When autumn rolls into Vermont, there’s one place that travelers, photographers, and foliage-lovers all flock to—Stowe.

It’s the heart of every guide on the Best Things To Do in Stowe, Vermont in the Fall, and for good reason.

Known as the “Fall Color Capital” of New England, this small mountain town transforms into a postcard-perfect wonderland as September fades into October.

Picture rolling hills covered in fiery red sugar maples, golden birches lining quiet country roads, and misty mornings that open into crisp, sun-washed afternoons—exactly the kind of landscape that defines the Best Things To Do in Stowe, Vermont in the Fall.

Add in cozy cafés, historic covered bridges, charming apple orchards, and the majestic rise of Vermont’s tallest peak, and you’ve got a destination that feels tailor-made for autumn adventures.

But while Stowe’s beauty is undeniable, visiting during peak foliage season can also be tricky. Trails get crowded, parking lots fill up quickly, and weather conditions can shift in minutes.

That’s why this guide doesn’t just list the prettiest hikes and scenic drives it gives you real, practical solutions to the challenges travelers actually face.

Whether it’s how to beat the gondola lines, where to park when the trailhead lot is full, what to pack if the summit turns icy, or even what to do if it rains all day, you’ll find clear answers here.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll cover the 25 best things to do in Stowe, Vermont in the fall from world-class hikes on Mount Mansfield to cider tastings, spa escapes, family-friendly farms, and secret photography spots.

Each section is packed with insider tips, timing strategies, and local advice so you can make the most of every crisp autumn day.

So, grab your flannel, lace up your boots, and let’s dive into the most comprehensive fall travel guide to Stowe you’ll find anywhere. By the end, you’ll not only know where to go you’ll know how to do it right.

Quick orientation: Stowe is one of New England’s most iconic fall destinations a compact, charming village at the foot of Mount Mansfield with easy access to scenic drives, hikes, family-friendly farms, covered bridges, breweries, and mountain gondolas.

Peak foliage often occurs in late September to early October (timing varies by elevation). Better Homes & Gardens

This guide lists 25 hand-picked experiences with detailed directions, when to go, what to pack,

how to solve common problems (crowds, parking, poor weather, cell/GPS issues, trail safety), and bite-sized itineraries so you can mix and match a weekend or extended stay.

shop my travel essentials on amazon

1. Ride the Stowe Gondola SkyRide — instant mountain views without the climb

Why go: The Gondola SkyRide (also called the Gondola) takes you high up Stowe Mountain Resort for panoramic fall color without the steep hike.

The summit area has lookouts, short walks, on-mountain dining options, and excellent photo ops. Great for mixed-ability groups or to warm up a day of exploring.

When to go: Midweek mornings are best to avoid lines. Last two weeks of September first two weeks of October are prime colors at varying elevations.

How to solve common problems

• Crowds/lines: Buy tickets online in advance if the resort offers reservations weekends fill fast. Aim for first gondola run or late afternoon for golden light.
• Weather: Mountain summit can be much colder and windier. Bring a windbreaker and a warm hat. If fog closes the gondola (rare but possible), have a backup plan Stowe Village stroll + café hop.
• Accessibility: Gondola is an excellent option for non-hikers or families with small kids.

Nearby tips: Combine with a short summit walk or lunch at the Cliff House for a spectacular meal with a view.

2. Hike Mount Mansfield — the Long Trail & ridgeline (the “must-do” hike)

Why go: Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak. The Long Trail crosses the ridge; the views of fall carpeted slopes are unforgettable.

Trails range from steep, challenging scrambles to moderate approaches; pick based on fitness and experience.

Top trail options

• Higley Trail to summit: Shorter but steep with technical sections.
• Toll Road / Auto Toll + short hike: A less strenuous option (where available seasonally).
• Long Trail from Underhill/Notch: Classic ridge traverse.

