The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Stowe, VT in Fall 🍁

Visiting the town of Stowe in Vermont during fall is everything you dream about when you picture a cozy New England getaway — red leaves covering winding roads, a charming Main Street with pumpkin displays, and crisp mountain air that smells like woodsmoke and maple syrup.

We visited Stowe as part of our 5 Day New England Fall Road Trip, and it instantly stood out as one of the most picturesque and memorable stops. Between the hiking trails, yummy food stops, foliage views, and small-town charm, Stowe absolutely delivers as the classic Vermont fall vibe!

This guide breaks down everything you need to plan your trip to Stowe in fall, from the best time to visit, where to stay, and what to pack, to the top things to do, eat, and see in Stowe during the fall season!

Whether you’re planning a weekend escape or adding Stowe to a bigger New England road trip, this post will help you make the most of fall in Vermont’s most popular mountain town!

Quick Guide for Your Stowe Foliage Trip

Best Time to Visit: Early to mid-October for peak foliage; late October for fewer crowds and quieter roads

Main airports: BTV (45 min to Stowe) or MHT (2.5 hrs to Stowe)

Where to Stay:
– Green Mountain Inn
– von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort 
– The Lodge at Spruce Peak 
– Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa

Things to Do: 
– Explore downtown Stowe
– Drive Smuggler’s Notch Scenic Highway
– Ride the Stowe Gondola SkyRide
– Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill
– Tour the Ben & Jerry’s Factory

When to Visit Stowe VT for Fall Foliage

If the main goal of your trip to Stowe in fall is to see peak foliage, timing is everything! In most years, fall colors reach peak in northern Vermont between early and mid-October, but the exact timing shifts every season based on weather and elevation.

Note: For up-to-date predictions, I recommend checking out this Vermont Foliage Tracker which gets updated periodically throughout the season! 🍁

We visited Stowe in the third week of October, which was about a week past peak that year. Unfortunately, most of the fall colors up in the mountains were gone by this time, but we still got plenty of vibrant leaves around town and in other areas of Vermont as we headed south!

Luckily, the fall Halloween decorations are still very much on display in Stowe in late October. Plus, there are way fewer people in the area after peak foliage season, which is always a nice perk! We were able to visit restaurants without reservations and see the best spots without huge crowds of people.

So, if you’re set on catching that fiery orange and red foliage during your time in Stowe, plan for the first or second week of October. And if you can be flexible based on the progression of the leaves, even better!

However, if you’re visiting later like we did, I 100% still recommend visiting Stowe, but you should also visit some towns further south, like Woodstock, for the best chance at seeing the bright colors!

We actually spent 3 days in Vermont exploring Woodstock, Stowe, and Burlington, so we got to see a lot of variations of the leaves on our trip.

How to Get to Stowe, Vermont

Stowe is located in northern Vermont, about 45 minutes east of Burlington and 2 hours northwest of Concord, New Hampshire. While there’s no major airport in Stowe itself, you’ve got a few options when it comes to flying in!

The closest and most convenient airport is Burlington International Airport (BTV). It’s a small but efficient airport with rental car options right on site, and flying in here puts you less than an hour from Stowe.

Or, if you’re pairing Stowe with other fall destinations (like the White Mountains in New Hampshire), you could also fly into Manchester-Boston Regional Airport (MHT). It’s about 2.5 hours from Stowe, but sometimes has cheaper flight options than Burlington, depending on where you’re coming from.

We personally visited Stowe as part of our 5-day New England road trip, for which we flew in and out of MHT because we had to pick up and drop off our camper van in Concord.

However, if I were doing this trip in a normal rental car, I probably would’ve booked one-way flight into MHT and then out of Burlington to reduce the drive times!

No matter which airport you fly into, you’ll definitely want to rent a car for this trip. Public transportation is very limited in this area, and having a car lets you explore at your own pace, from scenic roadside stops and covered bridges to out-of-town hikes and sugar shacks!

Pro tip: Book your rental car early! Fall in Vermont is busy, and cars do sell out, especially at smaller airports🚗

Where to Stay in Stowe, Vermont

The town of Stowe can be divided into two main areas: the Village of Stowe (Downtown) and the Mountain Area.

If you want to be in the heart of it all, staying in the Village of Stowe puts you within walking distance to the main shops, restaurants, coffee spots, and the charming town square.

This area is super walkable and feels straight out of a Hallmark movie in fall, but it also tends to be pricier and books up quickly during foliage season!

Here are some hotels options for you to check out in downtown Stowe:

• 🏨 Green Mountain Inn – Classic Vermont charm right on Main Street with cozy rooms and an on-site restaurant.
• 🏨 The Stowe Village Inn – Historic inn located just steps from downtown with a front porch perfect for fall views.
• 🏨 Butler House – Boutique-style rooms above Butler’s Pantry, one of the most popular breakfast spots in town!

