Experience Fall in Stowe, Vermont: 2 Day Itinerary+ Things to do

Visiting Stowe, Vermont in Fall is everything you dream about New England Fall Foliage — colorful leaves, apple cider, maple serves, charming streets with pumpkin displays, and typical New England style bed and breakfast cabins for the stay with crisp mountain air! This is what you can experience during Fall in Stowe, Vermont. Here are my recommendations for best things to do in Stowe, Vermont during this fall foliage season.

Fall in Stowe, Vermont is like stepping into a picturesque scene just straight from the Postcard and like Hallmark Movie! I’ve had this trip planned in my head for 3 years and couldn’t visit somehow despite living so close to it!! But in 2023, I took the chance and visited Vermont and New Hampshire.

It was part of our New England Fall Road Trip, and Stowe, VT stood out as most picturesque stop of all. This post is about my recommendations for best things to do in Stowe for fall foliage and sharing 2 day Stowe Itinerary from my visit. There is something magical about Stowe in Fall for sure!

Between hiking trails, scenic mountain roads, covered bridges, charming streets to gondola rides, Fall in Stowe offers absolute classic Vermont Fall vibe with so many activities for every type of traveler! That is the number one reason I loved Stowe in Fall. It’s literally paradise for leaf peppers.

In this 2 day Stowe Itinerary, I will share more about Best of Fall in Stowe, Vermont. This guide breaks down everything you need to plan your trip to Stowe in fall, from the best time to visit, where to stay, the top things to do, eat, and see in Stowe during the fall season!

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or adding Stowe to a bigger New England road trip, this post will help you make the most of leaf peeping experience in Vermont’s most popular mountain town!

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Ultimate 2 day Itinerary for Fall in Stowe, Vermont

About Stowe Vermont

Stowe’s history dates back to hundreds of years! Although chartered as a town in 1763,Over the centuries, it has grown to play a significant role in Vermont’s maple syrup industry, contributing to the state’s reputation as the leading producer of maple syrup in the USA and world. Do you know Vermont is 2nd largest Maple Syrup Producer in the World??

🍁Here are few more facts about Stowe, Vermont🍁

• Stowe is home to Vermont’s highest peak: Mount Mansfield, the perfect destination for summer hiking adventures and mountain activities year-round.
• Stowe is very popular Ski Destination in the USA during winter. You’ll find Gondola Rides in Summer and fall here.
• Vermont’s historic Long Trail (LT) is one of the most popular trails known as the USA’s Oldest Footpath trail that runs 273 miles between the Massachusetts and Canadian borders, and crosses over Mt. Mansfield and into Smugglers’ Notch and beyond.
• Vermont’s tallest church steeple on the Stowe Community Church.
• It’s near Vermont’s tallest waterfall – Moss Glen Falls
• Stowe features so many hiking trails with a variety of easy, moderate and expert trail options for all ages and abilities—from Stowe Pinnacle and Sterling Pond to the famously steep Hellbrook Trail. There is something for everyone in Stowe,Vermont.
• The Von Trapp family (from Sound of Music) settled here in the 1940s, drawn by the town’s resemblance to their beloved Austria. Property offers breathtaking mountain views!

FAQs about Experiencing Fall in Stowe, Vermont

🍁What is the Best Time to See Peak Fall Foliage in Stowe, Vermont?

It can vary quite a bit every year! Fall foliage in particular year depends on Summer rain and temperatures throughout the year! But typically the best time to see fall foliage in Stowe is from late September to mid-October, with peak foliage typically occurring in the first two weeks of October (anywhere between October 5th-20th) for decent fall colors!!

So, if you want to catch fiery orange and red foliage during your time in Stowe, plan for the first or second week of October. And if you can be flexible based on the progression of the leaves, even better!

