These Stunning Hikes And Activities Are Perfect For Your Fall Trip To Stowe, Vermont

North of this heavenly New England road trip route and just south of the vibrant foliage views in this top-notch state park, the charming Vermont town of Stowe treats travelers to a treasure trove of idyllic autumnal activities. During a fall vacation in the area, sightseers can look forward to everything from hiking and biking to visiting local festivals and exploring natural wonders.

Given Stowe's impressive list of things to do during harvest season, choosing which ones to prioritize can be difficult. While this lovely little town offers enough enchanting attractions to make repeat trips worth it, there are a few experiences that first-time visitors can focus on to get the most out of their time. Learn all about them with this round-up of Stowe's top activities and most stunning hikes for a perfect fall holiday.

Drawing on recommendations from lifelong New Englanders and fall foliage road trippers, Explore has compiled a guide to some of Stowe's quintessential autumn adventures. Jam-packed with outings that highlight Vermont's sensational scenery, this guide will take you from the trails to the mountaintops and everywhere in between. And while you take in the best of New England during your getaway, rest easy knowing that you're in one of America's best states for gorgeous weather all year long. Paired with a wonderfully walkable downtown district and numerous cozy lodging options, Stowe all but guarantees you a memorable fall trip.

For a high-energy start to your autumnal adventures in Stowe, few activities fit the bill better than the challenging Haselton Trail hike up to Mt. Mansfield. Overlooking another popular hike (this Northeast trail with views of a mountain-top pond), Mt. Mansfield reaches a height of over 4,390 feet at its highest point. Home to a fascinating alpine tundra environment, this mountain is a beloved attraction that can be hiked but must be respected.

If you know how to mind your trail etiquette and navigate steep, sometimes slippery, and taxing terrain, the Haselton Trail route up Mt. Mansfield can make for a rewarding fall hike. The trek reveals genuinely breathtaking vistas to all who manage to tackle it, and while spectacular in summer, the surrounding forested landscapes absolutely shine in autumn. At the end of this hike, a gorgeous overlook awaits alongside the historic 1930s-era Stone Hut (which you can reserve a stay in via the Vermont State Parks system) and Octagon Café (a seasonal restaurant only open in winter).

Of course, before you can reach any of those sights, you'll have to venture just past the entrance to Stowe Mountain Resort, one of the most highly rated ski resorts on the East Coast. There, visitors will find Haselton Trailhead conveniently located next to the resort's Gondola SkyRide, where your less active travel companions can meet you for some post-hike sightseeing.

Before straying too far from Haselton Trailhead, indulge in more seasonal scenery by hopping aboard Stowe Mountain Resort's Gondola SkyRide. Another can't-miss attraction during your autumnal Vermont vacation, this aerial tram tour comes highly recommended by both New England locals and tourists who have visited in the past. As regional expert Morgan Rizzo wrote for Business Insider, "a fall trip isn't complete without a red gondola ride up the mountain. Sitting back and taking in the kaleidoscope of colorful fall foliage while gliding through the air is truly unlike anything else."

Just keep in mind that SkyRide season only runs between late June and the middle of October. To give yourself the best shot at peeping peak autumn color, order tickets online in advance of your visit, and prioritize dates toward the end of September or later. Of course, this will be during the busy season, which means prices rise from the typical rate of around $42 for adults and $27 for kids to $55 and $36, respectively. Keen on budget travel? If you're visiting as a family of four, save some cash by opting for the Family Pack, a bundle for two adults and two children that costs $28 less than you'd pay for those same tickets individually on peak or holiday dates. A SkyRide pass gets you a round-trip journey, but remember not to rush back down Mt. Mansfield immediately after you reach the top. Instead, take your time snapping photos, enjoying a high-altitude lunch at Cliff House, or snacking on one of neighboring dessert spot The Waffle's signature Belgium-style treats.

An award-winning gem that attracts visitors year-round, Stowe Recreation Path is especially beautiful during fall. Also referred to as "the rec path," this greenway is a 5.3-mile-long paved route that begins on Stowe's Main Street, winds along the West Branch River, passes by Bouchard Farm & Landmark Meadow, and ends at the charming Brookdale Covered Bridge on Brook Road. No matter when you visit, expect a journey along this trail to feature incredible mountain landscapes and glimpses of the community spaces that make this region so special. In autumn, vibrant foliage adds another layer of beauty to these sights.

