Stowe, Vermont is a sensational place for travelers to visit year-round, but if you come in the fall with a leaf peeping adventure on your mind, you’re in for a colorful and captivating treat starting the moment you arrive! Stowe is often pointed to as the season’s color capital with good reason. Across this classic New England village, visitors and locals alike are treated to stunning views taking on new hues each fall as one season transitions beautifully into the next. The fall foliage here is legendary and whether you only have a few days to take it all in, or you’re fortunate enough to make the most of an extended autumn stay, it’s an experience you certainly won’t soon forget. When the hillsides come to life in lovely shades of yellow, red, and orange this time of year, it’s a great opportunity to get out and capture the moment alongside family and friends with leaf peeping in Stowe Vermont.
Come to Stowe During Peak Foliage Time
The timeframe between early September and mid-October is typically considered the prime foliage window each year for those looking to admire the many changing colors across Stowe. While there are certainly many contributing factors, like the weather, that can change the terrain’s vibrancy throughout the fall season, planning a leaf peeping journey the last week of September into the first two weeks of October is generally a good bet that you’ll enjoy great views. Some of the best leaf peeping opportunities in the area come after a relatively temperate summer. If you see a warmer fall in the forecast for Stowe, you might want to move your leaf peeping trip up a bit further as this often points to even more impressive reds in oak and maple trees alongside golds and yellows in the local hickory, redbud, poplar, elm, and birch varieties.
Drive and Tour Your Way to Leaf Peeping Fun
When you know you want to spend as much time as possible in the great outdoors seeing all of the changing colors at their best across Stowe, there’s no shortage of options when it comes to scenic routes or tours to take. The following are 10 you won’t want to miss when you’re heading this way in the fall.
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Drive From Stowe Visitor Information Center to Edson Hill and West Hill
If you’re looking to start things off with a shorter leaf peeping and sightseeing drive in Stowe, the route running from the Stowe Visitor Center to the Edson Hill and West Hill is always a great choice. This route takes just around 24 minutes to complete by car and is no more than 10.9 miles total. From the Stowe Visitor Information Center, you’ll head out on a circuit that takes you to the upland farms just Northwest of city center. Along the way, you can admire lush woodlands that were once used for dairy farming as recently as 50 years ago. The terrain along this route showcases old hard maples all along Edson Hill and West Hill too. The red hues are impressive between here and the village of Stowe and you won’t want to overlook the fact that this pathway puts you in a perfect vantage point for views out over the Worcester Mountains too.
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Travel from 51 Main Street to Sterling Valley and Mud City
Stowe-bound visitors who are spending time exploring Main Street and find themselves on the hunt for a convenient leaf peeping route to follow will want to be sure to try the Main Street to Sterling Valley and Mud City experience during their stay this fall. In total, this route covers just over 21 miles of terrain and takes about 50 minutes to complete. As you make your way from the starting point toward Mud City, you’ll be treated to views out over two large valleys running South from the Sterling Range crescent that are lush and filled with colorful changing trees. Make time to stop at Sterling Brook which is a stream entrance and hosts a covered bridge which makes for a great photo backdrop in addition to the colorful leaves surrounding you.
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A Round-Trip Leaf Peeping Adventure from Stagecoach Road to Johnson
Yet another great route to follow for leaf-peeping in Stowe when you have about an hour to spare is the path from Stagecoach Road to Johnson. This route covers 30 miles and offers up great leaf viewing opportunities as you travel higher elevations between the two destinations. Plan on making the most of this out and back route which does include one loop at the end worth exploring as well. Many leaf peeping enthusiasts who choose to explore this colorful path choose to stop by the rocks near the Lamoille River and infuse a savory moment into their afternoon as well.
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Enjoy a Long Distance Drive to Craftsbury Common
For Travelers who are looking to expand their leaf peeping experiences and have several hours to set aside for sightseeing in nature this fall, the long-distance drive to Craftsbury Common is sure to inspire. You’ll need nearly 3 hours of your day to complete this route which covers 107 miles in total. The drive to Craftsbury Common can begin at the visitor center is a wonderfully refreshing route thanks to the charming covered bridges you’ll pass along the way. Keep your eyes open for destinations and important landmarks like the Brook Road Bridge, and the historic Fisher Covered Railroad Bridge on Route 15 located just beyond downtown Wolcott. Reaching Craftsbury Common is not only an achievement in admiring the changing colors of the season but gives adventurers an opportunity to connect with rich history too. The village of Craftsbury Common was once an integrated part of the Hazen Military Highway which was an important route during the Revolutionary War.
