Autumn in Stowe Vermont, New England Fall Foliage

Though all four seasons in Vermont abound with natural beauty, there is perhaps no time more truly spectacular than autumn in Vermont. Crisp mountain air, the gorgeous New England fall foliage, apples falling from the trees in preparation for the cider presses, pumpkins and other seasonal bounties beckoning from roadside stands – it is no wonder that Autumn in Vermont - and Stowe, Vermont bed and breakfasts - draw visitors from all over the world!

The Green Mountain Inn offers a warm and inviting home-away-from-home for enjoying the visual and literal bounties of the season. Our Autumn Brilliance Package offers a wonderful opportunity to enjoy the famous Vermont fall foliage. We’ve highlighted just some of the many activities and events offered in Stowe either right outside our door or within close proximity to our Stowe lodging:

During your stay, we’d be happy to provide directions and information on suggested area hikes. Extensive information, guidebooks and resources can also be found at the nearby Green Mountain Club headquarters in Waterbury Center. The “GMC” also offers a full calendar of events and family excursions throughout the season. Visit GreenMountainClub.org for more information

Sterling Pond
Distance: 2.8 miles, Time: Estimate 2 hours. This very popular hike is accessed from the scenic Smuggler’s Notch highway (Route 108), just about a 15 minute drive from the Village. The Sterling Pond Trail leaves from the north side parking area at the top of the Notch. The trail is steep and rocky for the first ½ mile, then flattens as it traverses Spruce Peak. In another ½ mile, you will reach Sterling Pond – a beautiful treasure tucked amidst our rugged mountains.

Moss Glen Falls Trail – to a spectacular waterfall!
Distance: 1 mile, Time: Estimate .75 hours. Follow Route 100 three miles north from the center of Stowe and bear right onto Randolph Road. Take the first right turn at .3 miles to a small parking area. This is a very short, but very scenic hike to a spectacular waterfall. Although the trail is not well marked, the route is obvious. Follow the brook upstream to the falls. Be very careful at the falls! Loose debris at the edge of the trail can be slippery and dangerous. Inexperienced hikers should stay to the left, above the falls.

The Pinnacle Trail
Distance: 2.8 miles, Time: Estimate 2.5-3 hours; super-fit hikers have been known to complete the round-trip in 50 minutes! This 2,740’ summit on the Worcester range appeals to hikers of all abilities due to the fantastic rewards for a relatively short hike. The trailhead in Stowe Hollow is a 2.8-mile drive from the village on mostly paved roads. The trail is fairly gradual for the most part, though there is a short rocky section as you near the top. At the summit, you will be rewarded with spectacular views of the town of Stowe and the Green Mountains to the west (including Camel’s Hump, the Bolton Range, the Nebraska Notch, Mt. Mansfield and the Sterling Mountain Range) and the Worcester Range.

Elmore Mountain
Distance: 4 miles, Time: Estimate 2.75 hours. Elmore Mountain is the northernmost peak in the Worcester Range. Climb the fire tower on the summit and you will see Jay Peak and the Canadian border to the north. An old stone fireplace and cellar hole can be found 2/10 of a mile from the summit. The trail access is about a 20 minute drive from Stowe village, from the Elmore State Park.

Cotton Brook Loop
Distance: 9 miles, Time: Estimate 4.5 hours. This moderate hike in the Mt. Mansfield State Forests will take you on old-logging roads and trails, by a number of old farm and saw mill sites, and affords nice views of the Bolton Range and the Waterbury Reservoir. You may even spot a moose along the way (enjoy – but keep a safe distance!).

Nebraska Notch on the Lake Mansfield Trail
Distance: 3.2 miles round-trip, Time: Estimate 2.5 hours. Tucked amidst beautiful Nebraska Notch, you will enjoy a beautiful view of a large glacial cirque (a rounded “scooped out” valley) at the trailhead. The Lake Mansfield Trail goes from the Lake Mansfield Trout Club, where it follows an old logging road for a while before crossing a brook and ascending to the Long Trail at the Taylor Lodge. This is a great family hike, with good views along the trail, beaver dams and a waterfall. Taylor Lodge has an open faced “porch” with picnic tables that afford beautiful views of the notch and a great spot for a trail lunch or snack.