If you’re looking for more space, mountain views, and easy access to hiking trails, consider staying along the Mountain Road (Route 108) leading up towards the base of Mount Mansfield. The most popular area to stay is right at the base of the mountain, where you’ll find several ski resorts that are open year-round!

This area is only 10-minutes from downtown Stowe, and most of the things to do in this post lay between the two, so you won’t be inconvenienced if you choose to stay in the mountain area.

We actually camped even further north at the Smugglers Notch RV Village, which was a bit out of the way and required driving along the dramatic (but beautiful) Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Highway to get into town, which was slightly difficult in a camper van!

That said, we were able to find on-street parking right in downtown when we visited each morning, so don’t stress if you stay a bit farther out — driving into town for the day is very doable!

Here are some of the top hotel options along Mountain Road to choose from:

• 🏨 von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort – Austrian-style mountain resort with incredible views, hiking trails, and an on-site brewery. 10/10 recommend!!
• 🏨 The Lodge at Spruce Peak – Luxury resort located right at Stowe Mountain Resort — ideal for fall foliage and spa days.
• 🏨 Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa – A relaxed, full-service resort with beautiful grounds, spa amenities, and easy access to both town and the mountain.

P.S. Looking to visit more Vermont towns on your trip? Check out my 3-Day Vermont Fall Itinerary that pairs Stowe with Burlington and Woodstock for the ultimate fall Vermonter weekend! 🍂🍁

Things to Do in Stowe in Fall

As you probably know, there’s no shortage of autumnal things to do in Stowe, from colorful hikes and scenic drives to craft breweries and cozy cafés. We spent two days exploring the area but didn’t hit everything on our list.

Below, I’ve tried to capture everything Stowe has to offer in the fall, but of course the list is truly endless. Don’t feel like you have to do every single activity though!

I personally enjoyed the time spent just wandering through town with no real agenda.

🏘️ Explore Downtown Stowe

Start with a slow stroll through the Village of Stowe after you arrive. Pop into boutique shops, admire the pumpkin displays, and grab a coffee or maple treat from a local café.

The whole downtown area feels like a real-life fall postcard, especially in October!

You can’t miss the Stowe Community Church right in the center of town, which is the perfect fall photo-op. We also loved exploring Shaw’s General Store and the Country Store, both right on Main Street.

🍁 Drive Smugglers’ Notch Scenic Highway

One of the most dramatic drives in Vermont, this narrow, winding mountain pass connects Stowe to Jeffersonville via Route 108. The road is lined with towering cliffs, dense woods, and fiery foliage.

We did this drive multiple times during our trip in a massive campervan, which was both magical and a little nerve-wracking. It’s especially pretty in the early morning when the road is quieter!

When we visited past peak season, the trees were mostly bare and it was always foggy along the road, giving the whole area a very spooky hollow feel.

Note: This road typically closes by late October due to weather, so plan accordingly!

🚶 Walk the Stowe Recreation Path

This scenic 5.3-mile paved path runs from downtown Stowe toward the mountain, weaving through farms, woods, and meadows with foliage views the whole way.

It’s easy to access from multiple points. We started it at the beginning from downtown (go down the adorable covered wooden stairs behind the church) and wandered for about an hour after eating breakfast!

We didn’t do the whole route, but another option is to bike it if you’re interested in saving time and getting a little exercise too. There’s so much to see on this route!

🌲 Hike to Moss Glen Falls

About 10 minutes from downtown, this short trail leads to one of the prettiest waterfalls in Vermont. It’s a fairly easy walk, though it can get muddy, especially after rain.

We didn’t have time to stop here on our trip, but it’s definitely on my list for next time!

🌽 Try the Percy Farm Corn Maze

Located right off Mountain Road, the Percy Farm Corn Maze is a fun fall activity if you’re visiting earlier in the season. Unfortunately, it had closed for the year by the time we visited in late October, but it’s worth checking their schedule if you’re in town earlier!

If you’re driving, the best place to park is the neighboring Thompson Park. The farm is also located right off the Recreation Path, so you could easily make a stop here along the way if you make it that far on your bike or walking!

🚠 Ride the Stowe Gondola SkyRide

One of the most popular things to do in Stowe in fall, this scenic gondola takes you up Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest mountain, for panoramic foliage views from the top. At the summit, there’s a small café and a few trails to explore — or you can just soak in the scenery!

Along with the corn maze, this was one of the few activities that had already closed for the season during our trip, but it’s high on our list to do next time! We literally missed it by days – such a bummer!

