14 Best Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont
Snuggled into Vermont’s Green Mountains, Stowe oozes mountain-town charm no matter the season.
Outdoorsy, unpretentious, and a little bit irresistible–here are the best things to do in Stowe.
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1. Hike to Bingham Falls
Bingham Falls draws crowds for good reason: it’s an easy half-mile trek through a mossy gorge, with waterfalls that look straight out of a fairy tale.
The trailhead sits on Notchbrook Road in Smugglers Notch State Park. The path follows the Little River, where water has carved wild shapes into the rock.
Swimming holes up and downstream are ideal for a summer dip—just brace yourself, it’s Vermont-cold.
Why It’s a Must: Quick hike, epic waterfalls, and natural pools you’ll want to jump into.
2. Ski at Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Mountain Resort is where you’ll find Vermont’s most iconic slopes—Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak serve up 116 trails for every kind of skier.
The resort is New England’s ninth-largest, but its most famous luxury ski spot.
Experts can chase adrenaline on Mount Mansfield’s double diamonds, while first-timers have gentle runs to ease into the sport.
Why It’s a Must: Legendary skiing with all the perks—Vermont’s highest peak, fancy lodges, and runs for everyone.
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3. Visit von Trapp Family Lodge
The Von Trapp Family Lodge sprawls across 2,600 acres of Vermont hills, with Austrian-style buildings and some of the best views around.
Yes, it’s the real von Trapp family from The Sound of Music and the story is fascinating.
You can wander one of Vermont’s largest breweries on-site or take a guided tour to learn about the family’s journey.
There’s cross-country skiing, hiking, and mountain biking trails galore right on the property.
Why It’s a Must: Austrian alpine vibes, Vermont scenery, and a backstory that’s straight out of Hollywood.
4. Ride the Gondola at Stowe Mountain Resort
The Stowe Gondola SkyRide whisks you to the top of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest point. Those classic red cabins run year-round, so you’ll get killer views in any season.
At the summit, you can grab a bite at Cliff House Restaurant or poke around the Summit Retail Gift Shop. The gondola drops you at hiking trails and overlooks—no leg-burning climb required.
Why It’s a Must: Epic mountain views, zero sweat. Sometimes, you just want the shortcut.
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5. Explore Smugglers’ Notch
The twisty Smugglers’ Notch Pass is a must-drive: narrow, dramatic, and loaded with scenery.
Smugglers used it to sneak goods during the War of 1812—now it’s all about hiking, caves, and waterfall hunts.
Smugglers’ Notch State Park packs in trails, caves, and even the short Bingham Falls hike. If you’re into scrambling over boulders, this is your spot.
Why It’s a Must: Mountain roads, secret caves, and waterfalls— a Vermont highlight reel in one place.
6. Walk Along the Stowe Recreation Path
The 10.4-mile out and back Stowe Recreation Path links Stowe Village to a covered bridge, winding through meadows and forests. Expect wooden bridges, swimming holes, and plenty of mountain backdrops.
This greenway is open year-round for walking, biking, or even cross-country skiing. You can hop on or off wherever you like.
Why It’s a Must: Easy, beautiful, and full of Vermont charm—bring a bike or just stroll with a coffee.
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7. Relax at The Spa at Spruce Peak
The Spa at Spruce Peak is pure Vermont—mountain views, woodsy vibes, and staff who know how to work out those ski-day kinks.
Book a deep tissue massage, try a facial with local ingredients, or just soak in the outdoor hot tubs.
Why It’s a Must: Sore muscles, mountain air, and a spa menu that’ll have you feeling brand new in no time.
8. Admire the Views from Sunset Rock
Sunset Rock is a go-to for big views—and it’s right in Stowe Village. The walk is short, winding through woods before opening up to a rocky overlook.
From the top, you’ll see Stowe’s Main Street below and the mountains beyond. The outcrop faces west, so sunsets here are seriously photogenic.
Why It’s a Must: Quick hike, panoramic views—bring snacks and linger for the sunset show.
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9. Visit Moss Glen Falls
Just outside town, Moss Glen Falls is a local favorite—an easy 20-minute hike through pine forest leads to Vermont’s tallest waterfall, crashing over a series of rocky drops.
It’s only a quarter-mile from the trailhead to the main falls, and every step is Instagram-worthy.
Why It’s a Must: Short hike, big payoff—towering falls and lush forest, all five minutes from downtown.
10. Stroll Through Stowe Village Shops
Main Street in Stowe is dotted with indie shops, cafés, and galleries, all framed by mountain views and flower boxes. Expect handmade finds and sweet treats, plus a pace that’s pure Vermont.
The white-steeple church is the village’s photo op. Pop into the Visitor Center if you want local tips or just wander and see what catches your eye.
Why It’s a Must: Window shopping, people-watching, and that classic small-town New England feel.
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11. Sample Local Food at The Bench
The Bench is all about Vermont comfort food—think Buddha Bowls, spring salads with local greens, and craft beer on tap. The vibe is unfussy but cozy, with a menu that changes up with the seasons.
Try the Kale Caesar, or go for something heartier if you’ve been outside all day. There’s always something new to try, and the drinks list is packed with local names.
Why It’s a Must: Comfort food, Vermont brews, and a spot that feels like a local hangout.
12. Hit Up the Mountain Bike Trails
Stowe’s mountain biking scene is legit. Trails twist through forests and meadows, offering everything from easy loops to gnarly technical rides that’ll test your skills.
Stowe Mountain Resort has a solid trail network, and the views don’t hurt either. Local shops rent bikes and hand out trail maps if you’re not sure where to start.
Go for a quick ride or make a day of it—there’s a trail for every mood and skill level.
Why It’s a Must: Fast descents, big climbs, and scenery that’ll make you forget about your burning legs.
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13. The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum
The Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum in Stowe is a quirky stop—10,000+ pieces of ski history, from vintage gear to old-school snowboards, all packed into a historic 1818 building downtown.
Right at Stowe’s main intersection, it’s a fun detour if you’re curious about how Vermont became a snow sports mecca. The collection includes everything from retro boots to wild early snowboards.
Why It’s a Must: Rainy day or not, this place is a deep dive into Vermont’s winter obsession.
14. Take a Scenic Drive for Fall Foliage
Vermont puts on a seriously jaw-dropping show every autumn, with its fall foliage drives drawing over a million curious leaf-peepers each October.
Maple and beech trees light up the hills in wild reds, oranges, and yellows—yes, it’s nature flexing.
Route 100 winds for 216.6 miles through the Green Mountains, and it’s hard to beat for pure scenery.
If you’re short on time (or just want to stop for a cider donut), shorter routes like the Green Mountain Byway through Stowe and Waterbury pack plenty of punch, too.
Why It’s a Must: Roll through color, with cozy Vermont towns and historic spots popping up when you need a break.