Mt. Mansfield Summit via the Long Trail
For more experienced or hearty day hikers, this day hike provides a fantastic reward – standing atop Vermont’s highest peak, you will be treated to far-reaching views of Lake Champlain, the Adirondack Mountains of New York, and stunning vistas of Vermont’s mountain ranges.

Hunger Mountain
Distance: 4 miles, round-trip, Time: Estimate 4 hours. Scenic views await you as you travel through Stowe Hollow to the trailhead! Hunger Mountain offers great views of the Green Mountains to the west, Groton State Forest and the White Mountains of New Hampshire to the east. A very popular day hike with locals, you will enjoy a “less developed” feeling along the way.

Swimming
Visitors to Stowe are amazed at the wonderful addition of a state-of-the-art swimming facility to our area’s list of recreational amenities! Housed in a beautiful “barn”, The Swimming Hole offers a competition-sized pool with diving board, a toddler and child swimming pool with water-slide and fun water fixtures and a complete weight and cardiovascular training circuit. Day admission to the Swimming Hole is $12.00 per person adult and $8.00 for ages 6-17 (under 6 pay their age).

The Inn also offers a unique swimming experience, not often found in Northern Vermont – our outdoor swimming pool is heated and open year-round! Enjoy a relaxing soak as spring transitions to summer, and warm up in our poolside lounge area with fireplace.

The Stowe Recreation Path
The award-winning Stowe Recreation Path is one of the “crown jewels” of Stowe’s outdoor world. Completed in 1989, this 5.3-mile paved, scenic path provides a wonderful, safe non-motorized haven for cyclists, runners, walkers, rollerbladers – and those who just wish to enjoy a spring picnic or soak their feet in the beautiful West Branch river.

The path begins just across from the Inn in Stowe Village, and then winds through forests and meadows, crossing the river over 11 arched wooden bridges. The pastoral views and dramatic mountain scenery are simply breathtaking. Along the way, you may enjoy unique shops, restaurants and places to enjoy a cool beverage. Access to the path is free.

Rollerblade and bicycle rentals for all abilities and interests (including road, mountain, children’s bicycles and “trailabikes” for tots) are readily available.

Cyclists of every ability and interest will enjoy Stowe’s prolific cycling terrain, including paved and dirt roads, trails and paths. The famous 5.3-miled paved Stowe Recreation Path, a gentle paved trail that starts just across from the Inn in Stowe Village and then winds its way through forests and meadows and over 11 arched wooden bridges, is perfect for families and for those who prefer a leisurely scenic ride. You will also discover countless “off the beaten track” dirt and paved roads and vigorous wooded trails for the hearty. There are 103 miles of road in Stowe alone – 29 miles are blacktop and 74 are unpaved for relatively easy mountain biking.

Bicycle rentals, including touring and mountain bikes, bicycles-built-for-two and children’s “trailabikes” are readily available. Guided mountain bike tours are also offered through several outfitters, including a tour that combines hiking, mountain biking, a picnic lunch and swimming.

Bike & Rollerblade Rentals (partial list):
AJ's Ski & Sports: 802-253-4593, AJsSports.com
Mountain Sports & Bike Shop: 802-253-7919, BikeStowe.com
Action Outfitters: 802-253-7975, ActionOutfitters.com

Golf
Spectacular mountain views and outstanding courses for every level of ability are the hallmarks of golfing in and around Stowe! The Inn is within a fifteen minute drive to four golf courses – from the beautiful “challenging yet forgiving” Stowe Country Club to the exclusive, award-winning Country Club of Vermont to the relaxed atmosphere of The Farm Resort and Copley Country Club.
About our area courses…

Stowe Country Club / Stowe Mountain Resort – offering 360 degree views of Stowe and the Green Mountains, this course is often referred to as a “challenging but forgiving” 18-hole course. Undulating fairways, manicured greens and our clear mountain air will be a true pleasure to be savored. Before teeing up, take advantage of a huge 40-acre practice area, or reserve some instructional time with a PGA or LPGA certified pro. At the end of your round, relax in Kirkwood’s Pub and peruse the fully-equipped pro shop. For more information, visit Stowe.com or call (802) 253-4893.

