3 Days in Stowe, Vermont: The Perfect Fall Itinerary

Planning to spend 3 days in Stowe this fall? This charming mountain town is one of Vermont’s most popular fall destinations, and it’s easy to see why!

From scenic drives through Smugglers’ Notch to covered bridges, waterfalls, and local cider mills, Stowe has everything you need for a classic New England foliage trip.

This 3-day Stowe, Vermont itinerary covers all the highlights at a relaxed pace. You’ll explore the best of Stowe and nearby towns, with plenty of time for iconic photo spots, cozy restaurants, and seasonal treats like cider donuts and maple lattes.

Whether you’re here for a long weekend or planning a full Vermont road trip, this itinerary will help you make the most of your time in Stowe during peak foliage season.

Disclaimer: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase, at no extra cost to you.

Day 1: Stowe Village & Smugglers’ Notch

Breakfast at Black Cap Coffee & Bakery

Kick off your Stowe getaway with a cozy breakfast at Black Cap Coffee & Bakery! This popular spot in the village is perfect for fueling up before a day of exploring.

Their maple lattes are simply amazing, and you can pair one with a fresh pastry or a hearty breakfast sandwich.

If you’re visiting on a weekend, go early as this place fills up fast during foliage season. Grab a seat by the window if you can for a peek at Main Street while you sip your coffee.

Explore Stowe Village

After breakfast, spend some time wandering around Stowe’s picture-perfect village. Main Street is lined with historic buildings, independent shops, and cute cafés, all framed by a backdrop of colorful fall foliage.

Pop into local favorites like Shaw’s General Store, which has been part of the village since 1895, and Laughing Moon Chocolates for handmade truffles and caramels. If you’re curious about the area’s winter sports history, the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum is worth a quick visit.

For classic Stowe photo spots, don’t miss the iconic Stowe Community Church with its white steeple and the Giles W. Dewey Memorial Bridge, a charming covered bridge just off Main Street.

Walk or bike the Stowe Recreation Path

Next, head to the Stowe Recreation Path for an easy way to enjoy the area’s fall colors. This 5.3-mile paved trail winds through open fields, forests, and over wooden bridges, following the West Branch River with plenty of photo opportunities along the way.

You don’t need to cover the whole path. Even walking a short section offers lovely foliage views and a peaceful break from the village. If you’d rather see more of the trail, rent a bike from a local shop like AJ’s Ski & Sports to explore at a faster pace.

This is one of Stowe’s most popular spots in autumn, so if you’re visiting on a weekend, it’s worth starting earlier in the day to avoid the crowds.

Lunch at Idletyme Brewing Company

After a morning of exploring, take a break for lunch at Idletyme Brewing Company. This laid-back spot is a favorite for its seasonal pub fare and house-brewed beers.

The menu has something for everyone, from hearty burgers and sandwiches to fresh salads and vegetarian options.

If the weather’s nice, grab a table on the patio to enjoy the crisp autumn air. Their pumpkin ale is a perfect seasonal choice if you’re in the mood for a local brew!

Idletyme is conveniently located near the Recreation Path (if you’re up for walking or biking that far out of town), making it an easy stop before heading out for the afternoon.

Drive through Smugglers’ Notch Pass

In the afternoon, take a scenic drive through Smugglers’ Notch, one of Vermont’s most stunning mountain passes. Route 108 winds its way between steep cliffs and massive boulders, with vibrant fall foliage spilling over the narrow road.

There are several pull-offs along the way where you can stop for photos or just take in the views. If you’re feeling adventurous, there are also a few short trails near the pass that lead to hidden overlooks.

This drive is one of the most iconic things to do in Stowe, Vermont in the fall, and it’s especially beautiful in late afternoon light as the sun hits the colorful hillsides.

Historic Grist Mill Covered Bridge

After Smugglers’ Notch, continue north to Jeffersonville for a quick stop at the Historic Grist Mill Covered Bridge. This hidden gem spans the Brewster River and is surrounded by trees that turn brilliant shades of red and orange in the fall.

Right next to the bridge, you’ll find a small waterfall and a peaceful stretch of river that’s perfect for photos or a few quiet minutes away from the crowds.

It’s a short and easy stop, but since you’re already driving through Smuggler’s Notch, I feel like it’s worth the bit of a detour!

Dinner at Plate

End your first day in Stowe with dinner at Plate, a stylish bistro in the heart of the village. The menu focuses on fresh, seasonal ingredients with creative twists on classic dishes. You’ll find options ranging from Vermont cheese boards to hearty mains and inventive cocktails.

The cozy atmosphere makes it a great spot to unwind after a day of exploring, but be sure to book ahead if you’re visiting during peak foliage season, as it’s one of the most popular restaurants in town!

Day 2: Mount Mansfield & Trapp Family Lodge

Breakfast at Woodland Baking and Coffee

Start your morning with a stop at Woodland Baking and Coffee, a cozy spot serving fresh pastries, breakfast sandwiches, and great coffee. Their baked goods are made from scratch daily, and the warm, laid-back vibe makes it a perfect place to ease into your day.

It’s just a short detour outside the center of Stowe and makes sense to stop here since you’ll be heading in this direction for the Gondola SkyRide.

