24 Fun Things To Do During Fall In Stowe, Vermont
Epic fall foliage, a quaint historic downtown, pumpkin patches, and scenic drives are among the many features which make Stowe, Vermont so famous in fall.
Planning a visit to Stowe this fall and wondering what to do?
Whether stopping through on a New England road trip, or spending extended time here, you’re in for a treat. This is easily one of the best places for fall foliage in the United States.
Read on for the best things to do during fall in Stowe, Vermont.
The Best Things To Do During Fall In Stowe, Vermont
View The Fall Foliage
Vermont and fall foliage are practically synonymous.
Stowe’s ample deciduous trees turn to vibrant shades of red, orange, and yellow come fall, creating a captivating display. Seeing Stowe’s fall foliage is something you’ll never forget!
A few of the best places to witness fall foliage in Stowe, Vermont include:
- Top of Mount Mansfield
- Smugglers’ Notch State Park
- Trapp Family Lodge
- From a hiking or biking trail
- Along a scenic drive
I’ll cover each of these in more detail throughout the article.
Note: Generally speaking, peak foliage occurs from late September into early October in Stowe. However, timing may vary. This map is helpful in predicting when this year’s peak foliage will be: Fall Foliage Map.
Go For A Hike
One of the best ways to immerse yourself in the Stowe’s fall colors is by going for a hike.
The combination of crisp air, pleasant weather, and vibrant colors makes this a perfect time for outdoor enthusiasts to experience the region. Plus, there’s quite a few waterfall hikes worth checking out!
Some popular hikes in the Stowe area include:
- Wiessner Woods (2.1 miles, 209 foot elevation change, rated easy)
- Bingham Falls Trail (.5 miles, 157 foot elevation change, rated moderate)
- Sterling Falls Gorge (.7 miles, 104 foot elevation change, rated moderate)
- Sunset Rock (1.1 miles, 324 foot elevation change, rated moderate)
- Sterling Pond Trail (2.1 miles, 938 foot elevation change, rated moderate)
- Nebraska Notch / Lake Mansfield Trail (3.7 miles, 967 foot elevation change, rated moderate)
- Moss Glen Falls Trail (5.2 miles, 951 foot elevation change, rated moderate)
These are just a few of the many excellent hiking options in Stowe.
Oktoberfest at Trapp Family Lodge
The popular annual event, Oktoberfest, is a must while visiting Stowe in fall.
Oktoberfest combines the spirit of the traditional German festival, while adding in its own Vermont flair, of course. Beer tents at the Trapp Brewing Bierhall serve up a variety of local brews, as well as yummy German dishes.
Festival activities include live music, games, and classic Oktoberfest contests. It’s always a good time!
The annual event is held in mid September and requires a ticket to join. For more information, check out: Trapp Family Lodge Oktoberfest.
Trapp Family Lodge
If you’re not able to attend Oktoberfest, a visit to the Trapp Family Lodge should still be a consideration.
The Trapp Family Lodge is an Austrian-inspired alpine lodge sitting on 2,600 acres with beautiful mountain views. While staying here is incredible, daytime guests can still visit even if not spending the night.
The resort has numerous activities like horse-drawn carriage rides, biking and hiking trails, guided tours, yoga, and rock climbing.
Additionally, they hosts popular events, have an excellent spa, brewery — von Trapp Brewing — and multiple farm-to-table restaurants.
The Trapp Family Lodge was established by the von Trapp family, who fled Austria during World War II and eventually settled in Stowe, Vermont, in the late 1940s.
The family members were well known for their musical talents, a story which has been told through multiple films and Broadway productions, but most famously by The Sound of Music, an Oscar-winning film.
The entire property is still owned and operated by the von Trapp family today.
No doubt, this is among the best things to do in Stowe during fall.
Drive Auto Toll Road To The Summit Of Mount Mansfield
For top-notch views of the Stowe area, a drive up historic Toll Road is a must.
Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s tallest peak, standing at 4,395 feet above sea level. The 4.5 mile drive to the top is a scenic one, with a few viewpoints along the way to stop and take in the beauty.
On clear days, the winding drive to the summit of Mount Mansfield rewards visitors with views of beautiful Vermont, Lake Champlain, and the Adirondack Mountains.
During fall, this landscape really puts on a show with orange, red, and yellow leaves lighting up the view.
The road typically closes for the season in mid October. Weather can change quickly at this elevation so be sure to check the forecast and come prepared before heading out.
If it’s not a clear day, this may not be the best activity, as the summit’s view will likely be obscured by clouds.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Cold Hollow Cider Mill, located just outside of Stowe, and is a nice stop on your way in or out of town.
The mill has become well-known for its fresh apple cider, apple cider donuts, and a variety of Vermont-made products. It also has a great bakery perfect for a quick bite or light lunch.
Stowe Foliage Arts Festival
The Stowe Foliage Arts Festival is a popular event celebrating fall in Stowe.
The outdoor festival is held each year in early October and lasts 3 days.
It features 150 artists and artisans selling handmade goods, features live craft demonstrations, live music, and lots of really delicious food. Additionally, beer and wine are sold at the festival.
The event takes place roughly half way between downtown and Stowe Mountain Resort.
To enter, there is a small fee per adult, however this covers much of the free entertainment inside and parking is free. Food, beverages, and artwork are available for purchase once inside.
Reservations can be made in advance or tickets can be purchased at the door.
For up to date information, be sure to check out: Stowe Foliage Arts Festival.
Walk The Shops In Historic Downtown Stowe
One of the best things to do in Stowe, no matter the time of year, is to explore the shops in historic downtown Stowe.
The picturesque town embodies the feel of a quintessential New England village, combined with mountain town charm.
The quaint downtown stretch is known for historic architecture, thriving arts scene, boutique shopping, and locally owned restaurants.
Downtown Stowe is located near the intersection of Main Street (Vermont Route 100) & Mountain Road (Route 108).
Relax At A Coffee Shop
What better way to enjoy fall than to cozy up with a hot coffee or hot chocolate? There are numerous cafes around town where you can get your caffeine fix, relax, and soak in the views.
A few popular coffee shops in Stowe include:
- Black Cap Coffee & Bakery
- Green Goddess Café
- Woodland Baking & Coffee
- Stowe Bee Bakery
Ride The Gondola SkyRide At Stowe Mountain Resort
Gondola SkyRide is a scenic gondola ride offered by Stowe Mountain Resort.
It provides breathtaking views of the surrounding Green Mountains, all while riding in style and comfort.
The gondola takes you to the top of Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield. Once here you can take in the excellent views, dine at Cliff House restaurant, explore the gift shop, and enjoy a sweet treat at The Waffle.
On clear days, this is the perfect place to take in the incredible fall foliage surrounding Stowe.
The scenic gondola runs daily until mid October.
Percy Farm Corn Maze
Easily one of the most popular fall activities in Stowe is the Percy Farm Corn Maze.
The family-friendly farm centers around the corn maze, which takes about 30 – 40 minutes to complete.
The farm usually has additional seasonal features like pumpkins and scarecrows, which make for great photo opportunities. Additionally, there are farm animals around, which is always a hit with the kids.
This is a great place to spend an afternoon with the family.
The corn maze is usually open from August – mid October, but may close due to weather. Their Facebook page is most up to date with closure notifications: Percy Farm Corn Maze Facebook Page.
You can find additional information about the corn maze here: Percy Farm Corn Maze.
Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Highway
Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Highway is a gorgeous mountain pass located near Stowe, Vermont.
It’s a narrow and winding picturesque route with gorgeous views of the fall foliage. It’s a favorite among things to do during fall in Stowe, VT.
The highway stretches just under 20 miles and connects Stowe and Jeffersonville (Route 108). The most famous stretch being just north of Stowe Mountain Resort.
Due to the narrow nature of this route, Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Highway is not recommended for large vehicles, trailers, or RVs.
