The picturesque center includes a postcard-worthy church complete with a white spire. Cozy coffee shops, boutiques, bed & breakfasts, and upscale-yet-casual dining adorn the streets.

That’s why we produced this guide that leads you through the top things to do in Stowe, Vermont. From the prominent attractions (together with instructions on whether reservations are needed!) to the hidden jewels where you’ll beat the crowds, you’ll certainly want to keep this helpful resource.

While most of these activities to do in Stowe can be done year round, we’ve put an extra focus on fall, as that’s the greatest time to come (in our view!).

Top Things To Do In Stowe, Vermont

If you’re seeking for the absolute finest things to do in Stowe, Vermont, here are our top picks.

Keep reading for more extensive information on each of these items and more suggestions of interesting things to do in Stowe.

1. Drive Smugglers Notch

This picturesque, meandering path via the Smugglers’ Notch Pass provides stunning vistas of rocky mountain landscape and bright fall colors.

The 17-mile circuit begins in Stowe and concludes at Jeffersonville. You may drive all or part of it, and there are some enjoyable stops along the route.

2. Ride The Gondola At Stowe Mountain Resort

• Hours: 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. June 15 to October 20

• Entrance fee: $40 adult, $26 children (tax not included, 4 and under are free)

• Google Maps location

If you’re visiting Stowe in the fall, you won’t want to miss the Gondola Skyride at Stowe Mountain Resort.

Glide to the summit of Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak) and be stunned by panoramic vistas of the woodlands below painted in tones of crimson, orange, and gold.

3. Hike To Bingham Falls

• Distance: ½ mile

• Elevation gain: 157 feet

• Type of trail: out and back

• Difficulty: rated difficult, however it’s fairly simple up to the perspective

• View trail notes

This is one of the most popular waterfall treks in Vermont since it’s so simple to reach. The rapid falls flow into a small river canyon, cutting up unique rock formations.

A short walk leads to an overlook where you can see Bingham Falls. If you wish to climb down for a close-up, exercise caution, since the rocks are steep and slippery (this is where the AllTrails classification of “moderate” comes from).

4. Photograph Stowe’s Iconic Church

With a utilitarian name like Stowe Community Church, this monument doesn’t sound like anything exceptional. But the pristine-white church with its pointed tower is magnificent when seen against the backdrop of Vermont’s forested mountains.

This vantage is the site to acquire the classic photo that captures the church, the mountains, and the flowing Little River. Though magnificent both in the lush summer vegetation and coated in shimmering snow, the view is most spectacular during the fall.

5. Grab A Pretzel & Pint At Von Trapp

Hours: Bierhall open 11:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. everyday; tours available Tuesdays 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 1 p.m. to 2 p.m.
admission charge: Brewery tours are $20 per person; no admission fee for the bierhall
Google Maps location

Ever wondered what happened to the von Trapp family following the events of The Sound of Music?

I’ll tell you: they bought a farm in Vermont and joined the hotel sector.

No, I’m not kidding—these are the real-life von Trapps.

The family enterprise currently comprises an Austrian-style lodge as well as a brewery, bierhall, and restaurant.

Read Also: Hidden Gems of Hood River Oregon

6. Take In The Vistas From Sunset Rock

• Distance: 1.1 miles

• Elevation gain: 324 feet

• Type of trail: out and back

• Difficulty: moderate

• Google Maps location

• View trail notes

This short walk climbs a steep elevation to a viewpoint overlooking the town, with the church taking center stage and the mountains rising in the backdrop. The lookoff faces roughly west, making this the excellent position to view a sunset.

Though the walk is classified moderate for difficulty, others consider this an easy trek.

7. Sip A Fresh Vermont Cider

Nothing strikes the spot on a beautiful fall day in Vermont like a fresh apple cider! Here are a number of locations to get your apple fix around Stowe:

• Stowe Cider

• Hours: 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. Wednesday to Sunday

• Google Maps location

Stowe Cider delivers flights and pints of strong cider with a laid back attitude. You may observe production straight from your table in the tasting area, or grab a picnic table in the sunshine.

8. Climb To The Summit Of Vermont’s Highest Mountain

• Distance: 5.1 miles

• Elevation gain: 2,539 feet

• Type of trail: out and back

• Difficulty: hard

• View trail notes

If you’re searching for a more demanding climb near Stowe, the Sunset Ridge Trail to Vermont’s highest mountain should be at the top of your list.

Making its way up the west slope of Mount Mansfield, this popular path first travels through lush woodland. Maple and beech trees exhibit shades of golden, orange, and crimson in the fall as hikers struggle over roots and rocks.