I followed so many fall foliage tracking reports online when planning my trip! So, here are few resources to help you find out what the experts predict about Peak foliage for the year:

• Peak Fall Foliage Map
• Farmer’s Almanac Predictions
• Vermont Fall Foliage Forecaster

How to Get to Stowe, VT

Whether you’re flying, driving, or considering a mix of both, here’s how to get to Stowe:

Flying to Stowe

• Burlington International Airport (BTV): The nearest major airport, located about 45 minutes from Stowe. Burlington International offers direct flights from cities like Chicago, New York, Washington D.C., and more.
• Boston Logan International Airport (BOS): If you’re coming from further away, like we were, Boston Logan is about a 3.5-hour drive from Stowe. We rented a car from the Boston downtown instead of BOS airport (Quite Cheap to hire from Downtown) and drove around New England. It’s a fall wonderland this time of year, so it was really quite enjoyable.
• Manchester,NH (MHT): If you’re pairing Stowe with other fall destinations (like the White Mountains in New Hampshire), you could also fly into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT). It’s about 2.5 hours from Stowe, and sometimes it has cheaper flight options than Burlington, depending on where you’re coming from.

Driving to Stowe

• From Burlington, VT: It’s an easy and scenic one hour drive to reach Stowe, VT.
• From Boston, MA: About a 3.5-hour drive. Take I-93 North to I-89 North, then follow VT-100 North. Vermont Route 100 is pretty famous for fall foliage drive. If you have time, take the scenic drive to reach Stowe, VT.
• From New York City, NY: Approximately a 5.5-hour drive. Take I-87 North to I-89 North, then VT-100 North. There are so many spots along the way to explore from Wilmington, VT to Stowe. If you’re following this route, then take it slow and dedicate full day to drive this beautiful route. You’ll cross the beautiful towns of Bennington, Weston, Ludlow, Killington, and Waitsfield.

Public Transportation

Despite Stowe being a rather small town, you could still get here by public transport! The closest Amtrak station is in Waterbury, VT, about 20 minutes from Stowe. From there, you can rent a car or take a taxi to Stowe. Greyhound and Mega bus also offer services to Burlington.

Getting Around Stowe

The town of Stowe itself is very small, you can get around on foot or with a rental bicycle. You can walk to most of the best places of City center in Stowe.

However, most of the famous fall foliage places are located outside the town. The best way to get around Stowe is by renting a car! By having a car lets you explore at your own pace, from scenic roadside stops and covered bridges to out-of-town hikes and sugar shacks!

There is a NO Bus service although taxis are available in the town.

🚘 Pro tip: Book your rental car early! Fall in Vermont is busy, and cars do sell out, especially at smaller airports.

How far in advance you need to book Stowe fall foliage trip?

We booked our trip just one month in advance and it was too late! Stowe and Woodstock in Vermont are the most famous fall destinations. So, if you’re planning to visit these destinations, ideally you should book 6 months in advance. Affordable accommodations seem sold out very quickly! 

Where to Stay in Stowe, Vermont During Fall?

Stowe offers a range of accommodations to suit every preference and budget. The town of Stowe can be divided into two main areas: the Village of Stowe (Downtown) and the Mountain Area.

If you want to be in the middle of all the action, staying in the Village of Stowe puts you within walking distance to the main shops, restaurants, coffee spots, and the charming town square.

This area is super walkable and feels straight out of a Hallmark movie in fall, but it also tends to be pricier and books up quickly during foliage season!

Here are some hotels options for you to check out in downtown Stowe:

• 🏨 Green Mountain Inn – Classic Vermont charm right on Main Street with cozy rooms and an on-site restaurant.
• 🏨 The Stowe Inn – Historic inn located just steps from downtown with a front porch perfect for fall views.
• 🏨 Talta Lodge – This lodge is located along the little river with access points to the Stowe recreation path and its located in very pretty setting.

If you’re looking for more space, mountain views, and easy access to hiking trails, consider staying along the Mountain Road (Route 108) leading up towards the base of Mount Mansfield. This area will give you best fall foliage views right from your room windows! Most of them are “Ski Lodge” inspired and so adorable.

It’s only 10-minutes from downtown Stowe, and most of the things to do in Stowe, mostly located between the two, so you won’t be inconvenienced if you choose to stay in the mountain area.