Safety & real-time problem solving

• Trail conditions: High-elevation trails can be muddy, icy, or dangerously slick after rain. Check local trail reports and recent weather. Bring microspikes in early/late fall.
• Navigation: Cell service can be spotty on ridgelines — download offline maps (e.g., Gaia, AllTrails offline map) and carry a paper map or screenshot.
• Timing: Start early; mountain weather can change fast. Carry headlamp if there’s any chance you’ll finish at dusk.
• Gear: Layered clothing, waterproof shell, sturdy boots with ankle support, trekking poles, water (1L per 2–3 hours), snacks, and a small first-aid kit.
• Parking & shuttle: Trailhead parking fills early on peak foliage days. Consider carpooling, arriving before 8am, or using local shuttles if available.

3. Drive Smugglers’ Notch (Route 108) — one of Vermont’s most scenic byways

Why go: Route 108 through Smugglers’ Notch slices between towering cliffs and is especially dramatic in fall.

It’s a short drive with multiple pullouts and quick hikes. Perfect if you want brilliant color from the comfort of your car.

When to go: Weekdays and early mornings are quieter. Midweek late Sept–early Oct combine great color with easier parking.

Know before you go

• Road closures: Route 108 can close seasonally in winter and sometimes for maintenance. Check VTrans updates if traveling shoulder season.
• Narrow mountain sections: Drive slow; large RVs/trailers might not fit comfortably in narrow stretches.
• Parking: Use designated pullouts. Never park where you’ll block traffic.

Pro tip: people also read

• Maine in the Fall: A Guide to the 7 Best Leaf-Peeping Locations
• Best Stops on the Kancamagus Highway in the Fall
• 10 Hidden Gems in Oklahoma Perfect for a Fall Getaway

4. Walk or bike the Stowe Recreation Path — easy, scenic, and family-friendly

Why go: The Recreation Path is a paved, accessible path that winds along the Little River with mountain views, bridges, and access to cafés and parks.

It’s a perfect morning activity for families, cyclists, or anyone wanting an easy leaf-peeping route.

Tips

• Rentals & logistics: Many local shops rent bikes and e-bikes reserve in advance on busy weekends.
• Bathrooms & cafés: The path connects to restaurants and public facilities in town plan rest stops, especially with kids.
• Dog rules: Dogs are common but must be leashed; bring waste bags.

5. Visit the Trapp Family Lodge — Austrian charm and mountain activities

Why go: The von Trapp family (yes, that von Trapp family) built this Austrian-style lodge outside Stowe.

In fall you can do guided tours, hikes, disc golf, or simply sip beer in the biergarten while watching leaves change. The property’s landscape and mountain views are lovely.

Practical tips

• Tours & dining: Book tours and dining ahead; the lodge gets busy on peak foliage weekends.
• Activities: Horse-drawn carriage rides, mountain biking, and guided nature walks typically run in fall check the lodge’s activity calendar.
• Best photo spots: The meadow with the lodge and distant ridgeline is a classic composition.

6. Explore Stowe Village — cafés, shops, galleries, and bakeries

Why go: Stowe Village is compact and walkable.

It’s ideal for leaf-peeping from benches, grabbing a pastry, checking local craft shops, and enjoying low-key cultural attractions.

Must-dos

• Coffee & bakery crawl: Start early at places like Stowe Bee Bakery or local cafés to beat the mid-morning rush.
• Shopping: Look for local craft goods, outdoor shops, and Vermont-made foods.
• Timing: Mid-morning or late afternoon when tour buses are less frequent.

Crowd & parking hacks

• Parking: Village lots can fill use outlying lots and walk in, or stay in a centrally located B&B so you don’t need a car daily.
• Restrooms & shelter: Many shops and cafés allow customers to use restrooms good to know on colder, wet days.

7. Visit Stowe’s covered bridges — Gold Brook (Emily’s Bridge), Brookdale, and Red Covered Bridge

Why go: Covered bridges are quintessential New England fall imagery.

