Best Fall Weekend in Stowe, Vermont: Hikes, Scenic Spots, & More!
Welcome to the adventurer’s guide to Stowe, Vermont in the fall! Here you’ll find the best and more secret places to visit this fall in Stowe. Avoid super busy spots like we did while getting the best views in town!
Perfect Stowe hike for sunset โ๏ธ
Lots of scenic spots for photos ๐ธ
The 3rd hike on this list! โฐ๏ธ
If you search for the best things to do in Stowe in fall, you’ll find similar recommendations over and over. These include riding the gondola, driving Smugglers’ Notch, visiting the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, etc, etc.
Those places might be popular for a reason – or maybe it’s because everyone is reading the same things. But there’s so much more to see and do in and around Stowe!
If you look elsewhere AND hit the popular spots AT THE RIGHT TIME – you’ll have an even better experience in Stowe this fall. ๐ค๐ฝ
Don’t squeeze into the crowds during the busiest part of the day. Here I share where to go and sometimes, more importantly, when.

Main Street in Stowe
Covered bridge in downtown Stowe โ๏ธ
I’ve lived in New England my whole life and have been exploring Vermont for decades. For years I watched as people would share on social media about Stowe in the fall.
I finally booked the trip to see what all the fuss was about. ๐ Once here, I wanted to do things my way. So I made it a mission to find the best of Stowe that people didn’t know about or often mention.
So many barns, so fun to see!
The orange trees ๐งก
In this guide, I compiled a collection of the best spots and things to do in and around Stowe. You’ll find morning walks with views, the highest rated coffee shops, amazing hikes, and scenic photo spots.
I also include a sample 3 day weekend itinerary to follow if you want help putting it all together! So let’s get to it – I think you’ll love experiencing fall in Stowe the way we did!
Fall Guide to Stowe, VT (Without the Crowds!)
๐ก Quick Planning Tip: Plan to arrive in Stowe the night before so you can take advantage of the quieter morning hours! We drove up after work Friday so we could start fresh Saturday morning. Getting places either early from 7-9am or from 4:30-6pm while everyone is sitting inside a restaurant is best. ๐คซ
๐ฅพ 3 Must-Do Morning Walks in Stowe ๐
๐ธ Tip: Sunrise is between 6:30 and 7am in October in Stowe. Arriving to walk just after this time (from 7-9am) will cast the foliage in the best possible light. It will also be more enjoyable and less crowded. If you need your coffee first, keep scrolling – there’s a section for that! ๐โ๏ธ Take your breakfast to go and let’s get walking!
1. Wiessner Woods Loop (Stowe Land Trust)


Wide, well-maintained paths
Such a fun part of the hike! Little fairy village.
What a way to start the day! We pulled into the lot on a Sunday at 9am (which isn’t even that early!) and got a spot in the lot. We saw maybe one other group while we hiked. This tells me that Weissner Woods is an underrated and more secret spot in Stowe! ๐คซ
The Wiessner Woods loop is just 2 miles and 200 feet of elevation gain. It’s an easy to moderate walk through forests and meadows. Take the loop clockwise so you reach the open meadow first and see the views in the best light.
I suggest downloading a map of the trail or taking a picture of it. You’ll be taking the Meadow Trail to Hardwood Ridge Trail, then taking the Sugar House Loop back to the start. Have fun! ๐๐๐ธ
2. Sunset Rock (walking distance from Main St in Stowe!)

Small view shortly into the hike
Fun signs on the trees
Sunset Rock packs a lot of scenery into just 1 mile. Given its name and ease to get to top, I’m sure it gets busy as the day goes on. That’s why doing it in the morning with your coffee is the perfect time!
We parked along Main Street at 8:30am and walked to the trailhead at the end of Sunset Street.
This hike has two different viewpoints. One view is over Stowe Village with views of the town and white steeple church in distance. Then there’s the panoramic view at the Upper Overlook with Mount Mansfield in the distance.
There is a little elevation (~330 feet half a mile, a little steep!) it seems like a great trail for families. The paths are well maintained and there are little wooden paintings on many of the trees along the path of different forest animals and scenes. I imagine they could encourage little ones to keep going and stay entertained. ๐
3. Mills Riverside Park (about 35 min west of Stowe in Jericho, VT)
Morning time is so beautiful! ๐

