Stowe, Vermont in the Fall: 11 Best Things to Do
If you’re looking for a cozy town to visit during the fall with vibrant fall foliage, maple lattes, pumpkin patches, and small town vibes that make you feel like you’re the star of a Hallmark Movie, then Stowe, Vermont needs to be on your list!
Stowe is a small mountain town located in the Green Mountains of Vermont and is the perfect fall destination. Every year, travelers from around the country flock to Stowe to see the leaves change from green to vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow. However, there is so much more to do in Stowe in the fall aside from leaf peeping! In this blog, I’ll go over all the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont, in the fall!
Before we talk about all the cozy things to do in Vermont in the fall, lets talk about some important things you need to know when planning a fall trip to Stowe.
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Quick Answer: Is Stowe, Vermont Worth Visiting in the Fall?
Stowe, Vermont, is one of the best places to visit in New England during the fall, especially if you’re looking for colorful foliage, mountain views, cozy small-town streets, and classic Vermont experiences. The fall season typically runs from September through October, with peak foliage generally occurring around the end of September and beginning of October, although the exact timing varies each year. During your visit, you can drive through Smugglers’ Notch, ride the Stowe Gondola, explore the Stowe Recreation Path, visit Moss Glen Falls, wander through Stowe Village, and stop for classic Vermont treats like cider donuts. Whether you have one day or an entire weekend, Stowe in the fall is the perfect destination for a scenic Vermont getaway.
The best things to do in Stowe, Vermont in the fall – My experience
My fall trip to Stowe, Vermont is one of my favorite trips I’ve ever taken! As someone who’s favorite season is fall, and loves everything to do with fall foliage, campfires, apple cider, and pumpkin spice lattes, Stowe was an absolute dream destination to visit during October.
My trip was a little different, because I did not experience the crazy crowds that Stowe typically sees during the fall. The year I visited Stowe, there was a drought, which caused the colors of the foliage to be muted. Because of this, there were fewer crowds, but Stowe has so much more to offer during the fall than just the vibrant fall colors! In this guide, I’ll help you plan the perfect Stowe fall trip and give you all the best fall activities you need to do on your trip!
A quick guide to Stowe, Vermont, in the fall
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Best months | Late September–Mid October |
| Peak foliage | Early October |
| Trip length | 2–4 days |
| Closest airport | Burlington |
| Best for | Couples, families, photographers, hikers |
When is the best time to visit Stowe, Vermont?
The best time to visit Stowe, Vermont, depends on what you want to do on your trip. If you want to visit Stowe during the fall season and see peak fall foliage, the best time to visit is the end of September to early October. This can vary year to year depending on various factors, so it’s best to check the foliage predictions the closer it gets to your trip.
If you want to visit during fall but want to miss the leaf peeping crowds, try visiting mid to late October. The leaves will have started to fall and no longer be at peak colors, but you’ll still get to experience all the fall things to do in Stowe without the crowds and prices.
If you want to visit Stowe for Ski season, the best time to visit is usually late November to April. This will also vary year to year depending on weather conditions.
When is peak fall foliage in Stowe, Vermont?
Peak fall foliage in Stowe, Vermont vill vary each year, but aim to plan your trip sometime between the last two weeks of September and first two weeks of October. If you’re able to be flexible on your trip to Stowe, check the foliage tracker throughout September to best determine when to book!
Below is a quick reference guide on how to decide when to plan your trip to Stowe if you are wanting to see peak fall foliage! Even if you can’t travel during peak foliage, there are still plenty of fun, cozy, fall things to do in Stowe, Vermont!
Late September
- Early colors
- Fewer crowds
Early October
- Peak foliage
- Best photography
Mid October
- Leaves falling
- Less traffic
Late October
- End of foliage season
Where to stay in Stowe, Vermont?
Stowe is a small town, so there are not a ton of accommodation options, and it’s best to book early as they will start to fill up the closer it gets to the fall season. Another important thing to remember is that fall is a very popular time to visit Stowe, so the hotel prices tend to sky rocket at this time.
The Lodge at Spruce Peak: The Lodge at Spruce Peak is probably the most popular hotel in Stowe. While it is on the pricier side, it is a luxury Hyatt property and the perfect location with amazing views of the foliage.
AWOL Stowe: If you’re looking for a unique stay in Stowe, AWOL Stowe is the perfect place! You can rent individual A-frame-style cabins making for the perfect cozy fall stay.
Outbound Stowe: Similar to AWOL, Outbound Stowe offers individual cabin-style rooms that give the feeling of a glamping experience. Another great option for nature lovers visiting Stowe!
Hotels in Waterbury
Another option for your trip to Stowe is to stay in Waterbury. This is a town just outside of Stowe, about a 10-15 minute drive away. If you aren’t able to find a hotel in Stowe, you can try looking at the Fairfield by Marriott Waterbury or the Best Western Waterbury. I personally stayed at the Best Western one night on my drive from Boston to Stowe, and it was an easy drive into Stowe the next morning.
