18 Bucket List Items to Check Off Only in Stowe this Fall

With an array of red, orange and yellow leaves dancing along on the mountainsides, Stowe’s awe-inspiring foliage is a stunning backdrop for a fall escape. Known as a haven for leaf peepers, Stowe is regularly recognized for its fall scenes including being named a “Top 8 destinations for fall colors in the US” by Lonely Planet, “15 Incredible Spots to See Fall Foliage Across New England” by Town & Country and a “10Best Destination for Fall Foliage” by USA Today. Come see for yourself what all the hype is about! Maximize your stay in Stowe this fall by checking these 18 items off your bucket list:

1. Become a professional leaf peeper by taking one of our many scenic drives, including the famous Smugglers’ Notch.

2. Hunt for Emily’s “ghost” at Stowe’s haunted Gold Brook Covered Bridge, the oldest Howe Truss bridge in Vermont.

3. Enjoy a fresh cider donut and fresh pressed apple cider at Cold Hollow Cider Mill.

4. Savor a sweet harvest treat while trying Maple Walnut ice cream at Ben & Jerry’s.

5. Have fun getting lost and finding your way through the Percy Farm Corn Maze with a view of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, f you can find the bridge!

6. Grab take-out from a local restaurant and enjoy a picnic surrounded by beautiful fall colors and mountain views.

7. Take the Auto Toll Road or Gondola Skyride up the mountain for some panoramic fall foliage views (through mid-October).

8. Walk up to Sunset Rock for a panoramic vista to Mt. Mansfield.

9. Play in some leaves while enjoying a leisurely walk or bike ride along the Stowe Recreation Path or Lamoille Valley Rail Trail.

10. Get an early start on Christmas shopping as you browse through one of our many retail shops or local artisan booths at the Stowe Farmers’ Market every Sunday through Indigenous Peoples’ Day weekend.

11. Search for beavers—and moose!—on the ADA-accessible Barnes Camp Boardwalk while enjoying a stunning view of Smugglers’ Notch.

12. Shop and stroll Stowe’s historic downtown Main Street or on Mountain Road and take a piece of Stowe home with you.

13. Soar above the foliage while ziplining with ArborTrek Canopy Tours (reservations required).

14. Definitely go chasing waterfalls while taking a short hike to Moss Glen Falls, Vermont’s tallest waterfall.

15. Learn all about Stowe’s haunted history while on a Stowe, at Night, Lantern Tour (various dates through October; reservations required).

16. Attend one of Stowe’s many festive fall events throughout the season.

17. Take a hike! Experience scenic vista views from more than 45 hiking trails in the area for all abilities, from gentle woods walks and modest mountain trails, to challenging rugged terrain.

18. Ride through the colorful forest trees on mountain biking adventure.

Need assistance planning the perfect fall getaway? We have resources to help! The Go Stowe Foliage Finder lets you know where the colors are most magnificent during your stay and even links up to our scenic drives guide. You can also check out our foliage FAQs for insights on the best times to plan your fall trip. And once you’re in town, be sure to share your adventures on social media tagging @gostowe and using #gostowe!