Stowe, located at the base of Mount Mansfield, is a stunning New England village known as the fall’s color capital. However, it’s a year-round vacation spot that especially comes alive in spring. As the days become longer and the skies clearer, it transforms into a springtime wonderland blanketed in green. You can enjoy dozens of fun adventures during the shoulder season, from skiing to hiking the mountain trails. Discover why spring is a great time to visit America’s unofficial “Falls Color Capital.”
Hike the Long Trail
The 272-mile Long Trail is a popular hiking route among thru-hikers and offers some of the best scenery of the Green Mountains. Hiking the trail allows you to summit Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, and enjoy unparalleled views of the surrounding wonders. It’s worth noting that the Long Trail is America’s oldest long-distance hiking trail.
Hike Maple Ridge Trail
Hiking Maple Ridge Trail is one of the best things you can do in Stowe in spring. It’s among the less crowded routes for summiting Mount Mansfield, known for its 360-degree views. However, it traverses rugged, challenging terrain with steep and rocky sections. You can combine this hike with the Long Trail or Sunset Ridge Trail to enjoy a more diverse experience of Mount Mansfield and its surroundings.
Visit Smuggler’s, Notch State Park
Smuggler’s Notch State Park uniquely combines nature, history, and outdoor recreation. It offers endless options for admiring the scenery of the Green Mountains, from scenic drives to hiking trails. One of the park’s main highlights is the Smuggler’s Notch Waterfall, also known as Bingham Falls. Hike the Bingham Falls Trail to a viewpoint of the majestic waterfall.
Take a Day Trip to Burlington
Burlington is only 45 minutes from Stowe, making it one of the best day trips from the town. The city is famous for its scenic waterfront location along the beautiful shores of Lake Champlain. Some of Burlington’s top attractions are the vibrant Church Street Marketplace and Waterfront Park.
Shaw’s General Store
If you love shopping, Shaw’s General Store is a great spot to visit in spring. Dating back to 1895, it’s a significant part of Stowe’s rich history and guarantees a memorable experience. You’ll find a fascinating collection of clothing, toys, caps, outdoor gear, shoes, and Stowe souvenirs. With its convenient location on Main Street, it’s easily accessible if you are in town.
Drive the Scenic Vermont State Route 100 (Green Mountain Byway)
A drive through Vermont State Route 100 is the perfect opportunity to witness the remarkable transformation of the Green Mountains’ scenery from winter wonderland to lush, green landscape in spring. You’ll enjoy views of various natural features, including farmland, meadows, and forests, with endless recreational opportunities—from hiking to skiing.
Hike the Moss Glen Falls
Moss Glen Falls might be Vermont’s highest waterfall, but at 125 feet, it’s incredibly stunning. It is part of Putnam State Forest and is accessible via the Moss Glen Falls Trail, with the trailhead on Moss Glen Falls Road. It’s an easy trail that feels more like a nature walk through the woods before returning to the parking lot.
Stroll or Bike Stowe Recreation Path
Stowe Recreation Path is one of Stowe’s best outdoor spots. The internationally known pathway stretches 5.3 miles from Stowe to Top Notch Resort on Mountain Road and is accessible regardless of age. In spring, you can stroll or bike along it for spectacular mountain vistas and opportunities for dining, shopping, and swimming.
Enjoy Spring Skiing at Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Mountain Resort offers some of the best spring experiences in Stowe. The resort features incredible family-friendly activities for embracing the season’s charm. You can always enjoy late-winter skiing, which sometimes lasts until April. The crowds tend to be thinner, ensuring a relaxed ski adventure.
Have an Unforgettable Stay at Trapp Family Lodge
Covering 2,600 acres, Trapp Family Lodge is a four-season resort famous for hosting Stowe’s largest and America’s first cross-country ski center. The resort is a premier outdoor destination with seasonal activities. You can experience cross-country skiing along with other mountain activities in spring, marvel at the Austrian-inspired architecture, and even participate in indoor activities like bowling.
Have a Freshly Brewed Drink at von Trapp Brewing
Stowe has an incredible craft brewery scene, and von Trapp Brewery is well worth your time. A portion of Trapp Family Lodge, it is known for its authentic Austrian-style lagers. You can learn a lot on a guided tour, including the family’s history and the brewing process, and then recharge at the Bierhall, known for its delicious Austrian dishes.
Stowe Pinnacle Mountain Hike
Another beautiful spring hike you won’t want to miss in Stowe is the Stowe Pinnacle Trail, which takes you to a spectacular viewpoint with sweeping vistas of the Green Mountains. The 3.1-mile out-and-back route in Putnam State Forest winds through steep, rocky terrain, with some sections requiring a bit of scrambling.
Visit Emily’s Covered Bridge
Also known as Historic Gold Brook Covered Bridge, Emily’s Covered Bridge is one of America’s oldest covered bridges, dating back to 1844. It is only a few miles outside Stowe’s downtown area and one of the most scenic stops along Route 100. It is popular among supernatural fans because of its haunted history—but don’t worry, the ghost won’t haunt you during the day.
Explore the Nearby Warren Falls on Mad River
Mad River Valley boasts some of Vermont’s most picturesque scenery. A spring visit lets you enjoy the region’s best activities, from end-of-season skiing to kayaking adventures. One of Mad River’s most breathtaking sights is Warren Falls, where three waterfalls cascade into deep pools that make incredible swimming holes. The area is also recognized for its cliff-jumping opportunities.
Explore the Lamoille River
The 85-mile Lamoille River runs through northern Vermont and empties into Lake Champlain. It is an incredibly scenic outdoor destination near Stowe, especially in spring, when the lush surroundings undergo a vibrant transformation. You can explore the river by kayaking or whitewater rafting, and spring is a great time for trout fishing in the Lamoille River.
