With majestic Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak at 4,392') and the beautiful Worcester range as our backdrop, it’s no wonder that Stowe is known as a mecca for hiking! The famous Long Trail, a 265-mile trail system that runs from the Massachusetts border through Vermont to Canada, crosses over Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak in Stowe. Numerous trailheads connect to the trail, providing a great access point or many options for day hikes. Scenic trails that will excite novice hikers, families and experienced hikers are prolific in the area.

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

We’ve highlighted our top “Staff Picks” for day hikes in our area…

Shorter Hikes

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.

A complete listing of spring/summer/fall activities and events can be found here.