Posts may contain links to products and services I love. I may make a small commission from them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog.

Hiking and Biking Outdoor Adventures of Stowe, Vermont

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 into the village of  Stowe-Outdoor Adventures in Stowe
Biking into the village of Stowe

Biking the Stowe Recreation Path

Stowe Rec Path bridge-Outdoor Adventures in Stowe
Stowe Rec Path bridge

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.

swimming -Outdoor Adventures in Stowe
Swimming in the Little River

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.

covered bridge-Outdoor Adventures in Stowe
Covered bridge at the end of Stowe Rec Path
Green Mountain view with red barn-Outdoor Adventures in Stowe

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.

Moss Glen Falls-Outdoor Adventures in Stowe
Moss Glen Falls

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.

Bingham Falls-Outdoor Adventures in Stowe
Bingham Falls

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.

Upper gorge of Bingham Falls

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

Sunrise view -Outdoor Adventures in Stowe
Sunrise from the summit of Mt. 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.

summit view--Outdoor Adventures in Stowe
Views along the Sunset Ridge Trail

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.

Sunset Ridge Trail with dog-Outdoor Adventures in Stowe
Careful hiking dog avoiding sensitive 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

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.

Flight of Trapps brews

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.

Stowe Mountain Bike Guide

Wrap Up of Outdoor Adventures in Stowe

There are plenty more outdoor adventures in the Stowe area 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.

Pin it for later!

Spread the love

42 Comments

Kate Toll · August 22, 2020 at 2:04 pm

Great post! I’m from VT, and one of my favorite things about our state is that we have so many opportunities to get outside and explore nature! Stowe is such a pretty town year round!

    Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:04 am

    Vermont is an amazing state. I’m finding more and more outdoor places this year.

Nancy Hann · August 22, 2020 at 2:23 pm

Awesome post! I love Vermont. We had a chance to visit Stowe last fall and absolutely loved it. We even went to Moss Glen Falls. I would definitely go back. Thanks for these ideas.

    Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:03 am

    You would definitely love Bingham Falls too. short hike for big rewards.

Amanda Kerr · August 22, 2020 at 3:10 pm

Ahh, I’ve been wanting to go here! It looks gorgeous and a nice getaway! 🙂 Great read.

    Karen · August 23, 2020 at 9:02 am

    I really hope you get to visit. It’s stunning.

Krista · August 22, 2020 at 5:53 pm

This looks like a great place to enjoy the outdoors!

    Karen · August 22, 2020 at 8:56 pm

    It certainly is!

Maria · August 23, 2020 at 3:05 am

This place looks beautiful! As a nature-lover I’d love to visit Stowe and explore the outdoors there

Katie · August 23, 2020 at 10:56 am

I loved Stowe! I have been twice but both times have been in fall so I didn’t get the chance to do much hiking, although I did a bike ride on the bike path and went to Moss Glen Falls. I will have to make it back in summer sometime.

    Karen · August 24, 2020 at 11:28 am

    The trails around Stowe and up into Smuggler’s Notch are wonderful. I hope you try some out on your next visit.

Josy A · August 23, 2020 at 1:21 pm

These all look great, but biking the Stowe Recreation Path looks soooo fun! I have such a soft spot for those amazing covered bridges.

Both the hiking options sound fab too – waterfalls and high points both make the best walks.

    Karen · August 24, 2020 at 11:26 am

    I have a thing about covered bridges too. I have so many photos of different covered bridges, I might just have to make a post of covered bridges of New England someday. There’s another covered bridge in Stowe nearby too.

Miranda · August 23, 2020 at 1:53 pm

Moss glen falls looks absolutely beautiful! I’ve never been to Vermont but would love all of these outdoor activities!

    Karen · August 24, 2020 at 11:24 am

    I hope you get to Vermont someday. It’s definitely worth the trip.

Meghan · August 23, 2020 at 8:19 pm

It looks like you truly had a great adventure! There’s so many awesome outdoor places near Stowe. I would definitely want to visit those waterfalls!

