Mount Mansfield Summit from Auto Toll Road
The easiest route to the summit of Mount Mansfield.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 3.9 km
- Ascent
- 185 m
- Descent
- 185 m
The Best Family-Friendly Hikes in Stowe, Vermont
Find the perfect trails to take advantage of Vermont's prime hiking seasons.
Hiking Easy, Moderate, Difficult
Description
Stowe, Vermont is a mountain getaway for all seasons, but those seasons are quite different from one another. While winter is the time for snow sports, summer is for sunshine and swimming holes, and fall is for brisk air and changing leaves. What summer and fall have in common are relatively dry trail conditions, making them the prime seasons for hiking in the mountains.
Stowe has no shortage of attractions for the whole family, like the numerous bed and breakfasts, small-town shops and restaurants, historical sites, and Stowe Mountain Resort. To add hiking to your family’s list of activities in Stowe, check out these family-friendly adventures nearby. Some begin from the center of the Village, like the Quiet Path and Sunset Rock. Others are in the surrounding mountains, like Stowe Pinnacle and Sterling Pond. Some have waterfalls and swimming holes for the summer, some have mountain vistas for clear days, and all have gorgeous foliage in the fall.
Routes included
Stowe Pinnacle Trail
A must-do hike in Stowe, to a granite dome with 360-degree views of the valley and surrounding mountains.
Difficult Hiking
- Distance
- 4.9 km
- Ascent
- 470 m
- Descent
- 470 m
Sunset Rock
Walk from Stowe's Main Street to a wooded park overlooking the village.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 2 km
- Ascent
- 99 m
- Descent
- 99 m
Wiessner Woods: Meadow Trail Loop
Short, family-friendly nature trail with a view of Vermont's tallest mountain and a chance at spotting wildlife.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 1.9 km
- Ascent
- 43 m
- Descent
- 43 m
Mill Trail
Walk to a historic cabin in the woods beside a river.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 663 m
- Ascent
- 42 m
- Descent
- 42 m
Bingham Falls
A 40-foot waterfall and summer swimming holes in a mountain stream.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 802 m
- Ascent
- 56 m
- Descent
- 56 m
Sterling Pond Trail
Popular hike to a large pond near the top of a mountain.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 3.1 km
- Ascent
- 279 m
- Descent
- 279 m
Stowe Quiet Path
Unpaved recreation path through fields and along a river near Stowe Village.
Easy Hiking
- Distance
- 2.6 km
- Ascent
- 18 m
- Descent
- 19 m
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