Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
Outdoor Experiences
Retreats
Weddings
Known as the “Ski Capital of the East,” Stowe is obviously renowned for world-class skiing. But there’s more to Stowe than snow. This small New England town is a year-round vacation wonderland, with fiery fall foliage and famous Vermont maple syrup in the spring. However, when it comes to Stowe, VT activities, summer promises the most bang for your vacation buck. From hiking and mountain biking to kayaking and paddleboarding, to scenic drives, lively festivals, and championship golf, fun is always on tap during Stowe’s summer season. Ready to start planning your vacation? Here are the best things to do in Stowe in the summer!
Stowe is the ultimate outdoor playground, especially in the summer. Here are some of the most popular land-based outdoor activities to add to your Stowe, VT summer vacation itinerary:
Stowe, VT is home to more than 30 miles of mountain biking trails. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned rider, there are trails for all skill levels. As scenic as they are fun, many of Stowe’s best mountain biking trails include sweeping views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. Want help finding the best views? You can book a guided mountain bike excursion to ensure the best photo opportunities. Popular local trails can be found in the Cady Hill Forest, Adams Camp, and Sterling Forest.
Certainly, hiking is one of the most popular summer activities in Stowe, VT. From the arduous, 265-mile Long Trail to more leisurely hiking trails such as the scenic Quiet Path and the Stowe Recreation Path, hikers of all abilities will find trails accommodating their needs. Like its mountain biking trails, several of Stowe’s hikes are guided, offering the peace of mind of an expert navigator and the promise of great views. Some of Stowe’s most scenic hikes include Mount Mansfield, Sterling Pond, as well as Moss Glen Falls Trail.
Stowe is a golfer’s delight. The town’s hilly terrain makes for undulating fairways and greens that are as beautiful as they are challenging. Popular public courses include Blush Hill Country Club, Ryder Brook Golf Club, and Stowe Country Club.
While hiking and biking are accessible throughout most of the year, Stowe’s cold mountain waters aren’t for the faint of heart during the cooler months. In summer, however, water-based recreation is the perfect way to beat the heat while taking in Stowe’s natural beauty. Here are the best water recreation activities for your summer trip to Stowe, VT:
Canoes, kayaks, and paddleboards make Stowe’s many lakes, rivers, and reservoirs accessible to anyone who doesn’t mind a little physical exertion. Whether you bring your own craft and gear or rent equipment from a sporting goods shop, paddling is the perfect way to explore Stowe’s freshwater systems while enjoying the quietude and serenity that only human-powered boating can provide. The Waterbury and Green River Reservoirs, Winooski River, and Lake Elmore are all excellent places to paddle.
Stowe offers ample opportunities for fly fishing. In fact, with seven rivers inside a ten-mile radius and large populations of trout and bass, it has become a fly-fishing mecca for anglers worldwide. Popular river locations include the Winooski, Lamoille, Dog, Battenkill, and Little Rivers. You’ll also find fishable still-water spots like Sterling Pond and Colton Pond.
When you hear the word “beaches,” Stowe probably isn’t the first place that comes to mind. However, going to the beach is one of the most popular things to do in Stowe in the summer. You’ll find no shortage of public freshwater beaches in Stowe, including at Elmore State Park, Ranch Brook, Waterbury Reservoir, and Bootlegger’s Basin. Whether you want to sunbathe with your toes in the sand or enjoy a refreshing dip, a day at the beach is a summer Stowe activity the entire family will love.
As you can see, Stowe, Vermont certainly offers endless ways to play in the great outdoors. But you don’t have to get your hands dirty to enjoy nature in Stowe. With these scenic drives, you can appreciate Stowe’s natural beauty from the comfort of your car.
This scenic drive takes you to the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, via the same historic toll road Stowe’s first motorists used to ascend the mountain in 1923. The Mt. Mansfield Auto Toll Road stops just short of the summit. However, you can park and make the short hike to the top for stunning views of Lake Champlain and the Green Mountains. A summit visitor center offers information on the geology and history of the mountain.
This 8.4-mile backroad drive takes you through beautiful (mostly unpaved) backroads and takes just under half an hour. Along the way, you’ll see tons of wildlife and spectacular long-range views. Moss Glen Falls can also be accessed via Brush Hill. It makes the perfect place to stop for a picnic on your scenic drive.
Heading out on Elmore Mountain Road, you’ll pass the Old Elmore Cemetery and sweeping views of the Sterling Range and Mount Mansfield. On the way back, Randolph Road takes you past several abandoned and active dairy farms and pastures, offering side-by-side comparisons of farms of the past and present.
Stowe’s cultural heritage is certainly rich and varied. One of the best ways to experience the culture of Stowe is by attending one of its many summer festivals.
Initially held in Whisker’s Field on Mountain Road, and later moved to the grounds of the Trapp Family Lodge, Music in the Meadow has been a Stowe summer tradition since 1976. Set against a dramatic mountain backdrop, this open-air music festival offers picnic-style lawn seating on a first-come, first-served basis.
The annual Gardens of Stowe festival is a showcase of Stowe’s best private and commercial gardens. Bring your camera and enjoy a self-guided tour of colorful flowers and other flora followed by a tea party with live entertainment.
This three-day, multi-venue festival features a diverse lineup of jazz artists representing such genres as bebop, gypsy jazz, Brazilian jazz, jazz fusion, Afro-Cuban jazz, and more. Not to mention, it’s 100% free!
Summer in Stowe is all about outdoor activities. But who says you have to save the great outdoors for your activities itinerary? At Outbound Stowe, you can immerse yourself in Stowe’s natural beauty while enjoying all the comforts of home.
Located just minutes from Stowe Village, Outbound Stowe is the perfect launch pad for everything Stowe has to offer. Meanwhile, generous on-site amenities ensure there’s never a dull moment, even in your downtime. Cool off from the summer heat with a dip in the outdoor pool or a cold cocktail from the bar. Direct access to the Stowe Recreation Path puts world-class hiking and biking at your fingertips, while communal fire pits make every night an opportunity to warm up to your hotel neighbors.
Outbound Stowe offers a variety of lodging options accommodating between two and eight guests. From hotel rooms to suites to cottages and cabins, there’s a room for every need. No matter what room you choose, however, you can enjoy home-like amenities such as pillow-top beds, full bathrooms, flat-screen smart TVs, and complimentary Wi-Fi.
Not set on Stowe? Nook Outdoors has accommodations in top destinations across the US. From the beaches of Hawaii to coastal Maine and many points in between, there’s a summer vacation destination for every traveler. Explore our complete directory of outdoor accommodations at the link below and find your dream destination today!
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