8 Stowe Vermont Fall Foliage Spots to Experience the Best Autumn Colors

Stowe, Vermont, is known for its beautiful fall foliage that attracts visitors each autumn. The colorful leaves create stunning landscapes, making it a popular place to enjoy the season. Many people plan trips specifically to see the vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows found in this mountain town.

A scenic view of colorful autumn trees covering hills and forests with a winding road in Stowe, Vermont.

The best time to experience Stowe’s fall colors is between late September and mid-October, when the leaves are at their brightest. The town offers many ways to enjoy the scenery, from scenic drives to outdoor activities. This article highlights eight great spots to view Stowe’s fall foliage.

1) Visit Smugglers’ Notch for panoramic autumn views

Panoramic view of colorful autumn trees covering mountains and hills in Smugglers' Notch near Stowe, Vermont.

Smugglers’ Notch offers clear views of bright fall colors. The winding Route 108 passes through the mountain pass, giving travelers scenic outlooks. Visitors can stop at pull-offs to enjoy the changing leaves and mountain landscapes. This area is known for its variety of vibrant autumn foliage.

See more about the drive and views at Smugglers’ Notch here.

2) Bike the 5.3-mile Little River Recreation Path

A cyclist rides on a paved path surrounded by colorful autumn trees along a river in Stowe, Vermont.

The Stowe Recreation Path is a paved 5.3-mile trail that runs along the Little River. It offers easy cycling with scenic views of fall foliage and crossing points over the river. The path connects Stowe Village to Topnotch Resort, making it a popular fall biking route.

More about this trail can be found at Stowe Recreation Path.

3) Drive the Mountain Road scenic loop

A winding mountain road surrounded by colorful autumn trees with red, orange, and yellow leaves in a forested landscape near Stowe, Vermont.

The Mountain Road scenic loop in Stowe offers a seven-mile drive with great views. It passes through forests and open areas perfect for fall colors. Drivers often stop to take photos at key vantage points along the route. This loop is a popular choice for leaf-peeping.

More details can be found on the best things to do in Stowe in fall.

4) Explore the Stowe Recreation Path for leaf peeping

A paved trail winding through colorful autumn trees with people walking and biking in Stowe, Vermont.

The Stowe Recreation Path is a 5.3-mile paved trail that offers easy access to colorful fall foliage. It runs through scenic areas along the Little River, providing peaceful views of trees changing color. Visitors often bike or walk here to enjoy the autumn landscape in a calm setting.

5) Tour local maple farms and taste fresh syrup

Visitors tasting fresh maple syrup at a rustic sugar shack surrounded by colorful fall foliage in a maple farm in Stowe, Vermont.

Visitors can tour local maple farms to see how syrup is made from tree sap. He or she can watch the boiling process and sample fresh syrup. These tours show traditional methods and support Vermont’s maple syrup heritage. Many farms in Stowe offer this experience during fall. Learn more about Stowe’s maple sugar shacks here.

6) Hike the Sterling Pond Trail for vibrant foliage

A hiking trail surrounded by colorful fall trees leading to a calm pond in Stowe, Vermont.

The Sterling Pond Trail offers a scenic hike through colorful fall leaves. Hikers pass through forests of oak, pine, and birch, surrounded by bright orange and red foliage. The trail leads to Sterling Pond, a peaceful mountain pond with clear water and great views.

Learn more about this trail at Go Stowe.

7) Attend the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival

Outdoor arts festival in Stowe, Vermont with colorful autumn trees and people browsing craft booths on a sunny fall day.

The Stowe Foliage Arts Festival is a three-day event held in October. It features over 150 artists who showcase fine art and craftwork. Visitors can enjoy live demonstrations and seasonal treats in a fall-colored setting. More details are available at the Stowe Foliage Arts Festival website.

8) Visit Moss Glen Falls surrounded by colorful trees

A waterfall surrounded by colorful autumn trees with red, orange, and yellow leaves in a forested area.

Moss Glen Falls offers a peaceful spot to see vibrant fall colors. The waterfall is framed by bright red, orange, and yellow leaves. Visitors can take a short hike to enjoy the crisp autumn air and scenic views near Stowe, Vermont.

Learn more about Moss Glen Falls here.

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