🌅 Catch the View from Sunset Rock

This quick hike starts right in town and leads to a peaceful overlook with views across Stowe Village and the surrounding hills. It’s a gentle uphill path that takes less than 20 minutes round-trip, but the foliage payoff is huge!

It’s a great low-effort, high-reward option if you’re short on time but still want to get some epic views while in Stowe. And it’s especially beautiful at sunset (duh!).

🚗 Drive the Stowe Mountain Auto Toll Road

If you’d rather stay in the car, consider checking out the Stowe Mountain Auto Toll Road! This 4.5-mile toll road winds up the shoulder of Mt. Mansfield with sweeping views all the way. You can stop at various points or head all the way to the summit ridge.

Make sure to double-check opening dates since the drive typically closes by mid to late October due to weather!

🍎 Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill

Just 10 minutes outside of Stowe in nearby Waterbury, Cold Hollow Cider Mill is one of Vermont’s most iconic fall stops! It’s a mix of breakfast café, cider house, maple shop, and working mill that draws big crowds (and a lot of Instagram posts).

We visited first thing in the morning and started on the café side, where you’ll find hearty Vermont-style breakfast sandwiches and delicious maple coffee from Speeder & Earl’s.

After breakfast, head to the mill side to browse rows of maple syrup, local jams, cookbooks, and sauces. You can watch the cider press in action if it’s running, and of course, grab some of their famous apple cider donuts. (I’ll be honest — they were a little underwhelming!).

🍦 Visit the Ben & Jerry’s Factory

Just down the road from Cold Hollow is another classic Vermont experience: the Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury. Open daily from 10:00am to 8:00pm, this is a must-do stop for any ice cream fan.

They offer 30-minute factory tours that walk you through the company’s quirky history, their social mission, a peek at the production line, and of course, free ice cream samples at the end!

Tours sell out fast in fall, so I highly recommend buying tickets ahead of time online. We made the mistake of showing up on a Friday without tickets and had to skip the tour (luckily I had done it before!).

But even without the tour, it’s still a fun stop!! We grabbed scoops of ice cream and sat outside surrounded by orange trees, then wandered through the gift shop and the Flavor Graveyard — a hillside tribute to their discontinued flavors with pun-filled tombstones (RIP Peanut Butter and Jelly!).

Where to Eat & Drink in Stowe

Stowe has a surprisingly great food scene for such a small town — whether you’re craving craft beer, cozy breakfasts, or a cider flight with live music. This is definitely one of the perks of Stowe vs Woodstock or other small towns in Vermont!

Here are some of our favorite spots we tried + a few more that came highly recommended and are still on our list for next time!

Breakfast & Coffee

Round Hearth Café was one of our favorite stops of the entire trip!! Just outside of downtown Stowe, this cozy cafe is part antique shop, part café, and part lodge.

We had a delicious breakfast here before starting our day and stayed awhile after we finished to enjoy the unlimited maple coffee and the huge hearth in the middle of the restaurant!

In the heart of Stowe village, Butler’s Pantry is probably the most well-known breakfast spot in town. Housed in a historic building, it serves classic Vermont breakfasts, like pancakes with local maple syrup in a cozy ambiance. It’s popular, so expect a wait during peak foliage weekend!

A few doors down, Black Cap Coffee & Bakery is great for a quick stop. We loved the flaky pastries and strong espresso, and the shop’s warm, rustic interior was perfect for a mid-morning break while wandering the village. This is a local Vermont chain, so you can a few others outside of Stowe!

And just up the road from Main Street, Woodland Baking & Coffee is another hidden gem. Everything is baked in-house, from the buttery croissants to the hearty breads, and it feels way more local and relaxed than the spots downtown!

Plus, just around the corner from here near Tangerine and Olive is an awesome lookout with great views of the village!

Lunch & Casual Bites

For a casual lunch after exploring town, Café on Main is a reliable go-to located right in the village. They serve up homemade soups, sandwiches, and a daily quiche. You order at the counter, and it’s perfect for a quick meal without fuss!

If you’re craving pizza, Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge on Mountain Road serves up New York-style pies in a fun, artsy atmosphere. It’s great for families or groups and they’re also open for dinner!

Backyard, also along Mountain Road, is a newer spot with a classic ski-town pub and après vibe. Their menu features upscale comfort food like burgers, crispy Brussels sprouts, and seasonal salads, and they’ve got a full bar. Also a great dinner spot!

Dinner

Just outside the village up on the hillside you’ll find von Trapp Brewing Bierhall. This was hands-down our favorite dinner in Vermont!! The beer hall is part of a large lodge that was opened by the actual von Trapp family that the Sound of Music was based on!

The beerhall has a huge lawn with outdoor fire pits and incredible and authentic Austrian food like bratwurst, sauerkraut, and schnitzel. Not to mention the yummy Austrian beer we got to try!