Here are some of the top hotel options along Mountain Road to choose from:

• 🏨 Field Guide Lodge – One of the best luxurious stay in Stowe, with Spacious rooms, and outdoor heated Pool in beautiful setting.
• 🏨 Von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort – Austrian-style mountain resort with incredible views, hiking trails, and an on-site brewery. You’ll step into history and charm, the Trapp Family Lodge is owned by the family who made famous “The Sound of Music”.
• 🏨 The Lodge at Spruce Peak – Luxury resort located right at Stowe Mountain Resort — ideal for fall foliage and spa days.
• 🏨 AWOL Stowe – Located near Mount Mansfield, this beautiful property offers indoor swimming Pool, Sauna and so more. The rooms are spacious and blends the rustic cabin style features.

Source: Booking.com (Van Tropp Loge left and Lodge at Spruce creek right)

We planned our trip last minute and most of the budget accommodations were either sold out or expensive! So, we stayed nearby Burlington. There are so many options and it’s not far away from Stowe! The city looked pretty during fall ! So, if you are on fence with expensive stays, Burlington will serve the purpose.

P.S If you’re planning a fall road trip to Vermont, read my ultimate guide about best towns and areas to stay in Vermont in the fall here.

My Suggested 2 Day Itinerary for Fall in Stowe, VT

🍁Day 1 : Stowe Fall Foliage Itinerary

Morning to Noon

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Cafe on Main. They serves amazing Bagels with veggies and cream are delicious. Have coffee in cozy weather in outdoor sittings here. This is one of the best way to start your fall foliage day in Stowe.

After breakfast, just cross the street and take a leisurely stroll through downtown Stowe. You’ll see lots of cute decorations outside shops and houses during fall. It’s magical to see the town at this time of the year.

You can browses the shops, visit Stowe Visitor Center to pick up maps, and buy few souvenirs! You can buy local artisan goods from the shops. Make sure to stop by The Country Store if you’re into kitchen goods. Shaw’s General Store and Stowe Country Store both are good for souvenirs!

I suggest popping at Lake Champlain Chocolates Store to taste their delicious chocolate. They serves delicious hot chocolate as well. Also, you can get a pic with colorful Welcome to STOWE Sign. They are are open Wednesday to Monday from 10 AM to 5 PM.

Grab Hot chocolate in one hand, and take the boardwalk towards the river. Your first stop will be Giles W. Dewey Memorial Bridge. The bridge serves as an excellent backdrop for photography with fall foliage and river views.

Keep walking on the Mountain Road, you’ll reach the “Salon Salon” which is basically an excellent place to view Stowe Community Church from far with gorgeous fall foliage backdrop and little river. This is a beautiful church situated in Stowe Village but it’s best to see it from a distance! You can also visit it from near on main street.

When you’re all done, head over to the picturesque red covered bridge, one of Vermont’s most photographed landmarks. The Covered bridges on river are iconic to New England States!

Next take a short hike to Moss Glen Falls,Vermont’s tallest waterfall. This easy trail is quick and scenic, and the waterfall is only a 0.25-mile from the trailhead!The hike is relatively easy (30 minutes) and the views are stunning.

If you hike to Moss Glen Falls and back, the trail should only take 30 minutes from the parking area. Once there, you can either view the falls from the base or from an overlook.

If you explore the bottom of the falls, wear waterproof shoes with good traction and be careful around the slippery rocks. Moreover, don’t stand close to the edge, it’s very dangerous!

If you choose to continue down the old woods road to the rest of the trail, the entire hike will take approximately 2-3 hours. 

Lunch in Stowe: For lunch, stop by Piecasso Pizzeria. This is the best pizza in Vermont. It looks like any old pizza parlor, but the menu goes beyond the traditional. Make sure to order the their garlic knots!

Afternoon

After lunch, take the scenic gondola ride to the top of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest Peak. The views are spectacular, especially with the fall foliage in full glory. Although this activity is pricey, But I think it’s worth the money–especially if this is your first time visiting Stowe.

Be prepared for 30-40 minutes of wait, but the panoramic vistas at the top are well worth the wait. It is one of the most popular attractions in Stowe. Therefore, I suggest reserving your tickets online here. During the winter, it functions as the ski lift at the resort!

The Gondola Skyride is open from Mid June to Mid October. But it’s best to check the website to see if they’re operating on that day. If it’s particularly bad weather, they do just down the Gondola for the day.