Historic Smugglers’ Notch Pass closes for the winter season, usually around mid October.
Biking In Stowe
Biking is a popular way to experience Stowe in the warmer months.
The area has numerous road biking and mountain biking routes. Each of which offers potential for excellent views of the fall foliage.
Cady Hill Forest, Sterling Forest, and the Trapp Family Lodge are among the most popular spots for mountain biking in Stowe. Additionally, the Stowe Recreation Path is a great option for bikers of all skill levels.
If needed, there are numerous bike rental shops in Stowe.
There are also tour options if you wish to go for a bike ride with a guide. This is a great way to enjoy the outdoors while learning about Stowe from a local.
Stowe Farm Pumpkin Patch
Stowe Farm is the place to be during the fall season.
The farm offers a pumpkin patch, Kid’s Corral, spooky corn maze, and other fall activities for visitors of all ages.
The farm is open Saturday and Sundays from early September until pumpkins sell out. There is a very small admission fee, and pumpkins are sold by the pound.
For more Stowe Farm and pumpkin patch information, head on over to Stowe Farm Pumpkin Patch.
Go Ziplining
Ziplining is a fun and unique way to witness Stowe’s fall foliage this season.
As you glide through the air, you’ll have the chance to appreciate the lush forests, mountain landscapes, and panoramic vistas that Vermont is known for.
The main ziplining companies in Stowe are ZipRider at Stowe Mountain Resort and ArborTrek Canopy Adventures.
ZipRider at Stowe Mountain Resort is the second longest zipline tour in the United States, offering excellent views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.
ArborTrek Canopy Adventures offers a series of aerial adventures through the gorgeous trees of Smugglers’ Notch.
Visit A Brewery
Stowe has a thriving craft brewery scene, so grabbing a local brew should be a must-consideration during your fall trip to Stowe. This is a great way to wrap up a day of fall adventure and leaf peeping in Stowe!
Some of the most popular breweries in Stowe include:
- The Alchemist Brewery
- Idletyme Brewing Company
- von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall
- Stowe Cider
Looking to join a brewery tour? Check out 4 Points Vermont Brewery Tour.
Gold Brook Covered Bridge (Emily’s Bridge)
The Gold Brook Covered Bridge, also known as Emily’s Bridge, is a historic covered bridge located just a few miles from the downtown area.
Historic covered bridges are an iconic feature of Vermont’s landscape and this one is no exception.
The bridge was built in 1844 and is one of the oldest in the state. In fact, it’s the only remaining example of a covered bridge of its kind.
Best of all? The bridge is supposedly haunted by a ghost named Emily. Perfect for a scary fall visit.
Go For A Haunted Tour Of Stowe
Looking for spooky happenings around Stowe this fall?
Consider a self-guided tour to some of Stowe’s allegedly haunted sights. There’s a surprising number of them considering the town’s small size.
The Brass Lantern Inn, Gold Brook Covered Bridge (Emily’s Bridge), and Green Mountain Inn are few places ghosts frequent in Stowe.
Looking to join a Stowe ghost tour? Check out Stowe Lantern Tours to hear the compelling and entertaining stories of Stowe’s resident ghosts.
Stowe Farmers Market
Vermont loves a good farmers market, and Stowe is no exception. Pick up local produce, maple syrup, artisan goods, a quick bite, or simply browse the popular market which is home to dozens of local vendors.
The market is held every Sunday throughout summer into late October. Find more information at Stowe Farmers Market.
Photograph Stowe Community Church
The Stowe Community Church is one of the most iconic photography spots in this small town.
The stunning white church against the mountainous fall foliage is pretty spectacular, it’s easy to understand why this view is so loved!
This viewpoint is located off Mountain Road (Route 108), just a mile from downtown. To find the viewpoint, put “Stowe Community Church View Point” into Google Maps.
To get a photo like the one below you’ll need a high quality camera with a good zoom.