How to get to Stowe, Vermont
If you’re planning a fall trip to Stowe, Vermont, the closest airport is Burlington, which is about 45 minutes outside of Stowe. The only downside to flying into Burlington is that there are not always a lot of flight options. If you can’t find flights that work to Burlington, another option is to fly into Boston, rent a car, and drive to Stowe.
When I went on my fall trip to Stowe, I flew into Boston and made the road trip to Stowe. I personally recommend this option because a New England fall road trip is probably one of the most beautiful road trips in the country. If you do this, you can add on stops like the White Mountains in New Hampshire and also visit Salem on your way back into Boston.
Should you rent a car for a fall trip to Stowe
If you want to enjoy all the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont, in the fall, renting a car will be the best option for your trip. Especially if you fly into Boston, you will need a car to get to Stowe. Some of the best things to do in Stowe are not walking distance from town, so having a rental car will give you the freedom you need to explore all the cozy fall activities in Stowe!
Now, let’s talk about all the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont in the fall!
1. Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill
One of the best things to do in Stowe in the fall is stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill for some fresh apple cider and apple cider donuts. If you’re staying in Waterbury this is the perfect place to stop on your way into Stowe as it is slightly outside of town.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill is very popular during the fall for good reason, so I recommend getting there early to beat the crowds and get the apple cider donuts while they are fresh! The store opens at 8 AM and is open until 6 PM. You can also do some shopping while you’re there, as they have tons of other items such as maple syrups, souvenirs, fall decor, and you can even go to the back to see how they make the cider and try some fresh! On my fall trip to Stowe, I arrived at Cold Hollow around 9 AM and it was already starting to get very crowded and the donuts were not as fresh! (Pro-Tip: ask for a fresh donut when ordering if you get there too late!)
2. Ride the Stowe gondola to see fall foliage
Riding the Stowe gondola is one of the best ways to see the fall foliage when visiting Stowe. The gondola opens at 10 AM and is open until 4:30 PM, with the last tickets being sold at 4:15. On my trip to Stowe, I arrived a little before 10 and was able to easily find parking and walk right up to buy a ticket without waiting in line. By the time I got back to the parking lot, it was completely full and cars were having to try to find parking on the street, so I recommend going as early as possible to beat the crowds. You can also buy tickets online in advance.
The gondola skyride offers incredible views of Stowe and the fall foliage. The view from the gondola is something you definitely do not want to miss on your fall trip to Stowe. Once you’re at the top of the mountain, you can hike around, take in the views, enjoy the crisp fall air, and even check out the restaurant!
3. Walk through the foliage on the Smuggler’s Notch Boardwalk
Right across the road from the gondola parking lot is the Barnes Camp Boardwalk, which offers incredible views of Smuggler’s Notch. This is a short, scenic walk that will completely immerse you in the fall foliage. On my trip to Stowe, I walked over to the boardwalk after finishing up at the gondola and left my car in the gondola parking lot. The parking lot near the boardwalk is small, and there are not many parking spaces.
There is also the Smuggler’s Notch trail, if you’re up for a long hike. If you don’t feel like hiking and just want to take a quick walk through the foliage, the boardwalk is the perfect option!
4. Tour the Ben & Jerry’s Factory
If you’re an ice cream lover, head back to Waterbury to take a tour of the Ben & Jerry’s factory. Tours of the factory are available from 10 AM to 7 PM and tickets can be bought on the website. The tours last 30-minutes where you’ll get to learn about the factory, sample some ice cream, visit the flavor graveyard, and browse the giftshop!
5. Try a local brewery
Stowe, Vermont, has a good number of breweries, which is why visiting a brewery is one of the best things to do in Stowe during the fall! Whether you’re grabbing lunch on a patio, trying a local beer, or doing a cider tasting, you need to visit at least one brewery on your trip to Stowe!
My personal favorite brewery from my trip to Stowe was Idletyme Brewery. I liked it so much that I honestly could’ve gone there every day of my trip!
Idletyme Brewery has an outdoor patio with a bar which is perfect for grabbing some lunch and trying some local beers while enjoying the cool fall air! The patio is also dog friendly, so a great spot to go if your dog will be joining you on your trip!
Some other options for breweries to visit in Stowe are Stowe Cider and The Alchemist Brewery.
6. Hike Stowe Pinnacle at Sunset
One of the best fall hiking trails in Stowe is Stowe Pinnacle. The trailhead is close to town and leads to a beautiful view of Stowe and the fall foliage. The trail is steep and challenging, about 3.5 miles round trip so make sure to come prepared with good hiking shoes and plan for enough time to make it to the top in time for sunset!