Country Club of Vermont - This exquisite gem of a course is just a 20-minute drive to Waterbury Center. Majestic views and sweeping panoramas arising in every direction are just the beginning – this Graham Cooke course itself is a thing of beauty. Abundant sweeps and swales adorn every fairway and green and greens and tees are mowed and topdressed only by hand. This care shows, and lures members from near and far. For further information on the course, call (802) 244-1800 or visit CountryClubVT.com.

The Farm Resort – Just a short drive from the village on Route 100, you may enjoy a truly relaxed atmosphere for golfing. The Farm offers a hilly 9-hole course, driving range, pro shop, carts and rentals. Vouchers for greens fees, including cart rental, may be purchased through our front desk. Reservations are always recommended, particularly on weekends. FarmResortGolf.com, 802-888-3525.

Other popular courses within a 45-minute drive include the Sugarbush Golf Course (802)583-6725, Vermont National Country Club (802)864-7770, Blush Hill Country Club (802)244-8974 and Copley Golf Course (802)888-3013.

For families and those looking for a different sort of golf experience, we recommend the Stowe Golf Park, an 18-hole miniature golf “putting” course. Unique among mini-golf parks, the course strives to simulate a real golf environment. Refreshments are available at the snack bar. Open from 10:00am to 9:30pm daily May through October.

An ever-popular activity for all, provides a wonderful opportunity to get “off the beaten track” and experience the beauty of our woodland trails, fields and forests. Whether you prefer a leisurely guided trail ride or an exciting backcountry adventure with a picnic lunch, options abound in and around Stowe. We’ve highlighted several of the companies that offer horseback riding – be sure to ask for assistance with reservations during your stay at the Inn, as we do have voucher agreements with several area providers…Windy Willows Farm – Nestled in the hills high above the village of Johnson. Explore hidden trails that will lead you through lush forest and pristine wilderness, along winding brooks, open meadows and old stone walls. About a 30 minute scenic drive from Stowe. (802) 635-7300.

Horse-drawn Carriage Rides
A wonderful means to explore forests ablaze in fall color and fields offering spectacular mountain views is by horse and carriage ride. You will stay warm and cozy on this very personal and invigorating adventure. Several local companies offer carriage rides in the summer and fall months.

Trapp Family Lodge Wagon Rides – fun for the whole family. Please call for pricing (802) 253-8511.

Gentle Giants Carriage & Wagon Rides - Scenic rides through a covered bridge onto a winding wooded trail along an open brook, then out into a meadow trail with spectacular views of Mt. Mansfield. Located at 4000 Mountain Road. Open daily 11am - 5pm (weather permitting) for reservations and information call 253-2216.

Edson Hill Manor – trail & carriage rides for all abilities, including trotting and cantering for intermediate to advanced riders. Longer rides of up to 3 hours with lunch and private lessons are available by appointment. (802) 253-7371.

Canoeing & Kayaking
Fall foliage adds brilliance and color to all types of water sports – including canoeing and kayaking! In our area, rivers, lakes and ponds are great locations to view the fall colors, beckoning you to set out for a leisurely paddling excursion or more vigorous “white water” adventure for the experienced.

Our local Umiak Outfitters provides wonderful services for the novice to advanced paddler – including rentals, guided tours and seasonal programs for all ages. Rental outposts are set-up at Lake Elmore and on Lake Champlain’s waterfront.

Kayak Fishing of VT offers full and half-day guided kayak fishing trips from mid-May through October. For more information and reservations please call 802-309-1225, e-mail to vtkayakfisherman@yahoo.com or visit VTKayakFishing.com.

At the Stowe Mountain Resort
Alpine Slide – experience an exhilarating 2,300 foot ride down Spruce Peak on Stowe’s Alpine Slide! People of all ages will enjoy this fun and unique experience. The slide is open from 10:00AM to 5:00PM throughout the summer and weekends only from early September to mid October.

Auto Toll Road – Drive up the historic Toll Road, a 3.7 mile zigzagging road that brings you to the summit ridge of Mt. Mansfield. At the top, you will enjoy stunning views of the Adirondack Mountains, Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. The cost is $21/car ($6 per person over 6 people), bicycles and motorcycles are not permitted. This meandering road is open from 9AM-4PM daily from late-May through mid-October.

