Take a ride on a Stowe Gondola and smoothly cruise to the top of Vermont’s highest peak. From the top you can access hiking trails, a retail gift shop, or enjoy lunch with a view at the Cliff House Restaurant.
From Stowe Village take Route 108 North 6.4 miles (towards Stowe Mountain Resort). About half a mile after the Inn at the Mountain there are dirt pull-offs on both sides of the road. You can park on either side of the road. The trailhead is on the Eastern side of the road. The half mile hike ends at Bingham Falls, a 40-foot cascading waterfall with deep gorges and pools for swimming.
This is a short, scenic hike to a spectacular waterfall with swimming holes. The trail is not well marked but the route is obvious by following the brook upstream to the falls. From Stowe Village take Route 100 North 3 miles to Randolph Road. Take a right turn onto Randolph Road and then the first right onto Moss Glen Falls Road. Proceed half a mile to a small parking area on the left.
Vermont’s highest peak at 4,393 feet, is the home of Stowe Mountain Resort. When not skiing, there are numerous hiking trails for all abilities, including parts of the Long Trail, Vermont’s 265-mile trail system running throughout the state. There are two trailheads accessible from Smugglers’ Notch. For more hiking opportunities on Mansfield, or throughout the area, visit the Green Mountain Club, on Route 100 between Waterbury and Stowe.
A natural gap at the foot of Mount Mansfield, the Notch earned its name when Canadian goods were smuggled into New England, prompting the Jefferson Embargo Act of 1808. In the early days it was merely a footpath and horse trail. The first carriage road was built in 1894 and the auto road in 1918. Still narrow, hilly and winding, the road is open only to car traffic and offers many unique rock formations and scenic vistas. During the winter months the Notch is closed to car traffic and used for recreational snow sports, including hiking and cross country skiing. If you’re looking for a vacation rental to stay in after partaking in all these fun activities, then click here to book yours today! We have a large portfolio of properties, including the Adams Mill Cottage, the perfect one-bedroom rental.
This rock staircase hike begins 9 miles up the Mountain Road at the top of Smugglers’ Notch, near the Visitor Center parking lot. This is a great 2-mile hike on a very well maintained trail, leading to a mountaintop pond. And, if you haven’t gotten enough, you can hike the loop around the pond for another 1.4 miles.
This is a nice, well-traveled trail set in Stowe Hollow, offering a steady climb to a rock summit with views of Camel’s Hump, Mount Mansfield, and the Worcester and Sterling Ranges. From Stowe Village take School Street for .3 miles. Bear right at the fork onto Stowe Hollow Road and continue straight onto Upper Hollow Road. The parking lot and trailhead are on the left, about .6-miles from the beginning of Upper Hollow Road.
This is a lovely trail for those who love to walk their dog off-leash, with access to the West Branch River and some of the prettiest views in town. The Quiet path can be accessed from the Stowe Recreation Path near the second and third bridges, or from two parking areas on Mayo Farm Road.
This is a paved, flat, and motor-free route for those seeking gentle terrain, lofty views, and access to shops and restaurants. The 5.3 mile flat trail crosses eleven bridges and travels through scenic woods, fields, and farmland as well as several swimming holes along the West Branch River. There are four main parking and access areas. The Stowe Rec Path is groomed in the winter for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
This trail offers beautiful sunset viewing, hiking, picnicking, and views of Stowe Village from a bedrock outcropping. A short yet steep hike, you can access it right from the Village, at the end of Sunset Street.
This world-class touring center offers 100 kilometers of rolling trails and it has recently added snowmaking! Known as some of the best cross country skiing in North America, the trails at Trapp’s are finely groomed and even connect to the Stowe Mountain Resort trails. Inside the center is a full-service rental shop, waxing benches, and a sweet retail shop to pick up the perfect pair of gloves, technical ski clothing, hats, and the ever-important hand and toe warmers for bitter cold days! Group and private lessons are available, as is guide service and backcountry tours. A popular loop is the 5k ski or hike uphill to the Slayton Pasture Cabin where you can enjoy wonderful homemade soups, breads, sandwiches, and treats while warming up by the giant fireplace. The quick ride back down to the lodge is really a hoot!
802-253-5719
177 Reservoir Rd. 802-244-1226.
The Waterbury Reservoir is the ninth largest body of water in the state of Vermont. The park is located on a 90-acre peninsula with 22 picnic sites, tables, hibachis, swimming beach, nature trail, trailer boat ramp, boat rentals, concession area, and restrooms.
This is a beautiful walk through miles of gentle, inter-connected trails. Accessible year-round, this is a great location for hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and dog walking. From Stowe Village take Route 108 North 3.5 miles and turn right onto Edson Hill Road (at Salute Restaurant). Drive past the entrance to the Stowehof Inn, take the next right, and the parking is immediately on your left.