalls near Stowe
and an easy addition to a scenic drive through the surrounding countryside.
Why go:
The waterfall offers a relatively short outdoor stop with a strong
visual payoff, making it useful for visitors with limited time.
What to see:
View the waterfall from the designated roadside area and enjoy the
surrounding forest and mountain landscape.
What to expect:
Parking can be limited, especially during busy foliage periods.
Use designated areas and take care around wet or slippery surfaces.
Recommended time:
30–60 minutes.
Best for:
Families, photographers, casual hikers and road-trip travelers.
Best time:
Spring through fall, with seasonal scenery varying throughout the year.
7
Discover Stowe's Covered Bridges
Covered bridges are part of the historic Vermont landscape around Stowe,
and exploring them provides a scenic alternative to the area's larger
mountain attractions.
Why go:
The bridges offer historic character, photography opportunities and
a chance to see the quieter countryside beyond the main village.
What to see:
Gold Brook Covered Bridge, also known as Emily's Bridge, is one of
the area's best-known covered bridges. Additional scenic roads around
Stowe provide opportunities to discover more rural landscapes.
What to expect:
Covered bridges are working historic structures in rural settings.
Visitors should park only where permitted and avoid blocking roads
or bridge entrances.
Recommended time:
1–2 hours.
Best for:
Photographers, history enthusiasts, couples, families and scenic
road-trip travelers.
Best time:
Fall for foliage scenery, although the bridges can be visited year-round.
8
Experience the von Trapp Family Legacy
The von Trapp family became closely associated with Stowe after the
family featured in the story behind The Sound of Music settled in Vermont.
The family's alpine-inspired property remains part of the area's cultural
and hospitality landscape.
Why go:
The von Trapp story adds a distinctive cultural connection to a
destination otherwise known primarily for its mountains and outdoor
recreation.
What to see:
Explore the setting around the von Trapp Family Lodge and look for
available tours, dining, outdoor recreation or seasonal experiences.
What to expect:
Access to individual property facilities and activities varies.
Visitors should check current information if they plan to dine,
tour or participate in a specific activity.
Recommended time:
1–3 hours.
Best for:
Families, Sound of Music fans, couples, history enthusiasts and
travelers interested in Vermont's alpine character.
Best time:
Year-round, with different activities available by season.
9
Visit the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum
The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum explores the state's long connection
with skiing and snowboarding through historic equipment, exhibits,
stories and memorabilia.
Why go:
The museum provides useful context for understanding why skiing has
played such an important role in Vermont's tourism and mountain culture.
What to see:
Exhibits can include historic equipment, photographs, memorabilia
and stories connected to Vermont skiing and snowboarding.
What to expect:
The museum is a relatively compact indoor attraction and can be
combined with time in Stowe Village.
Recommended time:
1–2 hours.
Best for:
Skiers, snowboarders, families, history enthusiasts and rainy-day
or cold-weather travelers.
Best time:
Year-round; check current museum hours and exhibitions.
10
Explore Stowe's Food and Local Shopping Scene
Stowe's restaurants, cafés, bakeries, breweries, specialty shops and
Vermont-made products make the village and Mountain Road useful stops
between outdoor activities.
Why go:
Dining and shopping provide a way to experience Stowe beyond its
hiking and winter-sports attractions.
What to see:
Browse local shops in the village and along the Mountain Road, then
sample Vermont-inspired food, craft beverages, maple products and
other regional specialties.
What to expect:
Restaurant and shop hours vary by season. Popular weekends, foliage
periods and winter holidays can be busy, so reservations can be useful
for sought-after restaurants.
Recommended time:
2–4 hours.
Best for:
Food lovers, couples, families, shoppers and visitors looking for
a relaxed evening activity.
Best time:
Year-round.
How Many Days Do You Need in Stowe?
One day is enough to see the village, enjoy a scenic drive and experience one or two
major attractions. Two days provide a better balance between mountain scenery,
outdoor activities, village exploration and dining. Three days allow a more relaxed
itinerary with time for waterfalls, covered bridges, Smugglers' Notch and additional
outdoor recreation.
Trip Length
Suggested Plan
1 Day
Explore Stowe Village, visit Mount Mansfield or Stowe Mountain Resort,
take a short scenic drive and finish with dinner in the village or
along Mountain Road.
2 Days
Add the Stowe Recreation Path, Smugglers' Notch, Moss Glen Falls,
covered bridges or the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum.
