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Stowe sits in a green valley of northern Vermont beneath Mount Mansfield, the tallest summit in the state. Its white-steepled church, farms and covered bridges give it a classic rural look, and it has been a ski destination since the early twentieth century. The von Trapp family, made famous by The Sound of Music, settled here after leaving Austria, and their Alpine-style lodge still stands above the village.
The village center gathers shops and inns around the Stowe Community Church, and the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum traces winter sports in the state. The Stowe Recreation Path winds along the river for walkers and cyclists. Mount Mansfield is the focus of outdoor life: in winter, Stowe Mountain Resort draws skiers, and in summer a toll road and gondola give access to the ridge. The narrow pass of Smugglers' Notch twists between cliffs and closes to traffic in winter. Short walks lead to Bingham Falls and Moss Glen Falls, the Gold Brook Covered Bridge sits just outside town, and the Trapp Family Lodge offers trails and Austrian-inspired hospitality.
Stowe suits couples, families and outdoor enthusiasts at any time of year. Fall foliage and ski season are the busiest periods. Mud season in spring is the quietest time to visit.
WiserMap travel guideStowe Vermont Fall Foliage and Mount Mansfield ViewsPlan a Stowe, Vermont trip: Mount Mansfield, Smugglers' Notch, the Recreation Path, Trapp Family Lodge, covered bridges, foliage, skiing and local food.Read the guide
Stowe village is a small New England town center of shops, cafes and inns, set below Mount Mansfield. Its white Stowe Community Church, with a tall slender steeple, appears in countless fall foliage photos. Park in the village and walk Main Street. Foliage season in early October is very busy.
The Gold Brook Covered Bridge, also called Emily's Bridge, is a wooden covered bridge built in 1844 over a small brook just south of the village. Local legend says it is haunted by a girl named Emily, and it is a favorite stop on ghost tours. It is still open to cars, so watch for traffic when taking photos.
The Trapp Family Lodge is the Austrian-style mountain resort run by the family that inspired The Sound of Music. Visitors can tour the grounds, hike or cross-country ski its large trail network, and eat at the bakery or the Trapp Lager brewery. The family history tour runs on set days. The views are wide.
The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum, in the 1818 former town meeting house on Main Street, tells the story of skiing and snowboarding in Vermont, from the 10th Mountain Division to Burton boards. It also holds the state's Ski Hall of Fame. It is small and takes under an hour. Check opening days.
The Stowe Recreation Path is a paved greenway of about 5.3 miles from the village up the valley toward the mountain, crossing the West Branch river on many small bridges. It is used for walking, biking, running and, in winter, cross-country skiing. Bike rentals are available along the route.
Mount Mansfield is Vermont's highest peak at 4,393 feet, with a long ridge said to look like a face in profile. You can reach the Chin by hiking trails, the Toll Road or the gondola, then walk across rare alpine tundra. Stay on marked paths to protect the plants. Weather changes fast, so bring layers.
Stowe Mountain Resort covers Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, with over 100 trails for skiing and snowboarding. In summer and fall the gondola runs to the Cliff House restaurant near the summit, and the Spruce Peak village has an ice rink and performing arts center. Book lift tickets online ahead.
Smugglers' Notch is a narrow mountain pass on Route 108 between Mount Mansfield and the Sterling Range, with huge boulders and cliffs beside a twisting road. Short trails lead to caves and Sterling Pond. The road is closed in winter and banned for trucks and RVs, since the hairpin turns are very tight.
Bingham Falls is a series of cascades and a deep pool in a mossy gorge just off Route 108 near Stowe Mountain Resort. A short but steep and rooty trail of about a quarter mile leads down to the falls. Wear good shoes, especially after rain. Swimming is popular, but the rocks are slippery and the water is cold.
Moss Glen Falls is a tall waterfall in the C.C. Putnam State Forest a few miles northeast of the village. A short trail leads to a lower viewing area, and a rougher path climbs to the upper falls. It is best in spring and after rain. The parking lot is small, so go early on fall weekends.
Ben and Jerry's main factory sits on Route 100 in Waterbury, about ten miles south of Stowe. A short guided tour explains how the ice cream is made and ends with a free sample of a current flavor, and the Flavor Graveyard on the hill honors retired flavors. Tours fill up in foliage season, so arrive early.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill in Waterbury Center, on the way to Stowe, presses fresh apple cider on site and is known for its warm cider donuts. The large shop sells cider, jams, maple syrup and Vermont foods, and you can watch the press through a window when it is running. It gets busy on fall weekends.
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