Another way to avoid crowded trails in Stowe is to, yup, pick a hike just outside of it! We were camping at Little River Campground which was already west of Stowe making this walk perfect for us.
Even if you’re staying in Stowe, Mills Riverside Park is 100% worth checking out. Do you see these views?! And they are EASY to get because the trails are mostly through flat meadows!
There are miles of trails here and even a designated OFF LEASH area/trail for dogs which our dog loved. We met many friendly people and pups with their dogs roaming while under their control. It seems like a great community of regulars. Take the trails on the left closest to the river where you can see Mount Mansfield in the distance! โฐ๏ธ
โ๏ธ 3 Amazing Cafes & Breakfast Spots in Stowe ๐ณ
โ๏ธTip: I love my coffee and I’m very picky about it! I searched and researched and tested – and the 3 spots listed below have been approved! We took our breakfast to go so we could get a head start exploring Stowe before the crowds. ๐ ๐
1. The Roastery: Movement Coffee Roasters + Bakery
- ๐1815 Pucker St, Stowe
- โ Coffee and Breakfast
The Roastery is sure to impress you! It’s currently sitting at 5.0 stars โญ๏ธ on Google with almost 400 reviews.
The Roastery is located just east of the busy downtown hub. If you’re hungry, not to worry – there are breakfast sandwiches (like a buttermilk biscuit with egg & cheese ๐ฑ). There are lunch options too if you get here closer to noon. Either way, I’m sure there is something for you!
2. Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea
- ๐11 Cabin Lane in Waterbury Center, VT (minutes west of downtown Stowe)
- โ Coffee, Teas, Baked goods


I love how Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea is just outside of downtown Stowe. It makes a less crowded place to start the day. It also has a large outdoor space with tables so there’s lots of room to roam here.
They call themselves a European-style coffee bar and they roast their own coffee in their Big Red Coffee Barn. They have an amazing selection of teas as well and then several baked treats to choose from! No big breakfasts here.
3. Woodland Baking & Coffee
- ๐394 Mountain Rd, Stowe (walking distance from downtown Stowe)
- โ Coffee, Breakfast, Baked goods, oh my!


The biscuit egg n’ cheese! So good.
Woodland Baking calls itself Stowe’s locally sourced bakery & coffee shop. I love how it’s walking distance (if you’d like to walk) from downtown Stowe along Mountain Road.
I LOVED the egg and cheese on a buttermilk biscuit. ๐ฑ They also have amazing baked treats and it’s hard to pick just one. You won’t regret starting your morning here! ๐
๐ธ 6 Scenic Photo Spots Around Stowe ๐
๐ธ Tip: A trip to Stowe is not complete if you’re not driving around and stopping for fall photos. Your camera roll will be filled up with all the scenic spots on this list! Again, best light for foliage is the 2 hours after sunrise and the 2 hours before sunset (AKA “golden hour”).
1. Grand View Farm Barn



Wow, we had an unforgettable time taking photos at this Stowe barn. And we were the only ones here for most of the time! It might be swarmed during the day but now you know when to visit and avoid a crowded experience.
My suggestion would be to go at sunset time or golden hour (the hour+ before sunset) for the best light. We were also here when the full moon was rising behind the mountain ridge behind the barn. ๐ Epic!
2. Covered Bridge on Mountain Rd (Downtown Stowe)
Find the Giles W Dewey Bridge at the intersection of Main St (Rt 100) and Mountain Rd (Rt 108). Alongside Little River, it’s an easy place to walk and take pictures in Stowe.
You can find a place to park anywhere on either Rt 100 or Rt 108. Make a day of it and pop into the little shops in Stowe along the way!
3. Trapp Family Lodge & Resort


If you’re visiting Stowe in fall heading to the Trapp Family Lodge for photos is a must! We came here midday and it was a bit crowded. But since the lodge sits on a whopping 2,600 acres – there is room to roam!
Driving along Trapp Hill Road and find a place to park in one of the huge parking lots by the resort. You can book a tour, purchase a day pass to hike the trails, visit the farm animals, or grab a bite at the on site bakery or von Trapp Bierhall! ๐ป
4. Barnes Hill Road

This street is just jaw dropping – especially just before sunset or after sunrise! There are lots of views along the drive but I loved this big red barn the most. The golden light at sunset made it glow extra red which is such a sight in the fall. ๐โค๏ธ
5. Waterbury Reservoir
If you’re up for a little adventure and don’t mind a 30 minute drive from Stowe, I’d HIGHLY recommend visiting Waterbury Reservoir. It provides EASY fall foliage views in Mount Mansfield State Forest.
I loved getting here for sunrise time and watching the fog rise from the lake. It is a PERFECT view for fall and a huge parking lot right there for easy access.
6. Barrows Road