Open to explore on foot or by bike, Stowe Recreation Path features several parking areas placed near access points along the route. Additionally, local rental shops and maintenance stations make cycling a breeze, whether you're a beginner or a pro bringing your own bike. If cycling doesn't appeal to you, visitors are also welcome to rollerblade on the rec path. Sightseers planning an extended stay in Vermont can even try snowshoeing or skiing the trail, once weather permits. For those who choose to travel sans wheels or skis, there is also a detour open only to people visiting on foot. The Quiet Path is 1.8 miles long and crosses through the scenic Stowe Land Trust's Mayo Farm property. It's a must-visit stop for those traveling with pets, as dogs are allowed in the area without a leash. Dogs are also allowed on the main section of Stowe Recreation Path, but they must be leashed there.

Along the way, look out for fun stops, too. Benches scattered along the route invite you to pause and soak in the views, while nearby cafes, restaurants, and breweries make it easy to break for a meal or drink.

While there are many scenic drives to take in Vermont, the one along Route 100 up to the state's tallest waterfall should be at the top of every vacationer's list of things to do during fall in Stowe. For easy navigation, start on Main Street, not far from the entrance to Stowe Recreation Path. From there, head east to get onto Route 100 North and drive for around 3 miles before turning off onto Randolph Road and then taking the right for Moss Glen Falls Road. Along this stretch, you'll find a pull-off area marked by a Moss Glen Falls Natural Area sign. This is where the short, 20-minute hike to Moss Glen Falls itself begins.

From the trailhead, you'll only need to walk for about a quarter of a mile before you lay eyes upon the stunning 85-foot fountain. Still not convinced to make the trek? Let past visitors sell you on the experience. "I love waterfalls and try to visit every one I can when I travel," one Tripadvisor reviewer wrote. "My wife mentioned Moss Glen Falls to me while I was visiting the Stowe, Vermont area. I can honestly say it is one of the most beautiful and dramatic falls I have seen."

If you have some extra energy to burn off, there is an extended route through the region that'll take you on a roughly three-hour, 4.2-mile hike. Just be prepared to tackle this path's "steep ascent" that even Go Stowe admits leads only to a "viewless summit." Those who would rather spend their time pursuing more picturesque vistas can instead hop back in the car and follow Elmore Mountain Road for a scenic drive that showcases spectacular views of Mount Mansfield and the Sterling Range.

Last but certainly not least, there is the annual Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin' Festival. Typically held in late September or early October, this beloved event rings in the fall season by launching bright orange gourds out of DIY trebuchets and seeing whose pumpkin can fly the farthest. To date, the record sits just shy of 900 feet.

Named America's "Best Fall Festival" in 2019 and recognized as a runner up in 2023 (per USA Today's Readers' Choice Awards), this Pumpkin Chuckin' celebration of course offers more than just high-flying antics. Visitors who pay the $10 admission fee can also enjoy live music, scope out competitors in the chili cook-off, peruse artist booths at the on-site craft fair, sample maple-flavored fall treats, and watch or join in on a volleyball tournament. If you're lucky, you may even spot local legends like Dolores the tortoise or the giant robot from Nye Mechworks on festival grounds.

Before you head out to the next upcoming Vermont Pumpkin Chuckin' Festival, make sure to plan carefully. People who want to participate in the pumpkin-launching fun will need to register, and there are rules each competitor must follow when it comes to the specifics of their trebuchet design. If you're planning to watch rather than compete, you'll still want to come prepared with cash to pay for food, souvenirs, and other goodies onsite.

To bring you the best of what Stowe has to offer during autumn, we referenced and compared information from locals, past visitors, and regional travel organizations alike. From a long list of amazing activities and awesome attractions, the five options highlighted in this roundup stood out thanks to their ability to highlight Vermont's uniquely magical fall vibes and their wealth of glowing recommendations and reviews.

That said, there are many more places worth exploring during harvest season in both Stowe and further afield in The Green Mountain State. For a less crowded destination that can serve as a stunning dupe of Stowe, travel about two and a half hours south to visit the town of Dorset. From there, you can drive under 90 minutes southeast to reach Brattleboro, one of the Northeast's most beautiful places to add to your fall bucket list.