4 Outdoor Adventures in Stowe, Vermont You Will Love

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Stowe is that quintessential breathtaking Vermont town that boasts the highest mountain in the state in its backyard. Outdoor adventures in Stowe can be found everywhere and in all seasons. In the winter, the Stowe ski resort attracts a flock of skiers, boarders, and apres-ski lovers. In the fall, the place is jammed with leaf peepers in pursuit of photos that make their friends ooh and ah.

The spring and summer offer a bit more relaxed pace from my experience. I’ll share some of the outdoor adventures I’ve enjoyed in the Stowe area during this time. The activities range in difficulty so you can pick your level of exertion.

Biking the Stowe Recreation Path

This multi-use trail winds from the north of town into the lower village at Stowe. The 5.3-mile trail can be accessed from 4 parking areas spaced along the trail. Numerous bridges span the West Branch of the Little River as you crisscross back and forth over the rocky stream. There are several perfect places to cool off in this brook on a hot day. Aptly named Swimming Hole with a sandy beach is along the way. A map of the Stowe Recreation Path is here.

We started at the parking lot off Brooks Road and rode the 5-plus miles gently downhill into Stowe. There is a bike rental shop located nearby. They nicely lent us a helmet when we realized one was left at home. A covered bridge near the trail beginning adds to the feeling that you are in “real” Vermont.

Unlike the linear nature of a rail trail, this bike path dipped and curved through woods, farm fields, and a few trailside restaurants. Iconic red barns tried unsuccessfully to block the views of the Green Mountains. Cornfields gave a wonderous pastoral charm to the bike ride.

Hiking Outdoor Adventures to the Waterfalls of Stowe

If you want to add some short hikes to magical places in your outdoor adventure itinerary, seek out the waterfalls of Stowe.

Moss Glen Falls

Moss Glen Falls is a must-see waterfall a ten-minute drive from town.  At 125 feet high, it’s one of the highest in Vermont. Located in C.C. Putnam State Forest on Moss Glen Falls Road, the hike and the parking are free.  It lacks facilities such as restrooms or picnic tables, however, the scenic beauty of the cascades of the falls is worth the short hike.

The 10-15 minute hike into the waterfall can get busy on a warm sunny day. Continue up a steep trail through the forest for spectacular views of the upper falls and the mossy gorge that gives the waterfall its name.

Bingham Falls

Bingham Falls is a local favorite for swimming and jumping into the pool below the waterfall. Thus, it can quite busy on a hot summer day. Try to hike to Bingham Falls early or later in the day for more a peaceful visit.

The hike is short–less than a mile round trip. It takes about 10 minutes to walk down to the upper part of the gorge. The polished walls of the gorge and potholes show that water is a master sculptor.

The trailhead for the falls is on the east side of Route 108 north of Stowe before the Stowe Mountain Resort. There is parking on both sides of Route 108 at the trailhead. However, an alternative access is through the Stowe Land Trust’s Mill Trail property off Notchbrook Road.

Hiking Mount Mansfield

The Long Trail that traverses the length of Vermont goes over Mount Mansfield and is a favored way to summit the mountain. A number of other trails will bring you to the different high points on Mansfield. For instance, the high points are the Chin, the Adams Apple, the Nose, and the Forehead. The Chin at 4393 feet is the true summit. A map of trails is here.

A popular trail that takes you directly to the Chin is the Sunset Ridge Trail. It’s a strenuous hike up the prominent west ridge of Mt. Mansfield but the views on top are 360 degrees of gorgeous. The estimated 6.5-mile up-and-back hike starts from Underhill State Park on the other side of the mountain from Stowe. Follow the CCC Road up to the trailhead sign for Sunset Ridge. If you want to save your knees, don’t be tempted to descend on the Laura Cowles Trail–it’s way too steep. Even so, don’t forget your hiking poles for the descent.

Mountain climbing dogs are welcome, however, make sure they don’t wander off trail on the fragile alpine areas.

Top-notch socks will make hiking more enjoyable. I hike in the most comfortable socks with the best guarantee on the market. I recommend Darn Tough socks as they last forever, guaranteed!

Additional Stowe hiking information

People with mobility challenges are still able to see the beauty of a Mount Mansfield summit. A drive up the Stowe Mountain Auto Toll Road gets you near the summit with views of Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. It’s $25 per car plus $9 for each passenger.

Additionally, the best hiking in Stowe, VT is a comprehensive guide to the easy-to-moderate trails of the area.

For more hiking in the northern Vermont area take a look at my post on

Day Hikes in Northern Vermont

Mountain Biking Outdoor Adventures in Stowe

Mountain biking in Stowe is a happening sport. Top-notch trails for all abilities abound.

Cady Hill Forest, with 11 miles of prime mountain biking, can be accessed from several places along Mountain Road (Route 108). There are some nice green trails to wander through the forest. On the other hand, advanced riders can speed along on the technical singletrack available.

The famous Trapp Family Lodge has a widely sought out network of trails too. The world-class Nordic skiing center transforms into a mountain biking mecca in the spring through fall. There are 20 miles of double track to ride through woods and pastures. Eight miles of fast and steep single track will satisfy riders with a need for more cardio. Trails start at the Outdoor Center on Trapp Hill Road. The trail pass is $10. There are bike rentals available here too.

You can also start the trails at the von Trapp Brewing Bierhall. Tons of parking is available. Plus, the outdoor Biergarten is an excellent place to end a ride. Brew with a view.

For a chance to get all the inside information on the trails and ride them with a pro, you will love this guided mountain bike ride. Get in the flow on the Stowe trails.

Wrap Up of Outdoor Adventures in Stowe

As Stowe is one of the top adventure towns in the United States, there are plenty more outdoor adventures to enjoy. Therefore, this is just of sampler menu to get you started. Maybe you can think of it as a flight of outdoor adventures in Stowe. Please sample until you find the ones you love.

Of course, there are exceptional outdoor activities in Stowe in the winter too. This winter weekend in Stowe post will give you tons of ideas. Certainly, don’t miss cross country skiing at the Trapp Family Lodge, one of the best cross country skiing centers near Burlington.

For more outdoor adventures further north in Vermont, you might be interested in my Outdoor Adventure Guide to the Champlain Islands.

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