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Hiking is a popular activity and there are trails to suit every ability, read on to learn about a few of our favorite spots for easy hikes with scenic views in Stowe Vermont. The Stowe Land Trust offers trail maps online of permanently protected land for the recreational use. You can also stop by the Green Mountain Club conveniently located right on Route 100 between Waterbury and Stowe for trail maps and suggestions as well.
This trail is short but steep (2.8 miles round trip) featuring beautiful wildflowers and amazing views. The beginning of the trail passes through a meadow/pasture for just under a mile at which point it becomes part of the Skyline Trail. Keep right to the wide-open summit where the panoramic views are breathtaking.
Where to park: From Stowe Village, turn onto School Street and head north until the road splits. Bear right, heading toward the Stowe Hollow area of town. Follow this for about 2 miles up the hill. On your left is a small parking area for the Pinnacle trail.
This trail is steep but easy (2 miles round trip) accessed directly off from Vermont’s scenic Route 108. You can extend your hike 1.4 miles taking the trail around the pond. The winding narrow road also known as the notch has a ski resort on each side—Stowe to the south and Smuggler’s Notch to the north. At the top of the notch you’ll find the trailhead for Sterling Pond Trail; one of Vermont’s great short hikes which leads to an alpine pond and spectacular views over the Smugglers Notch ski area.
Where to park: The trail starts across the road from the Smugglers’ Notch Park visitor center parking lot located on Route 108.
Bingham Falls is a popular spot not only for hiking but swimming, snowshoeing, ice climbing, and cross country skiing as well. The trail (1.2 mile round trip) begins on the west side of Route 108 and runs downhill to the top of a gorge where potholes in the brook bed were carved out by glaciers. The trail then descends steeply to the base of the falls. Be sure to wear appropriate shoes as parts of the trail can be slippery.
Where to park: The trailhead on Rt. 108 is located just a few tenths of a mile south of the Smugglers Notch State Park Campground. There are pull-offs for parking on both sides of the road but signs for the trail are somewhat tucked back in the woods from the trailhead entrance.
The best way to access the Sunset Rock trail is to walk from the Village to the end of Sunset Street (vehicle parking is not permitted). It’s a steep climb in the beginning to get to the actual Sunset Rock but worth the trip for the great view of Main Street. Just past Sunset Rock is the Glacial Kettle Hole, created over 10,000 years ago by small pebbles swirling to form the circular hole. The trail continues to climb for another .25 miles to the Upper Overlook where you’ll enjoy a spectacular view of Mount Mansfield to the West.
Where to park: If you do need to park a car drive .25 miles up School Street and bear left onto Taber Hill Road. The lot is 200 yards up the hill on the left.
The Moss Glenn Falls Trail (2.9 miles round trip) is a relatively easy hike to view the 125 foot 4 tiered waterfall. Located just north of Stowe village off a side road, it is not hard to find and well marked. The trail follows the Moss Glen Brook which flows through the forest before the stream turns into a narrow confined gorge. There are areas of the stream that are easily accessed making it a nice hike with children.
Where to park: To get to Moss Glen Falls head north from the center of Stowe on Route 100. After about 3.0 miles, turn right onto Randolph Road. Almost immediately, turn right again onto Moss Glen Falls Road and drive about 0.5 miles to the trailhead on the left.