3 Days
Slow down the itinerary and add more hiking, biking, mountain activities,
local shopping, dining or additional scenic drives.
4–5 Days
Use Stowe as a base for a broader northern Vermont trip, adding nearby
towns, outdoor recreation, seasonal attractions and additional scenic
routes.
Stowe One-Day Itinerary
Morning
Begin in Stowe Village with a walk around Main Street and the historic center.
Continue toward the mountain area and choose a short scenic stop or activity
based on the season.
Afternoon
Spend the afternoon around Mount Mansfield or Stowe Mountain Resort. In warmer
months, consider a mountain sightseeing activity or hike. In winter, focus on
skiing, snowboarding or another snow-based activity.
Evening
Return toward the village or Mountain Road for dinner. Allow time to browse local
shops, cafés or other businesses before ending the day.
Stowe Two-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Explore Stowe Village in the morning, then head toward Mount Mansfield and Stowe
Mountain Resort. Spend the afternoon enjoying the mountain landscape and finish
with dinner in the village or along Mountain Road.
Day 2
Follow the scenic route toward Smugglers' Notch, adding Moss Glen Falls or another
nearby scenic stop where practical. Return toward Stowe for the Recreation Path,
covered bridges, shopping and a relaxed evening.
Stowe Three-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Village and Local Culture
Explore Stowe Village, visit local shops and galleries, see Stowe Community Church
and enjoy the local food scene. Add the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum if it fits
your schedule.
Day 2: Mount Mansfield
Dedicate most of the day to Mount Mansfield and Stowe Mountain Resort. Choose
hiking, skiing, snowboarding, mountain sightseeing or another seasonal activity
based on conditions.
Day 3: Scenic Stowe
Explore Smugglers' Notch, visit Moss Glen Falls and seek out covered bridges.
Finish the trip with a relaxed meal and additional time along the Recreation Path
or Mountain Road.
Best Time to Visit Stowe
Spring:
Spring brings changing mountain conditions, flowing waterfalls and the transition
from winter activities to warmer-weather recreation. Some higher-elevation trails
can remain snowy or muddy later into the season, so conditions are important to check.
Summer:
Summer is well suited to hiking, biking, scenic drives, mountain sightseeing and
exploring the Recreation Path. Longer daylight hours make it easier to combine several
outdoor stops in one day.
Fall:
Fall is a major season for scenic travel in Stowe, with colorful foliage across the
surrounding mountains and countryside. Popular scenic roads and attractions can be
busy during peak foliage periods.
Winter:
Winter transforms Stowe into a major snow-sports destination, with skiing,
snowboarding, Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and other cold-weather activities. Road and
trail conditions can change quickly, so check current conditions before traveling.
How to Get Around Stowe
A car is useful for a Stowe trip because attractions are distributed between the
village, Mountain Road, Mount Mansfield, Smugglers' Notch and surrounding rural
areas. Driving makes it easier to combine waterfalls, scenic roads and mountain
attractions in one day.
Stowe Village is easy to explore on foot, and the Recreation Path provides another
way to move through portions of the area without driving. During winter and other
busy periods, visitors should check current local transportation and shuttle
information when available.
Cycling is also popular during warmer months, particularly around the Recreation
Path and local roads. Visitors should be prepared for hills and changing weather
when cycling beyond the flatter portions of the trail.
Parking and Driving in Stowe
Parking is generally straightforward outside the busiest periods, but popular
weekends, fall foliage dates and winter holidays can create higher demand around
the village and mountain areas.
Stowe Village has public parking options, including spaces around the village
center. Always follow posted time limits and local parking restrictions rather
than assuming a space is available for all-day parking.
Mountain roads can become narrow, winding or steep, particularly around
Smugglers' Notch. Winter conditions can require additional preparation, and the
road through the Notch is seasonally closed to automobile traffic.
When leaving a vehicle at trailheads or scenic stops, keep valuables out of sight
and use designated parking areas. Never block residential driveways, private
property or narrow rural roads.
Where to Stay in Stowe
Stowe Village:
A convenient choice for travelers who want restaurants, shops, historic
buildings and a walkable town-center experience nearby.
Mountain Road:
Useful for visitors who want easy access to restaurants, lodging, outdoor
activities and the route toward the mountain.
Near Stowe Mountain Resort:
A practical area for winter sports travelers and visitors prioritizing
mountain access.
