Paved path
Stowe Recreation Path
Stowe Village to Topnotch
A scenic, mostly flat 5.3-mile paved path from the heart of Stowe Village to a covered bridge, along the Little River and through open meadows, with ten bridges and plenty of places to stop. Cleared for winter use and groomed for Nordic skiing. The walkers-only Quiet Path extension allows dogs off-leash, unlike the main path.
Parking at Lintilhac Park (behind Stowe Community Church), Chase Park, Thompson Park and Topnotch Access near Brook Road.
Waterfall
Bingham Falls
Smugglers' Notch State Park
A stunning waterfall reached by a short, steep quarter-mile walk from Route 108, about 6.4 miles from the Route 100/108 junction. The trail runs close to the gorge's edges, and the pool at the base is used for swimming at your own risk. About 30–60 minutes round trip with a 200-foot climb.
Wet and slippery near the bottom: wear hiking shoes with good tread, not flip-flops, and take care with children. Dogs allowed under control.
Waterfall
Moss Glen Falls
C.C. Putnam State Forest
Cascades dropping about 125 feet through a scenic gorge, reached by a half-mile round-trip trail of packed earth and boardwalk. About 3 miles north of downtown Stowe on VT-100, via Randolph Road and Moss Glen Falls Road. No fee or permit.
Paved lot, plowed in winter. Steep and rocky near the falls.
History trail
Mill Trail
Notchbrook Road
A peaceful, wide 1.1-mile trail to Bingham Falls through mixed forest along the West Branch of the Waterbury River, past stone cellar holes from an 1840s farm, the site of the Orlando Turner Saw Mill and Tub Factory and a restored early-1900s log cabin. Open to hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing.
Limited pull-off parking on Notchbrook Road. No mountain bikes.
Boardwalk
Barnes Camp Boardwalk
Smugglers' Notch
A 600-foot raised boardwalk across wetlands and beaver ponds, with interpretive panels, part of the 1.5-mile Barnes Camp Loop. Accessible for wheelchairs and strollers; beyond it, the trail climbs moderately to meet the Long Trail.
Park at Stowe Resort's hiker lot and cross Route 108.
Forest trails
Wiessner Woods
Stowe Land Trust
A 79-acre protected forest with about 2.1 miles of easy to moderate trails, great for families and dog owners. Look for the historic sugar shack, early 19th-century stone walls and a whimsical gnome home.
Open daily, dawn to dusk. No bikes or motorized vehicles.
Trail network
Cady Hill Forest
Mountain Road
A 258-acre town forest with about 11 miles of well-kept trails for mountain biking, hiking, trail running, Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, from beginner to advanced. Don't miss the Green Chair Overlook. Connects to the Rec Path; dogs welcome.
Main trailhead on Mountain Road, across from the Town and Country Resort.
Outdoor center
Outdoor Center at von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort
Trapp Hill
2,600 acres with over 30 miles of mountain bike trails, more than 65 km of hiking trails and one of the country's best Nordic centers. Also an 18-hole disc golf course, clay tennis courts, a climbing wall, seasonal carriage rides and lessons or guided tours.
Some activities require a property pass if you're not staying at the resort.
Summit hike
Long Trail
Mount Mansfield
Stowe's section of the Long Trail climbs Mount Mansfield through hardwood forest to alpine tundra, pristine ponds and big views. The classic route starts near the Barnes Camp parking area, with a stop at the Taft Lodge shelter before the summit; the Profanity Trail is a variation from the top. Follow the white blazes.