Gondola up Mt. Mansfield – take a ride and enjoy amazing views along the way and at the top! When you disembark, you can access a variety of hiking trails or stop for lunch at the Cliff House restaurant. Tickets are $20 for adults (round-trip), $12 for juniors (ages 6-12) and $16 for seniors. One way and “family pack” tickets are also available. The Gondola is open from 10AM-5PM from mid-June through mid-October.

Bungee Trampolines - strap into the bungee harness and catch big air between bounces! Single tickets are $10 for adults, $9 for juniors, or purchase a three pack for $22/$17. Open from 10AM-5PM daily in the summer and weekends through mid-October.

Inflatable Obstacle Course - see how fast you can run through this pumped-up vinyl proving ground on your own or go head-to-head with your friends for fastest time bragging rights. Single run tickets are $6 for adults, $5 for juniors, or purchase a three pack for $15/$12. Open from 10AM-5PM daily in the summer and weekends through mid-October.

Stowe Mountain Resort Attraction Package - 3 Alpine Slide rides, 2 bounces on the Bungee Trampoline and a round trip Gondola ride! Adults: $64, Juniors & Seniors: $58.

For complete information on activities and events at the Stowe Mountain Resort, visit Stowe.com or call (802)253-3000.

A remarkable rebirth of “the art of fishing” has occurred in Stowe over the past ten years, allowing for a world of new opportunities for guided excursions, clinics and enhanced natural resources for anglers of all abilities.

Interest in fly-fishing in particular is soaring. Private reclamation projects along the banks of the famous Lamoille and Winooski Rivers, extensive stocking programs and the explosive growth of “catch and release” have helped the sport to flourish. Hone your skills and enjoy extensive local knowledge of when and where to fish with a guided excursion. You may find yourself casting from a float tube on pristine Sterling Pond (4,000’ above sea level), from the banks of one of our legendary rivers or from the peaceful, trickling West Branch river that winds through Stowe.

Fly Fish Vermont- Want to experience something unique while on your Vermont Vacation. The Fly Rod Shop in Stowe offers an experience that is fulfilling because their guides are not only great instructors but great fisherman. They offer river or stream instructional tours for all ability levels and their drift boat trips go down some of Vermont's most pristine waters. Whether you want to fish for rainbow, brown or brook trout,or try your hand at a landlock salmon, small mouth bass or northern pike, The Fly Rod Shop can fit your needs whether it's spin or fly fishing. They also offer a Junior Kids Fishing program, Weekly Free Casting Clinic's, Fly Fishing School's, equipment rentals and they are one of Vermont's best equipped retail store's carrying everything for your fishing needs. For more information please call 802-253-7346, email angler@flyrodshop.com or visit www.flyrodshop.com.

Green Mountain Troutfitters - Full service fishing retail outlet in close proximity to some of Vermont’s finest fishing. Fly and spin tackle, fishing licenses, clinics & classes, guided trips, equipment/watercraft rentals, books/videos, excellent service/advice, FREE fly fishing clinics! For more information please call 495-4271, email info@gmtrout.com or visit http://www.gmtrout.com/.

Resources:
Catamount Fishing Adventures - CatamountFishing.com, 802-253-8500.

Treat yourself to an unforgettable adventure – soaring high above the mountains and valleys of Stowe! The premier soaring site in New England, Stowe Soaring offers glider rides, instruction and rentals from May through October. Soaring offers a smooth, graceful ride on silent wings. Pilots are highly experienced and for the adventurous they will show you beautiful maneuvers and even give you a turn at flying!

Stowe Soaring – at the Stowe/Morrisville Airport: StoweSoaring.com, (802)888-7845 or (800)898-7845.

Several options exist in Stowe for the tennis enthusiasts. Just a few blocks away from the Inn, you may play on courts at the Stowe Recreation Center (there is no charge for court-time, as it is “first come, first serve.” Free, public use is also offered at the Stowe High School (about a 10 minute drive from the Inn).