Go Apple Picking
Apple picking is an iconic New England fall activity. In addition to gathering your own apples, most farms also have fall-themed attractions and markets full of local produce and goods.
There’s no apple orchards directly in Stowe, but there are two popular farms nearby: Burtt’s Apple Orchard and Shelburne Orchards.
Burtt’s Apple Orchard is located in Cabot, 50 minutes from Stowe.
Shelburne Orchards is located in Shelburne, 1 hour from Stowe.
Apple picking season typically begins in late summer and continues through fall, usually from late August to October.
The best time to go apple picking can vary depending on the specific apple varieties available.
Horseback Riding
Horseback riding offers a unique and scenic way to explore the beautiful landscapes surrounding Stowe during fall.
Best of all, it’s a great way to take in the views which are typically inaccessible by foot or vehicle.
Stowe Farm, Topnotch Resort, and Lajoie Stables are popular farms in the Stowe area offering guided horseback riding.
Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour
The Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour is one of the most iconic attractions near Stowe.
The tour shares the history of Ben & Jerry’s and allows visitors a glimpse into factory operations. And best of all, you get samples!
In addition to tours, onsite there’s a small museum, yummy Scoop Shop, and gift store. Additionally, the Flavor Graveyard is very entertaining and a must-see.
Anyone can visit, but it’s best to come by when going for a tour.
Tours last 30 minutes and need to be reserved in advance. You can reserve your spot here: Ben & Jerry’s Factory Tour.
Halloween Events Around Stowe
If you haven’t caught on, Stowe is extremely popular in fall, so it’s no surprise Halloween-related events are aplenty.
Below are a few popular Halloween events in Stowe:
- Halloween Parade & Trick-or-Treat.
- Great Pumpkin & Ghost Festival.
- Ghost tours (Stowe Lantern Tours).
- Stowe Farm pumpkin patch & spooky corn maze.
- Run For Your Life Halloween 5k.
- Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center presents “Spooky Silents: A Silent Halloween Film with the Peacherine Ragtime Society Orchestra”.
- Percy Farm corn maze.
- Dead North Farmland of Terror (Danville).
Fall Weather In Stowe
What to expect weather-wise in Stowe during fall can vary.
Early to mid September sees mild days and cool nights. Late September and October become much cooler, and the chance for snow increases.
November is basically winter, with ski season beginning around Thanksgiving.
Below are average temperatures in Stowe, Vermont during fall:
- September – 57° / 43° (High / Low F°)
- October – 44° / 31°
- November – 33° / 20°
What To Wear In Stowe In The Fall
When visiting in fall its best to wear layers. Mornings and evenings will cool off significantly. Whereas daytime temperatures are often pleasant, especially when the sun is out.
Jean pants and a t-shirt paired with a cardigan, flannel, or light jacket, is appropriate most days.
As fall progresses warmer layers will become necessary. Plan on pants and a long sleeve shirt, plus a jacket. Additionally, cold weather accessories, such as a warm hat, scarf, and gloves, may be necessary.
If snow is in the forecast you will also need waterproof and warm layers.
Where To Stay In Stowe, VT In The Fall
Stowe offers a range of excellent accommodations to suit various preferences and budgets. The main areas to stay are near downtown Stowe or Stowe Mountain Resort.
A few popular hotels in Stowe include:
- The Lodge at Spruce Peak (Stowe Mountain Resort)
- Smugglers’ Notch Resort (near Stowe Mountain Resort)
- Trapp Family Lodge (just outside of downtown)
- Stowe Village Inn (downtown)
- Green Mountain Inn (downtown)
- Brass Lantern Inn (downtown)
As you can see, there’s so many great things to do in Stowe, VT in the fall! I hope you enjoy your visit and have the best time.
Any questions? Please leave a comment below or reach out on social media!
Looking for more ideas? Below are additional Stowe, New England, and fall guides.
More Information For Your Trip To Stowe, Vermont:
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Don’t forget to visit the Robert Paul gallery on the Mt road in Stowe! Great Vermont and international art.
Thanks so much for the tip!