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Infuse Even More History into Your Colorful Drive
In the event you only have an hour and a half to spare for leaf peeping and you want to make the most of every colorful moment in Stowe, the route from Stowe to Montpelier, Worcester, and Lake Elmore is a must. This route covers around 58 miles of terrain and takes you to the beautiful Capitol building which is a prime example of Classic Federalist Period architecture in Vermont. From here, you’ll drive north and be treated to views of the Worcester Mountains on the left and Stowe to the southeast. Your final destination on this route is Lake Elmore where you can picnic at the state park, enjoy the views from the sand, or grab the binoculars and pair your leaf peeping in Stowe Vermont with birding as well.
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Make Your Way to Gregg Hill
Another beautiful route to add to your list when you’re heading to Stowe in the name of leaf peeping is the road that takes you to Gregg Hill. You’ll need just under two hours to include stops at the Winooski River, and to enjoy views out over the West Approach to the Nebraska Range along the way. The Gregg Hill leaf peeping Vermont scenic drive covers about 65 miles of terrain, and your first stop is the Little River Dam Reservoir at the very foot of Gregg Hill. Continuing North, you’ll find yourself on the west slope of Nebraska Range and if you turn West, you’ll enjoy seeing the leaves change colors around Lake Champlain and out and over Mt. Mansfield.
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Bike the Rec Path in Stowe for Family-Friendly Leaf Peeping Fun
A truly terrific way to get out and enjoy the changing colors across Stowe in the fall when you’re heading this way with the entire family in tow is to rent bikes for everyone in your crew and set your sights on quality time on the trails. While the many pathways you could choose from are seemingly endless, the Stowe Recreation Path is a fan-favorite amongst those who are traveling with adventurers of all ages, skill levels, and attention spans. The Stowe Recreation Path is paved and open year-round, making it an easy route to follow whether you set out to explore it all, or just choose a portion to enjoy. It’s lined with trees changing colors, and you’ll pedal past bridges too. The winding turns add a bit of a thrill for cyclists whether you’re a pro on two wheels or out for a leisurely leaf peeping adventure this year.
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Book a Farm Tour with Leaf Peeping Included
Situated about 19 miles north of central Stowe in nearby Cambridge, Vermont, those who are looking to pair leaf peeping with a fun farm tour and meal can find the best of it all at Valley Dream Farm. Located at 5901 Pleasant Valley Road, Valley Dream Farm offers visitors a lot to look forward to experiencing this time of year. This family-owned and operated farm is happy to give guests an inside look at operations specializing in organic produce. There’s a greenhouse to tour and a farm stand where you purchase products like honey, jams, and jellies, through September between 10:00 am and 6:00 pm. If you come by in October, there’s an opportunity to enjoy farm-to-table dining right on-site every Tuesday. Afterward, you can enjoy a one-hour tour of the farm and make the most of leaf peeping in a place that overlooks lush rolling hills and Mt. Mansfield. It’s an experience that’s sure to inspire from start to finish. Just be sure to register for this experience in advance of your arrival online to ensure availability.
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Hikes That Highlight the Beauty of the Season
For fall travelers to Stowe who prefer to lace up their boots and hit the trails in pursuit of amazing leaf peeping adventures, there’s no shortage of options to enjoy. The trails here showcase spectacular seasonal changes in reds, yellows, and oranges paired with mountain and valley views too. For a tree-dense hike that’s especially colorful, consider setting your sights on the wilderness trails that run through the Wiessner Woods or the Kirchner Woods too. If you’re in the mood for a challenge, you can always put your hiking skills to work while enjoying leaf peeping along the way as you attempt to reach the summit of Mt. Mansfield which has earned the title of Vermont’s highest peak.
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View Colorful Seasonal Scenery from the Water
While it may not come to mind first, fall in Stowe is still a fantastic time of year to bundle up and head out on the water to pair some refreshing outdoor fun with leaf peeping. While there are plenty of local waterways to choose from, a fan favorite when it comes to colorful surroundings in the fall tends to be the Waterbury Reservoir. This body of water has earned a reputation for leaf peeping excellence thanks to its serene waters and prime place between two mountain ranges. While you’re more than welcome to head out with your own canoe or kayak to enjoy the views, The Fly Rod Shop also hosts an annual Fall Foliage Scenic Boat Charter that you can sign up for when you prefer a more guided experience.
Book Your Fall Getaway to Stowe Today
Now is the perfect time to turn your fall travel plans into a reality and when you know you want luxury, comfort, and style to be an important part of your autumn getaway, the team at Stowe Mountain Rentals has you covered. Our collection of property options will keep you close to all the best leaf peeping routes and landmarks around while ensuring you have access to incredible amenities, features, and furnishings when you aren’t out exploring too! Whether you’re in town on your own, heading here as a couple, or enjoying time away with family and friends, booking a stay through us will have you feeling right at home from the very moment you arrive. Reach out today to learn more about our incredible lineup of property options available to book in Stowe and how we can help you make it a fall getaway to remember. We look forward to seeing you in Vermont soon!