West Branch / Recreation Path Area:
A good fit for travelers interested in biking, walking and access to outdoor
recreation while remaining close to town services.
Rural Stowe:
Better suited to travelers looking for quieter surroundings, scenic views and
a more residential or countryside setting.
Smugglers' Notch Area:
Useful for travelers prioritizing hiking, scenic landscapes and access to the
mountain pass rather than being close to the village center.
Free and Budget-Friendly Things to Do in Stowe
Explore Stowe Village:
Walk around the historic village center, see the architecture and browse
storefronts without paying an admission fee.
Walk the Stowe Recreation Path:
The public paved path is a useful free outdoor activity.
See Stowe Community Church:
Admire the historic church and its distinctive steeple from the village area.
Scenic drives:
Explore public roads through the surrounding countryside and mountain landscapes,
while checking seasonal road restrictions first.
Covered bridges:
Visit publicly accessible covered bridges such as Gold Brook Covered Bridge
where parking and access are permitted.
Outdoor photography:
Stowe's mountains, forests, village streets and rural landscapes provide
numerous opportunities for photography without an attraction admission fee.
Window shopping:
Browse Stowe's independent shops and galleries around the village and Mountain
Road without needing to make a purchase.
Picnic stops:
Pack lunch and use appropriate public parks or permitted outdoor areas for
a lower-cost meal with mountain scenery.
Seasonal outdoor recreation:
Walking, sightseeing and selected public trails can provide inexpensive
alternatives to paid mountain activities.
Some attractions and seasonal activities mentioned above may have admission,
parking or equipment costs depending on the date and activity. Check current
visitor information before making plans.
Stowe Itinerary Planning by Traveler Type
First-Time Visitors
Start with Stowe Village, then explore Mount Mansfield and Stowe Mountain Resort.
Add Smugglers' Notch or the Recreation Path depending on the season and available
time.
Families with Kids
Consider the Recreation Path, waterfalls, covered bridges, family-friendly
mountain activities and seasonal attractions. Keep the itinerary flexible so
children have time for outdoor exploration rather than moving between too many
stops.
Couples
Combine village shopping and dining with scenic drives, mountain viewpoints,
waterfalls and a relaxed walk or bike ride. Fall foliage and winter snow
landscapes can create very different experiences.
Solo Travelers
Stowe works well for travelers who enjoy building an itinerary around hiking,
photography, scenic drives, cycling, skiing or local food. A car provides greater
flexibility for exploring beyond the village.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Stowe, Vermont best known for?
Stowe is best known for Mount Mansfield, skiing and snowboarding, scenic
mountain landscapes, Stowe Village, outdoor recreation, covered bridges and
its four-season resort-town atmosphere.
What should I not miss in Stowe?
First-time visitors can consider Stowe Village, Mount Mansfield, the Stowe
Recreation Path, Smugglers' Notch, Moss Glen Falls and at least one of the
area's covered bridges.
Is Stowe good for a weekend trip?
Yes. A weekend provides enough time to combine village sightseeing with
mountain scenery, outdoor recreation, dining and a scenic drive. Longer stays
allow more time for hiking, skiing, biking and nearby attractions.
How many days do you need in Stowe?
Two to three days is a useful amount of time for a first visit. One day can
cover the major highlights, while three days allows a more relaxed mix of
mountain activities, scenic drives, village exploration and outdoor recreation.
Is Stowe worth visiting in the fall?
Fall is a popular time to experience Stowe's mountain and countryside scenery.
Visitors can combine foliage viewing with scenic drives, hiking, covered
bridges, village shopping and outdoor activities. Peak foliage timing varies
by year and elevation.
What can you do in Stowe for free?
Free options can include walking through Stowe Village, using the public
Recreation Path, viewing scenery along permitted public roads, visiting
accessible covered bridges and enjoying outdoor photography and sightseeing.
Do you need a car in Stowe?
A car is useful for seeing more of the area because major attractions are
spread between the village, Mountain Road, Mount Mansfield, Smugglers' Notch
and surrounding countryside. Visitors staying primarily in the village can
walk to many nearby businesses and attractions.
What is the best area to stay in Stowe?
Stowe Village is convenient for travelers prioritizing walkable access to
shops and restaurants, while Mountain Road and areas closer to the resort
can be useful for visitors focused on outdoor and mountain activities.