Stowe has a handful with interesting lore Gold Brook (Emily’s Bridge) is famous locally for ghost stories and great photo ops.

Tips

• Access & parking: Most bridges are roadside with small shoulder parking use care when pulling over.
• Photography: Soft morning light and light fog can give moody shots; bring a polarizer to cut glare on wet leaves.
• Respect private property: Some bridges are on or near private roads obey posted signs.

8. Apple picking, cider tastings, and farm visits — harvest season fun

Why go: Nothing says fall like a local orchard.

Stowe and nearby towns host u-pick orchards, cider mills, and farm stores with pumpkins, pies, and pressed cider.

Practical hints

• Check u-pick availability: Call ahead or check orchards’ websites harvest timing changes year to year.
• Packing: Bring boxes or cooler for apples if you plan to travel long distances; apples bruise easily.
• Combine with lunch: Many farms have food trucks or farm-to-table stands great for a leisurely afternoon.

9. Sample local breweries & cideries — Vermont craft scene

Why go: Vermont is beer and cider country.

Stowe and nearby Waterbury offer cozy taprooms and brewery tours. Sample saisons, IPAs, barrel-aged stouts, and crisp Vermont cider after a day of hiking.

Safety tip: If sampling multiple locations, use a driver, taxi, or rideshare. Book dinners after your brewery stops if you’re taste-testing don’t drink on an empty stomach.

10. Drive a curated leaf-peeping loop — maximize variety and minimize traffic

Suggested loop (half-day)

• Start in Stowe Village → drive Mountain Road and stop for views → Route 100 south for valley vistas → connect to Smugglers’ Notch (if open) → return via Route 108 or alternate back roads.

Tips

• Avoid one-way bottlenecks: Many visitors stick to the most famous road; alternate loops can be quieter and equally beautiful.
• Fuel & supplies: Fill gas and pack snacks; some backroads lack amenities.

11. Eat well: recommendations & reservations

Why go: After long walks and drives, you’ll want hearty New England fare: farm-to-table restaurants, wood-fired pizzas, and seasonal menus featuring local apples, squash, and game.

Top names to consider (check current reviews/reservations): Plate, Hen of the Wood, Doc Ponds, Solstice.

Real-time food problem solving

• No reservations available: Try an earlier or later seating or takeout and picnic near a scenic pullout.
• Dietary needs: Vermont restaurants are generally allergy-aware but call ahead if you have strict restrictions.

12. Fall photography: sunrise & sunset checklist

Best times: Golden hour — roughly an hour after sunrise and before sunset. Valleys fill with morning mist on cool days — great for dramatic photos.

Practical photo tips

• Gear: Wide-angle for landscapes, 70–200mm for compressing ridgelines, tripod for low light, polarizing filter for saturated leaves.
• Composition: Include a foreground element (fence, covered bridge, barn) to give scale.
• Weather: Cloudy days can produce evenly lit foliage; do not fear overcast.

13. Take a guided foliage or history tour

Why go: Guides provide local lore, best vistas, and insider timing (where leaf color is at peak). Tours can save time and parking hassle.

How to choose

• Small-group tours give more flexibility; check whether hotels or visitor centers recommend particular operators.
• Ask about cancellation policies for weather-sensitive tours.

14. Horseback & carriage rides — slow and scenic

Why go: A horse-drawn carriage through a leaf-strewn road is a classic, romantic fall experience great for couples or families wanting a relaxed pace.

Book ahead, as slots fill on peak weekends. Bring layers it gets chilly on open rides.

15. Mountain biking & e-biking — explore more ground, less sweat

Why go: Stowe has trails for various abilities.

E-bikes let you cover ridgelines and roads with less effort, opening up more viewpoints in a day.

Safety & logistics

• Trail etiquette: Yield to hikers, announce passes, and check local rules for e-bike access.
• Rentals: Reserve early e-bikes especially go fast on high-demand weekends.