7. Take a day trip to Woodstock, Vermont
Stowe isn’t the only cozy, fall town to visit on your fall trip to Vermont! Woodstock, Vermont, is a cozy town just a hour and a half drive from Stowe that offers even more fall vibes! Woodstock is known for its walkable, historic downtown village where you can walk around the shops and restaurants. You can also visit the nearby Sleepy Hollow Farm which is an iconic fall location!
8. Explore Downtown Stowe
Downtown Stowe is one of the cutest downtown areas I’ve ever seen! Especially during the fall, when every store and restaurant is decorated with pumpkins, foliage, and fall decor! You can walk around the souvenir shops on Main Street, stop in a restaurant or coffee shop, and make sure to buy some Vermont maple syrup! You’ll also want to stop by the viewpoint of the famous white church, which is an iconic building in Stowe.
9. Hike to Nichols Ledge
If you want to make time for another hike in your Stowe itinerary, drive over to Nichols Ledge. The trail is about a 45-minute drive from Stowe, and definitely worth it for the views! This is an easy hike, only about half a mile long, and leads to an incredible view of Nichols Pond, a lake surrounded by vibrant fall foliage! This hike was one of my favorite hikes I’ve ever done!
10. Grab a coffee from Black Cap Coffee
Black Cap Coffee is a popular coffee shop in Vermont, and the perfect place to stop before exploring the town of Stowe. They have tons of speciality latte options, but my personal favorite is the maple latte, a must when visiting Vermont in the fall! If you’re hungry, they also have some delicious breakfast sandwich options!
11. Have a cozy dinner at American Flatbread
After a long day of exploring all the best fall activities in Stowe, Vermont, stop by American Flatbread for a cozy dinner of the best wood-fired pizza, with a craft cocktail or a local beer. American Flatbread is one of the most popular restaurants in Stowe, and I highly recommend adding it to your fall itinerary! This was one of my favorite meals I had on my trip to Stowe, and I loved the cozy vibe of the restaurant!
Final Thoughts on the Best Things to Do in Stowe, VT in the Fall
If you’re looking for the ultimate fall vacation, it’s hard to beat Stowe, Vermont. From vibrant foliage covering the Green Mountains to scenic hikes, covered bridges, cozy cafés and restaurants, and fresh apple cider donuts, there’s no shortage of cozy fall experiences. Whether you’re planning a romantic weekend, a family vacation, or a solo road trip, you’ll quickly see why Stowe is one of the most iconic fall destinations in New England.
While early October typically offers the most vibrant foliage, visiting in late September or mid-October can also be a great time to go with fewer crowds while still enjoying autumn scenery. No matter when you visit, be sure to book your accommodations early, pack layers for Vermont’s changing weather, and leave plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the small-town’s cozy fall activities.
I hope this guide to the best things to do in Stowe, VT in the fall helps you plan the best fall trip! Happy fall travels! 🍂
FAQ
Is Stowe worth visiting in the fall?
Stowe, Vermont, is absolutely worth visiting during the fall! It is one of the best destinations in the United States to visit for peak fall foliage, and offers a wide range of fall activities. It is a great destination for families, couples, solo travelers, and anyone who loves outdoor adventures and the fall season.
What is the best month to visit Stowe?
Typically, the best months to visit Stowe, Vermont, for fall foliage and fall activities are September and October. Peak fall foliage will vary each year, but a good range to go for is the last week of September through the first two weeks of October.
How many days do you need in Stowe?
Realistically, you can see most of the best things to do in Stowe in one day, but I recommend at least 2-3 days to experience all the fall activities at your own pace and getting to enjoy them without feeling rushed.
When is peak foliage in Vermont?
Peak foliage in Vermont is typically from the end of September to early October, but it really depends on weather conditions and can change yearly. I recommend checking online foliage trackers when planning your trip and being flexible if possible!
Is October too late for Stowe?
No, October is the perfect month to visit Stowe for peak foliage and fall activities! However, I would recommend visiting early in October if you want to see the peak colors. The later it gets in the month, the leaves will start to fall, but it is a great time to avoid the early leaf peeping crowds!
Is Stowe crowded in October?
Yes, Stowe, Vermont, is typically crowded in October because it is a popular destination to visit during the fall season. On my trip to Stowe, the colors were not as vibrant due to a drought, so the crowds were not nearly as bad as you would typically experience.
Can you see fall colors from the gondola?
Yes! The Stowe gondola is one of the best things to do in Stowe to see the fall colors. It is best to go early, and get in line right when it opens at 10 AM to beat the crowds.
What should you wear in Stowe in October?
The weather in Stowe in October is chilly, warmer in the day and colder at night. It is best to bring layers, as the temperature can change depending on the time of day! I recommend jeans, leggings, sweaters, light jackets and vests during the day, and heavier jackets and sweaters at night when it’s cooler!