If you love hiking, you can opt for loop trail is 7.3 miles RT and takes around 5-6 hours to complete. The hike starts at the parking lot on Underhill State Park off of Mountain Road. You can just hike up to the Mt Mansfield, and you will get free gondola ride in return!

At the top, you can walk around, enjoy the colorful views, hike a bit or grab a waffle and hot drink in their waffle house. If you’re looking for lunch with a view, the Cliff House Restaurant, which is reservation only, is highly recommended.

Alternate Option: If Gondola ride isn’t you wish, you can drive Auto toll road which takes you to the top of Mt Mansfield. This is said to be one of Vermont’s more scenic drives! You can drive up and then go for hiking trails at the end of the toll road. We didn’t opt for this option. You need to pay fees $$ per Person, and open from July to December only. That’s quite expensive! but you can go for either option to enjoy fall foliage colors!

After descending from Mount Mansfield, you can stop at Percy Corn Maze for some fun! It is a family owned and operated dairy farm tucked into the beautiful hills of Stowe, Vermont. It’s great activity if you’re traveling with kids! You can also stop at Stowe Farmer’s Market that is open on Sunday.

Next, walk the Stowe Recreation Path which is a 5.3-mile paved walkway beginning in Stowe Village and stretching to Top Notch Resort along Mountain Road (Route 108). It’s open for walkers, runners, and bikers; however, motorized vehicles are not permitted. This beautiful trail goes over the river and through meadows and forests. 

To visit, look for the main entrance and Park your car at Lintilhac Park (next to Stowe Community Church). Moreover, there are additional access points and you can start at any point and walk the Part of it along the river.

As you make your way down, you’ll encounter stunning views of the mountains in fall and the West Branch of Little River. The trail ends at beautiful Covered Bridge called Brookdale Bridge.

As motorized vehicles are not permitted, the walk is peaceful and safe for families! It gives you the best riverside fall foliage views. So many people misses this main attraction of Stowe, Vermont in Fall.

One of the absolute must do things in Stowe during fall is Maple tasting! Take a short drive to Nebraska Knoll Sugar Farm. You’ll learn about maple syrup making and production at this small family run farm. Check the timings before your visit.This is quintessential Vermont experience you must not miss!

Evening

End your day with dinner at the Von Trapp Lodge Bierhall. Located within the scenic grounds of the Trapp Family Lodge, the Von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall offers a delightful fusion of Austrian and Vermont flavors with 360 degree views of fall foliage scenery.

Created by famous Von Trapp family that inspired “The Sound of Music,” this spot serves up traditional Austrian-style lagers brewed on-site, perfectly paired with hearty dishes like pretzels with beer cheese and grilled sandwiches.

🍁 Day 2 of Fall in Stowe, Vermont Itinerary

Morning to Afternoon

Start your morning with a delicious maple latte at Black Cap Coffee in downtown Stowe OR get hearty breakfast at The Butler’s Pantry. Their Pancakes and French Toast with Vermont maple syrup is best!

After Breakfast drive to through the legendary Smuggler’s Notch. This narrow, winding road curves around boulders and is one of the most scenic fall foliage drive in Vermont. This beautiful road runs through the Green Mountains on Route 108 starting near Stowe Mountain Resort and ends at Jeffersonville,Vermont.

The Drive is short but there are plenty of places to pull over to take in the view and explore the Park. Moreover, there are so many hiking trails off the road from easy to moderate difficulty. I highly recommend to hike Bingham Falls for perfect fall foliage hike.

I highly recommend driving the whole route and visit the Grist Mill Covered Bridge in the end. You can also get maple creme at Vermont Maple outlet nearby to end your beautiful drive.

The road is one of the top places to see fall foliage Vermont, so I highly recommend doing it early in the morning to bit the traffic.

After the scenic drive, head to Waterbury, Vermont. Waterbury is one of the top day trips from Stowe, where you can visit Ben & Jerry’s Factory . It’s just 30 minutes drive on route 15 via Jericho, VT. Ben & Jerry’s is one of the most famous Ice Cream of the United States and it is right here near Stowe.