Indoor clinics, court time and and additional services are also offered at the TopNotch Resort & Spa, Stoweflake Resort & Spa, Trapp Family Lodge and several other area locations.

World-Class Spas & Massage
There is no better way to soothe and revitalize sore, tired muscles after a day of exhilarating winter fun than with a massage! The Green Mountain Inn offers the best resort rates for 25 to 80 minute treatments from professionally certified massage therapists. Please visit our Massage page for complete information on massage in our newly renovated massage rooms. Should you wish to plan a day at the Spa, take a yoga or exercise class, or schedule an individual spa treatment, Stowe boasts two world-class Spas - each within minutes from the Inn - that offer everything from facials to mud-wraps and much more!

A Grazing Tour
Tour at the famous Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory (your family visit just wouldn’t be complete without this stop!), where you will enjoy a free sample at the end! There is a small charge for the 30 minute tour. Graze at the Cold Hollow Cider Mill, a working cider mill that hosts 200,000 visitors a year. En route, be sure to stop at the Cabot Cheese Annex/Lake Champlain Chocolates, where you’ll savor delectable samples of award-winning cheeses. Learn about the state’s most famous product at the Morse Maple Sugar Farm (located in Montpelier, just a 30 minute drive from Stowe).

Galleries, Shops & Antiques
The Stowe Area offers a wonderful shopping experience not often found in today's world of big chain stores and mega shopping malls. Each of the area's over 95+ shops, specialty and antique stores is independently owned - most are family operated. From exquisite hand-made quilts and crafts, Vermont specialty foods, ski and sports attire, fine art, books and more, you are sure to find unique treasures while enjoying the peace and charm of shopping in Stowe.

When staying a the Inn, be sure to visit our outstanding shops in the Old Depot, including Bear Pond Books, Vermont Furniture Works, The Stowe Mercantile, Main Street Market, and Laughing Moon Chocolates in our Mansfield House. Here you will discover everything from "penny candy" to hand-crafted Vermont furnishings!

It is no wonder that Stowe has been touted to offer the "best dining outside of Boston and Providence." An amazing variety is available in over 65 restaurants and eateries - many receiving the highest reviews from such publications as Bon Appetit, Gourmet, Ski Magazine and the Wine Spectator. From Italian, Mexican, Thai and classic French to cozy pubs, bakeshops and fondue, your plate will be full while indulging in some of the best dining in the Northeast!

For those looking for apres ski fun and frolic, renowned establishments such as The Matterhorn, The Rusty Nail and The Shed Brewery will fit the bill. Many resorts and pubs offer entertainment throughout the season for every taste - from classic piano tunes to dancing the night away.

Arts & Events
Visitors to the area are truly amazed when discovering the eclectic, thriving arts community that exists in our relatively small resort town. The natural splendor and appeal of our lifestyle and landscape has long attracted gifted performers, artists and craftspeople to live and work in Stowe. A calendar that is rich and abundant with arts and cultural events is offered year-round. Musicals, comedies, dramas, choirs, orchestras, dance, films, festivals, concerts, art exhibits at the Helen Day Arts Center, glass blowing, clay workshops and more are just some of the activities and events offered in and around the area. For fall highlights, please visit our Special Events Calendar or the Stowe Area Association web site at GoStowe.com.

In & Around the Inn & Stowe Village
Perhaps the greatest amenity that the Green Mountain Inn can boast is it's ideal central location in the heart of the historic Village. The Inn truly embodies all of the charm and character that has made Stowe a famous destination resort through the ages. In addition to those listed above, we've highlighted just some of the fall activities that may be enjoyed in this world that is just outside our door…

Stowe, at Night, Lantern Tours is a one hour walking tour that allows individuals to explore the town of Stowe from the early settlers' perspective. Learn about how the first settler Oliver Luce settled in Stowe and the history of the town. A professional guide narrates the entire walk by entertaining the group with legendary ghost stories and Stowe history. Come spend an evening on the leisurely half mile walk, and carry an authentic replica of an 18th century barn lantern to help ward off the countless ghosts! Tours are available in August, September & October on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday nights. Admission is $9 for adults, $5 for students; children ages 8 and under are free. For more information please call 802-244-1173 or visit StoweLanternTours.com.