16. Spa & wellness day — recover after big trails

Why go: After a big hike a massage, sauna, or hot tub helps reset sore muscles. Several local inns and lodges offer spa services book mid-week if possible.

Tip: Look for packages that combine spa with local dining vouchers for a restful day.

17. Art galleries & craft markets — bring home Vermont-made goods

Why go: Fall weekends often host craft fairs, artisan markets, and gallery openings perfect for buying gifts and supporting local makers.

Practical tip: Bring flexible payment methods smaller vendors may prefer cash though most accept cards.

18. Seasonal festivals, lantern tours & special events

Why go: Fall programming can include harvest festivals, lantern tours, craft shows, and farmers’ markets.

These are great ways to feel local culture in a short visit.

Pro tip: Check the official Stowe events calendar (GoStowe) and book tickets for special events early they can sell out on peak weekends.

19. Nearby day hikes beyond Mount Mansfield: Camel’s Hump, Sterling Pond, and scenic cascades

Why go: If you want variety, day trips to Camel’s Hump or Sterling Pond are beautiful and less crowded than summit trails on extremely busy weekends.

Notes

• Camel’s Hump is a classic Vermont hike steep but rewarding.
• Sterling Pond is a moderate hike with reflective water perfect for photography.
• Trail conditions: Always check local trail association updates.

20. Birding & wildlife watching — dawn/dusk rewards

Why go: Fall migration and local wildlife activity make early mornings productive for birdwatchers warblers, hawks, and sometimes moose in quieter drainage areas.

Tips

• Quiet approach: Use binoculars and stay on marked paths.
• Safety: Be cautious about ticks and bring insect repellent and long socks.

21. Cooking classes, cheese tastings & Vermont food experiences

Why go: Vermont’s culinary identity (cheese, maple, craft beer, farm-to-table) shines in small classes or farm tastings.

Great for rainy days or culinary-minded travelers.

Real-world tip: Book classes ahead and check cancellation policies for minimum participants.

22. Air tours & balloons — big-picture foliage

Why go: Hot-air balloon flights or small scenic air tours give an incomparable aerial perspective.

Book with reputable operators; flights depend heavily on wind and weather.

Problem solving: Weather cancellations are common; plan balloon day early in your trip so you can rebook on another morning.

23. Short drives to neighboring towns — Waterbury, Morrisville, Stowe’s region

Why go: Nearby towns host attractions like brewing meccas, the Ben & Jerry’s factory (in nearby Waterbury), or more scenic backroads.

A half-day drive expands your options.

Tip: Combine with a farm visit or lunch in Waterbury for more variety.

24. Family-friendly activities — farms, petting zoos, and kid-oriented trails

Why go: Stowe is very family-friendly: hands-on farm visits, easy nature walks, and kid-friendly museums offer options when adults want to hike.

Planning tip: Bring layers for kids, snacks, and small activity kits to keep young ones engaged on longer drives.

25. Practical Basecamp: Where to stay, parking, crowds, and what to pack (The real-time troubleshooting checklist)

Where to base yourself

• Stowe Village / Downtown: Walkable, best for restaurants and shops.
• Mountain-area lodges (Stowe Mountain Resort / Von Trapp / ski lodges): Great if you want proximity to hikes and gondola access; more expensive.
• Budget & mid-range inns / B&Bs: Book early for peak foliage weekends.

Parking hacks

• Arrive early (before 9am) for trailhead and village parking.
• Use public lots and avoid blocking shoulders.
• Reserve lodging with parking or ask your inn about shuttle services.

Crowds & timing

• Peak foliage weekends are busiest: plan weekdays if possible.
• Early morning and late afternoon yield best light and fewer people for photos.