    Karen · August 24, 2020 at 11:23 am

    Both waterfalls in this post are gorgeous. I’m not sure which I like more.

Bella · August 24, 2020 at 4:43 pm

This place is gorgeous! I would love to visit once I can travel again.

M.K. Dymock · August 24, 2020 at 7:13 pm

Sigh, I wish I lived closer to go sit in some of those rivers with you.

Susan · August 25, 2020 at 8:20 pm

You seriously make me wanna visit Vermont, with every post!

Lannie Travels · August 26, 2020 at 4:00 pm

What a great post! I love hikes with waterfalls. And the Trapp family lodge sounds great. With outdoor trails and beer? Perfect!

Rebecca · August 27, 2020 at 8:14 am

Stowe is a beautiful spot I keep hearing more and more about. Great spot to go!

Cirrena · August 27, 2020 at 10:40 pm

Vermont is officially on the top of my list, getting my US road trip stops together.

Coline · August 28, 2020 at 2:36 pm

Thank you for sharing this with us. I would love to visit the US again. Vermont would be nice I guess. The Mount Manfeld seems to be a beautiful spot for sunset!

Kristine · August 28, 2020 at 7:34 pm

Beautiful photos and great ideas for Stowe!

Patricija · March 10, 2021 at 3:30 pm

Wow this actually looks like Slovenia! What a beautiful destination and a great little gem to visit!

    Karen · March 12, 2021 at 9:25 pm

    I would love to see Slovenia but happy to have Vermont as well.

Al · March 10, 2021 at 4:14 pm

Wow looks incredible in Vermont! all those waterfalls are magical

    Karen · March 12, 2021 at 9:24 pm

    Vermont is a special state for sure!

Krista · March 11, 2021 at 5:08 am

What a beautiful location for people who love to be outdoors! I would love to go cycling or hike to one of the waterfalls.

    Karen · March 12, 2021 at 9:24 pm

    I’m sure you would enjoy it all. it’s glorious scenery.

Shelbs · March 12, 2021 at 8:02 am

Bingham Falls is gorgeous! Waterfalls are always one of the first things to add to our list in a new place!

    Karen · March 12, 2021 at 9:23 pm

    I agree–you can’t get too many waterfalls in your life.

Cass · March 12, 2021 at 3:32 pm

Moss Glen Falls look amazing, but the sunrise and hiking trails all look like great activities.

    Karen · March 12, 2021 at 9:22 pm

    I can’t ever decide a favorite of all these wonderful adventures in Stowe.

Virginia · April 16, 2022 at 4:59 pm

We are looking to come to the Stowe area with 3 bikers, one a serious mountain biker. For the others, would gravel bikes be ok for most of the bike trails?

    Karen · April 20, 2022 at 12:14 pm

    I’m not sure what kind of tires you have on your bikes and what kind of riders you are, so I can’t say definitively if your gravel bikes will work. However there is a multiple of different difficulties of trails in Stowe so you’ll probably be able to find something to your liking.

Elyse · May 24, 2023 at 6:54 pm

Looks so beautiful! I love outdoor adventures, this area would be right up my ally

Amanda · May 24, 2023 at 7:44 pm

Ahh, I’ve been wanting to make my way to Vermont for SO long now – leaf peeping being a top priority. These look like some beautiful outdoor adventures, especially all those beautiful falls. Thank you for the tips!

Brittney · May 24, 2023 at 8:11 pm

I’ve yet to travel to Vermont and have wondered what I could do there. This was the perfect post to read! Stowe seems like the perfect place to visit in the early fall. Would love to see some fall foliage.

Hannah · May 26, 2023 at 1:47 pm

Moss Glen Falls looks amazing! Reminds me a bit of Multnomah Falls in Oregon. I love exploring by bike, so this was inspired me! Thanks for the tips.

    Karen · June 5, 2023 at 11:43 am

    Yes it kind of does look like Multnomah Falls only smaller.

Leave a Reply

Avatar placeholder

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.