For something a little more intimate, Harrison’s Restaurant & Bar is tucked just off Main Street in the village. It has a warm and cozy atmosphere with a season and locally inspired menu. Make a reservation if you can — it fills up fast in fall!

Along Mountain Road, Doc Ponds offers a more laid-back dinner vibe with an excellent craft beer selection. We didn’t make it here on this trip, but it’s high on our list for next time!

Breweries & Cider

The Alchemist, just north of downtown, is one of Vermont’s most iconic breweries and home to some incredible IPAs! The beer cafe is very laid-back, and you can also do brewery tours here for $25! They don’t have in-house food services, but sometimes there is a food truck on-site.

Right across the street, Idletyme Brewing Company blends the best of both worlds: a full-service restaurant and a craft brewery. They’ve got a wide variety of beer styles and usually offer some seasonal specials in the fall.

For something a little different, Stowe Cider is located near the Stowe Recreation Path and offers a wide range of hard ciders, from dry and crisp to creative seasonal flavors. The space has a casual vibe, with live music and food trucks depending on the day!

What to Pack for Fall in Stowe

Packing for fall in Stowe will vary depending on which week you are visiting. For example, you might have pleasantly mild temperatures in the beginning of the fall season, but by late October/early November, snow is very much possible.

We actually woke up to frost on the ground our last morning in Vermont!

In general, be ready for crisp mornings and chilly nights. Layers are your best friend!

Here’s what I recommend bringing!

• Warm Layers: Fleece, flannel, or a packable puffer jacket for those cold mornings and evenings. I pretty much lived in my Columbia fleece with a long sleeve shirt or flannel underneath!
• Waterproof Jacket: It can get rainy, and a lightweight rain shell will come in handy.
• Fleece-Lined Leggings: These fleece-lined leggings are a must-have for any cold weather trip! Warmer than normal leggings but just as comfy!
• Comfortable Walking Shoes or Hiking Boots: You’ll be on your feet a lot exploring town, trails, and farm stops. Depending on what level of activity you are doing, you might need full-on hiking boots!
• Hat and Gloves: It can drop into the 30s at night, especially in late October. I didn’t bring gloves and regretted it! But was very glad to have a beanie.
• Camera or Phone with Storage: Trust me — you’re going to want to take a lot of photos of those leaves!! An iPhone will do fine too.
• Small Daypack or Tote: For walking around town or stashing snacks and water while hiking.

P.S. I have a whole packing guide for New England in fall here! 🧣

Shop My Vermont Essentials Here!

Sample 2-Day Itinerary for Stowe in Fall

Before I wrap up, here’s a sample two-day itinerary to help you make the most of a fall weekend in Stowe! This is based on what we actually did — with a few bonus stops I’d recommend if you have extra time!

Day 1:

Morning:
– Start the day with breakfast at Cold Hollow Cider Mill before the crowds arrive (they open at 8am)
– Head into town and wander the Village of Stowe, browsing shops and soaking up fall vibes
– Walk or bike a stretch of the Stowe Recreation Path for beautiful views of the river and foliage

Afternoon:
– Grab lunch at Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge — don’t skip the garlic knots
– Try your luck at the Percy Farm Corn Maze for a seasonal stop
– Sip a flight at Stowe Cider with live music

Evening:
– Conquer the Sunset Rock hike for incredible views of the village
– Enjoy a cozy dinner at Harrison’s

Day 2:

Morning:
– Grab breakfast at Round Hearth Café and enjoy the fireplace
– Ride the Stowe Gondola SkyRide for sweeping foliage views from Mt. Mansfield
– Drive up the Stowe Mountain Auto Toll Road for even more elevated leaf-peeping

Afternoon:
– Have lunch at Backyard, a modern tavern with great burgers and cozy mountain vibes
– Make your way to Ben & Jerry’s Factory in Waterbury — take the tour or just grab a cone!
– Check out Moss Glen Falls on the way back into town

Evening:
– Head to Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall for Austrian food and mountain sunset views
– Wrap up the trip with post-dinner drinks at The Alchemist

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re here for leaf peeping, cider sipping, or just soaking in the cozy charm of a small Vermont town, Stowe delivers the kind of fall experience that’s hard to beat.

Between the scenic hikes, cute downtown streets, and iconic local stops, you’ll leave feeling like you just walked through a Hallmark movie.

I hope this Stowe Fall Guide has helped prepare you for your trip!

And if you’re continuing your fall road trip through Vermont, don’t miss Woodstock, another one of my all-time favorite towns. It’s just under two hours from Stowe and offers more covered bridges, dreamy streets, and the best inn in the state! Read my full Fall Woodstock Guide here!