What to pack (fall essentials)

• Layers: base layer + insulating mid-layer + wind/waterproof shell
• Comfortable hiking boots (waterproof)
• Microspikes/traction devices (if early/late season)
• Daypack with water, snacks, small first-aid kit, map, headlamp
• Portable phone charger & offline maps pre-downloaded
• Warm hat & gloves for summit areas
• Camera, tripod, polarizer (photography)
• Reusable water bottle and food for remote days

Solving common real-time problems

• If it rains: Do museum/gallery crawl, brewery tasting, Trapp Lodge indoor activities, or a spa day.
• If trails are closed or foggy: Drive Smugglers’ Notch scenic route; lower-elevation Recreation Path is often clearer.
• If your car battery dies after a long cold day: Keep jumper cables, or get a small portable jump starter. Many rental companies provide roadside assistance — record the number in your phone.
• If you miss the last gondola or it closes for weather: Have a backup plan — dinner in the village, or warm indoor activities; don’t attempt steep descents in the dark.
• If you encounter GPS errors: Keep printed directions or a downloaded map; cell coverage can be patchy on ridgelines.
• If parking lots are full: Drive to the next lot, look for public parking with shuttle service, or time your visit earlier/later.
• If you’re short on cash: Most places accept cards but small vendors sometimes prefer cash; keep a small amount just in case.

Sample itineraries (2-day, 3-day, family-friendly weekend)

2-day quick-foliage weekend (best-of)

Day 1 morning: Stroll Stowe Village → coffee + bakery → Stowe Recreation Path.
Day 1 afternoon: Gondola SkyRide + short summit walk → late lunch at Cliff House / lodge.
Day 1 evening: Dinner in town.
Day 2 morning: Early hike Mount Mansfield Long Trail or a shorter exposed ridge hike → picnic.
Day 2 afternoon: Drive Smugglers’ Notch & covered bridges → apple picking and cider tasting.
Why this works: Mix of easy & epic; you get mountain views, village atmosphere, and scenic driving.

3-day active weekend

Day 1: Arrival, village + brewery crawl, spa treatment.
Day 2: Mount Mansfield hike (day trip), summit views, post-hike recovery.
Day 3: E-bike rental & Stowe Recreation Path → Trapp Family Lodge visit → covered bridges.

Family-friendly weekend

Day 1: Stowe Recreation Path, kid-friendly museum or farm, early dinner.
Day 2: Short family hike to Sterling Pond or stroll around Von Trapp Lodge, carriage ride.
Day 3: Apple picking + corn maze + scenic drive home.

Safety & environmental responsibility

• Leave no trace: Pack out what you bring; stick to marked trails to protect fragile alpine plants.
• Wildlife: Keep distance; store food securely.
• Ticks & mosquitoes: Use repellent and do tick checks after hikes.
• Trail erosion & trail closures: Respect signs; they exist to protect both you and the environment.

Five load-bearing facts & sources (quick citations)

1. Stowe is a premier New England fall foliage destination; peak is often late September–early October.
2. The Stowe Gondola SkyRide offers easy access to mountain viewpoints and on-mountain dining.
3. Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak and is accessible via the Long Trail and other routes. Hikes range from moderate to very challenging.
4. Stowe Recreation Path is a paved, popular, family-friendly route with access to restaurants and lodgings.
5. Stowe has several historic covered bridges (Gold Brook/Emily’s Bridge, Brookdale, Red Covered Bridge) that are popular fall photo stops.

(These five citations back up the biggest practical claims in the guide.

For event schedules, trail conditions, and real-time closures, check the local Stowe visitor site or the specific operator before you go.)

Final tips — how to get the most out of your Stowe fall trip

• Plan flexibly: Weather and leaf peaking vary year to year have indoor and alternate outdoor plans.
• Book early: Lodging, special tours, and popular restaurants fill quickly during peak foliage weekends.
• Arrive early: For trails, gondola slots, and village parking. Early morning light is also the best for photos.
• Talk to locals: Visitor centers, innkeepers, and shop staff often know which ridge has peak color that day.
• Respect the season: Fall is a high demand time; be courteous on narrow roads and trails.