This was another fun discovery during our trip to Stowe. I highly suggest you make time to just drive around and see what you discover, too!
Enjoy wide open field with mountains in the background along Barrows Road. Fall views that you don’t have to hike for! ๐๐ฏ
7. Stowe Farmers Market
I was so happy we were here on a weekend when we could visit Stowe’s Farmers Market! Located on Mountain Road (Rt 108) and running on Sundays only late May to October 18th. Click here to check dates for this year!
I loved walking around and checking out all the different vendors. There’s locally made products and crafts to tons of food trucks and even a live band! Have fun and take in the scene on the green with the white tents and Vermont mountains in the distance.
8. Main Street, Downtown Stowe

Downtown Stowe is exactly what you’d picture when you think of a classic Vermont village. Main Street (where Rt 100 meets Rt 108) is lined with cozy cafรฉs, local boutiques, restaurants, and historic buildings.
It gets busy during peak foliage season, so visit early when shops open or later in the day just before dinner. You’ll want to take some photos as the autumn colored hills make the perfect backdrop for this charming town.
๐ฅพ Top 3 Hikes in Stowe โฐ๏ธ
If you are up for an adventure then you’ll love one of the hikes on this list! I’ve done them all and loved the views at each. Lace up your sturdy hiking boots and let’s go!
1. Mount Mansfield (15 minutes from Stowe)
Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s tallest peak AND it happens to be super close to Stowe! So if you’re an avid hiker and are interested in tackling a big one – Mount Mansfield is for you!
I wrote a post dedicated to hiking Mount Mansfield since there are many routes to the top. So check it out โก๏ธ Guide to Hiking Mount Mansfield ๐ and see which trail a good fit for you!
2. Stowe Pinnacle

- ๐ฅพMiles & Difficulty: 3.3 miles, Moderate
- ๐Elevation Gain: 1,062 ft
- ๐Parking: Click here to navigate to Pinnacle Mountain Trailhead with parking all along top of Pinnacle Meadow Rd
- ๐Highlights: Meadow view 0.5 miles in, and big westerly facing views at the very top
- ๐บ๏ธ AllTrails link
Rather than starting a hike midday when trailheads are busiest, we started the hike at 4:15pm. This was the best decision for this popular (for good reason!) hike in Stowe.
As many people were finishing their hikes, parking spaces along Pinnacle Meadow Road were opening up. We were able to park without any trouble! We immediately noticed the trail felt much less hectic than it must have been just a couple hours earlier.
For an easier option with a view, you can just hike half a mile from the trailhead. The wide gravel path takes you to a beautiful overlook with views north. We saw families with young children and plenty of people enjoying the view here before turning around.
If you’re up for a little more elevation and want the big mountain views, continue on like we did to the summit of Stowe Pinnacle.
Tip: There are 2 different 3+ mile trails to Stowe Pinnacle. We hiked the Stowe Pinnacle via Pinnacle Meadow Trail which has significantly less elevation than the Stowe Pinnacle Trail which starts from Upper Hollow Road.
3. Vista Peak and Bolton Firetower (35 minutes west of Stowe)
View from the lookout tower. ๐
Walk up the ski mountain! Great workout
- ๐ฅพMiles & Difficulty: 3.2 miles, Moderate
- ๐Elevation Gain: 1,026 ft
- ๐Parking: Click here to navigate to large parking lot at base of The Inn at Bolton Valley
- ๐Highlights: Views facing west along the way plus 360-degree views from Bolton Firetower
- ๐บ๏ธ AllTrails link
I LOVED this hike. It is totally worth the 30+ minutes from Stowe – or maybe even closer depending on where you’re staying.
We hiked here in time to see the sunset from Bolton Firetower at the top and the almost full moon was also coming up in the east. I took so many pictures…
And since you’re just outside of Stowe here you get to avoid the crowds. We saw some people hiking here even later in the day – but it felt like it was a hike known and loved by locals. Maybe the other people were tourists like us but to me this hike felt like finding a local hidden gem.