Take the Guided Factory tour, and learn more about the Company’s history and Ice Cream making Process. The tour ends with some samples at their Scoop Shop. It’s very popular experience and often sell out fast, make sure to book in advance!

Besides touring the factory and sampling the latest flavors, you can also pay your respects to the past flavors. The “Flavor Graveyard” is a testament to previous creations that are no longer available but provide an essential part of the brand’s legacy!

The Factory and Scoop Shop are open daily from 10 AM to 7 PM.

Note: Avoid driving via Stowe main town to avoid the traffic when going to waterbury from Jeffersonville. Instead take back road RT 15 to Jericho, then I-89 to Waterbury. This route will take you through through Apple orchards, cute farms with fall foliage backdrops, and Maple Sugar Works. Stop wherever you like on this drive for perfect fall things to do in Stowe!

You can grab your Lunch in Waterbury. This small town often overlooked by many but it has so much to offer!

Afternoon to Evening

It wouldn’t be fall without some apples, right? Head to Cold Hollow Cider Mill, a charming family-owned cider mill in Waterbury, VT, where you can sample Vermont’s fresh apple cider and shop for locally-made souvenirs. I really loved this experience!

Watch the cider-making in factory, try a freshly made warm apple cider donut, or grab lunch in the at their Cafe. And lastly don’t miss their hard apple cider flights if you aren’t driving! So, if you’d like to try a flight, head to the on-site Tasting Room, open from 11 AM to 6 PM.

While here, make sure to peruse the market and gift shop. You can find various Vermont goods here, including maple syrup, jams, preserves, cheeses, and more.

After the late lunch, drive towards Stowe and make a brief stop at Historic Gold Brook Covered Bridge Aka Haunted Emily’s Bridge! Apparently, a young woman named Emily fell in love with a wealthier person during the 1850s. The man’s family disapproved of the match due to Emily’s lowly status.

After a failed attempt to elope, Emily leaped into the Gold Brook from this location. Her ghost is said to haunt the covered bridge to this day. This is must visit in Stowe, Vermont!

During evening, after the long day of driving and exploring, you can end your day with catching a golden hour at Sunset Rock. It only takes around 15-20 minutes to hike up the overlook which rewards you with a view of the town and Mount Mansfield! This is perfect way to end your day to see fall in Stowe, Vermont.

Dinner in Stowe: Finish your day with dinner at Idletyme Brewing Co. Enjoy a variety of locally brewed beers and hearty dishes. The Vermont cheddar fritters and Flower Child Burger are absolutely delicious here!

If you prefer cider to beer, visit Stowe Cider. They create blends mixed with different varieties of fruit and the venue often hosts live music acts.

Where to Eat in Stowe, Vermont

There are plenty of dining options in Stowe, and most of them had a casual atmosphere even if the food was more upscale. You can literally enjoy book beautiful outdoor seating to eat and enjoy the the Fall weather!

Here are few of best restaurants to check out in Stowe:

• Piecasso Pizza
• Cliff House
• American Flatbread
• The Avocado Pit
• The Bench
• Arandas Mexican Cuisine

Best Places to have Coffee/Breakfast:

• Black Cap Coffee & bakery
• Cafe on Main
• The Green Goddess Cafe
• Butler’s Pantry
• The Skinny Pancake

Bars/Breweries:

• Apres Only
• Cork
• Idletyme
• Fjallbar

More than 2 days in Stowe?

If you have more time in Stowe, check out one more charming village of Vermont in Fall. Take a day trip to beautiful Woodstock, Vermont. Voted as one of the most beautiful small towns in the United States, and it’s only a one-hour and 20-minute drive from Stowe!

Some of the top attractions in Woodstock, Vermont include Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park, Billings Farm & Museum, Middle Covered Bridge, and historic Woodstock village. You’ll also love visiting Sugarbush Farm to taste some local maple syrup and cheese.

When visiting Woodstock village, park near The Green (the main square) and exploring the unique shops, restaurants, and cafés in town.

There is so much to see, eat and do in Stowe, Vermont! I hope this guide inspires you to plan your Fall road trip to Stowe!

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