And since the trail takes you up a ski mountain ๐ most of the trails are wide paths. Nothing too technical (which makes walking out with a headlamp doable) just a nice, steady uphill walk.
The foliage here was unreal. There were huge sections of orange trees, swaths of fiery red, and tall dark green pine trees intermixed among them all.
This hike gave a break from the bustle of Stowe in the fall. I can still feel the peace and awe I felt on the trail when I think about it. If you can’t tell – I strongly suggest this one! ๐
Where to Eat in Stowe ๐ฏ
You’re probably thinking – Ok, Kristen that’s a lot of activity, I’m getting hungry! And me too! No adventurer’s guide to Stowe is complete without mentioning places to refuel. Here’s what I loved while there:
Edelweiss Mountain Deli (open daily 10:30am – 6pm)
The turkey sandwich with stuffing and cranberry mayo! Wow โค๏ธ
Route 100 in downtown Stowe obviously gets packed and backed up with traffic with people descending on the town for the afternoon. The well-loved and rated Edelweiss Mountain Deli is just outside of the tightly packed downtown area on Rt 108.
I ordered the roasted turkey sandwich loaded with turkey, stuffing, cranberry sauce, and mayo, and it was basically everything you could want in a fall lunch. It was huge, incredibly fresh, and the perfect meal before an afternoon hike.
One tip that made a big difference: if you’re staying north or west of downtown like we were, try approaching Edelweiss from the northern end of Mountain Road instead of driving into Stowe on Route 100. We found it much easier to avoid the slow-moving line of traffic that builds through downtown during peak foliage season.
Butler’s Pantry
If you’re looking for a cozy dinner after a full day of exploring, Butler’s Pantry is a great choice right in downtown Stowe. It has one of the highest ratings on Google (4.7 stars ๐) so be sure to make a reservation!
Housed in a charming historic building, it serves fresh, made-from-scratch comfort food including steaks, fresh seafood, burgers, salads, and seasonal specials, making it the perfect place to relax and refuel after a day on the trails.
๐3-Day Fall Itinerary for Stowe, VT๐

Day 1:
- โ๏ธ 7am: Coffee & breakfast from The Roastery: Movement Coffee Roasters + Bakery (opens at 7am)
- ๐ฅพ 8am: Morning walk to view at Wiessner Woods in Stowe
- ๐ฅช 12pm: Lunch at Edelweiss Mountain Deli
- ๐ด Rest
- ๐ฅพ 3:30-6pm: Golden hour hike at Stowe Pinnacle
Day 2:
- โ๏ธ 7am: Coffee & breakfast from Woodland Baking and Coffee (opens at 7am)
- ๐ธ 8am: From coffee, walk on Mountain Road toward and around Main Street in Stowe. Walk through Giles W Dewey Memorial Bridge for fall photos and views (before it gets crowded!)
- ๐ฏ 12pm: Lunch in Stowe at The Avocado Pit
- ๐ด Rest
- ๐ฅพ 3:30-6pm Options: Golden hour hike at Bolton Firetower or fall photos and walk at Trapp Family Lodge, Barrows Road, and Grand View Barn
Day 3:
- ๐ธ 7am: Visit spots around Stowe you haven’t gotten photos of yet (Grand View Barn, Barnes Hill Road)
- โ๏ธ 8am: Butler’s Pantry in downtown Stowe (opens at 8am, can also order online to-go)
- ๐ฅพ 9am: From Butler’s Pantry walk to Sunset Rock hike in downtown Stowe
- ๐ Time to head home!
- ๐Or, if you’re here for the day try hiking at Mount Mansfield or visit Waterbury Reservoir in early morning for gorgeous fall views and photos
โ 7 Tips to Make the Most of Your Fall Trip (Our tips!)

These tips help you get the best photos of the foliage, help avoid big crowds, and minimize chances of getting stuck in traffic.
Kristen, you haven’t mentioned much about dinner in Stowe ๐ค
Sunset in the fall is around 6/6:30pm. We would rather enjoy the fall views at this magical time of day than sit in a restaurant. If that sounds like you, pack a sandwich for the hike or have some food ordered or prepared right after your hike!
Is Stowe in the fall really worth it?!
I wondered the same thing for a while. I saw a lot of the hype on social media and thought – there are tons of scenic towns in Vermont, is fall in Stowe really that big a deal?
And, there is something especially scenic and special about it. It could be because it’s close to Mount Mansfield, VT’s tallest mountain, one of the best hikes and views in Vermont, which always seems to be looming in the distance. The nearby mountain ranges make for incredible and easy to get fall scenery.
I was not a fan of the crowds in downtown Stowe midday. That’s why I made the suggestions I did above for lunch and breakfast (Edelweiss Deli accessed from the north instead of south).
I also don’t see the popularity of Cold Hollow Cider Mill because I’m not a fan of cider and the place is always packed. I find it hard to enjoy when the parking lot is packed and lines are super long and busy. But that’s just me!
So yes, Stowe in the fall is worth it. And after my trip there this past fall I honestly can’t wait to go back and visit more places I have on my list that I didn’t get to yet. There’s a lot to see and tons of hikes in the area!
Conclusion
So friends, I hope you really enjoyed this guide all about visiting Stowe in the fall. I put everything I found into this post.
It took research and trial and error and pulling into overcrowded parking lots and turning around to go somewhere else and reading reviews to find this curated list of some of the best spots in Stowe.
I hope this post helps you plan your trip and make some amazing memories and have beautiful pictures to look back on.
Please reach out with any questions or leave a comment below if you have a favorite spot in Stowe you want to share! Or come back and comment about your experience…
Happy trails and happy fall exploring! ๐๐ฅพ๐ธ





