Take the Gondola SkyRide up Mount Mansfield

After breakfast, head to the Gondola SkyRide for one of the easiest ways to reach Vermont’s highest peak. The gondola runs seasonally from summer through mid-October and climbs nearly 2,300 feet to the summit area of Mount Mansfield.

On clear days, you’ll get wide views of Stowe, the Green Mountains, and even across to New Hampshire’s White Mountains!

Once at the top, there’s plenty to do besides enjoying the views. You can take a short walk around the summit area or hop on a section of the Long Trail for a longer hike if you’re feeling adventurous.

Even a few minutes of exploring gives you fantastic photo opportunities with the colorful hillsides below.

For lunch, you have two options at the summit. The Cliff House Restaurant offers a full-service dining experience with floor-to-ceiling windows and a menu featuring local Vermont ingredients. It’s perfect if you want to linger a little longer, but it’s best to make reservations in advance!

For something quicker, grab a coffee and a sweet treat from the Waffle Cabin before heading back down.

Same-day gondola tickets can only be purchased in person, but if you’re visiting during peak foliage, it’s smart to book in advance online. This helps avoid long lines at the ticket counter and ensures you don’t miss your preferred time slot.

Visit Bingham Falls

On your way back from Mount Mansfield, make a quick stop at Bingham Falls for a short and scenic hike. The trail to the falls is about 0.5 miles round trip and leads through a beautiful wooded area before opening up to the waterfall.

Bingham Falls drops roughly 40 feet into a deep pool surrounded by mossy rocks, and it’s especially pretty in autumn with colorful leaves framing the water. The trail is relatively easy but can be muddy and slippery in spots, so wear sturdy shoes.

Parking is limited at the trailhead, so you may need to wait a few minutes for a spot if you’re visiting in the afternoon during peak foliage.

Visit Moss Glen Falls

After Bingham Falls, make your way to Moss Glen Falls, one of the most photographed waterfalls in Vermont. This 85-foot cascade is easy to access with a short, flat walk from the parking area. Perfect for a quick stop on your afternoon route!

There’s a wooden viewing platform near the trail’s end that gives you a great perspective of the falls, framed by colorful foliage in autumn. For a closer look, you can continue along the trail, but it gets narrower and a bit more rugged beyond the platform.

This is one of Stowe’s classic photo spots, and it’s especially beautiful in the soft light of late afternoon.

Trapp Family Lodge for drinks and dinner

After your waterfall stops, head to Trapp Family Lodge to enjoy a relaxing late afternoon with incredible mountain views.

This Austrian-inspired lodge sits high on a hill overlooking Stowe and is one of the best places to take in the scenery during golden hour.

You can stop by the von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall for a casual pint and hearty snacks or settle in for a full dinner at the lodge’s main dining room.

The menu features farm-to-table dishes with European influences, making it a cozy and memorable way to wrap up the second day of your 3 days in Stowe.

Reservations are recommended for dinner, especially during foliage season, but you can usually find space at the brewery without much trouble.

Day 3: Waterbury, Montpelier & Sunset Rock

Breakfast at Green Goddess Café

Kick off the final day of your Stowe itinerary with breakfast at Green Goddess Café. This local favorite serves hearty, flavorful dishes like buttermilk pancakes, huevos rancheros, breakfast wraps, and egg sandwiches. Perfect for a satisfying start before a day of exploring!

The cozy atmosphere and quick service make it a great spot to fuel up before heading out on a mini road trip to nearby towns.

Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill

After breakfast, head south to Waterbury for a classic Vermont fall experience at Cold Hollow Cider Mill. This popular spot is famous for its fresh-pressed apple cider and warm cider donuts that come straight from the fryer. Don’t leave without trying at least one (or a dozen)!

Inside the shop, you’ll find shelves filled with Vermont-made products like maple syrup, jams, and cheeses – perfect for picking up a few souvenirs. There’s also a tasting room offering hard cider flights if you’re in the mood for something stronger.

It’s a busy spot during foliage season, but the lively atmosphere and seasonal smells make it worth the stop.

Tour Ben & Jerry’s Factory

No trip to Waterbury is complete without a visit to the Ben & Jerry’s Factory. The 30-minute guided tour gives you a peek behind the scenes of how their famous ice cream is made, complete with samples at the end.

After the tour, grab a scoop (or two) at the on-site scoop shop where you’ll find classic flavors and sometimes a few limited-edition ones. Don’t forget to wander over to the quirky Flavor Graveyard outside, where retired flavors are commemorated with witty tombstones.

This is one of Vermont’s most popular attractions, so try to book your tour slot online in advance if you’re visiting during peak foliage season.

Explore Montpelier

From Waterbury, it’s about a 25-minute drive to Montpelier, Vermont’s capital and one of the smallest state capitals in the US. The town has a charming downtown with colorful storefronts, local shops, and plenty of fall foliage lining the streets.

Start with a walk around the historic district and stop for photos at the Vermont State House. Its gold dome framed by autumn leaves is a classic Vermont photo spot, especially in mid-October! You can also pop inside for a quick self-guided tour if it’s open.

For lunch, try Three Penny Taproom for local beers and elevated pub fare, or head to The Skinny Pancake for sweet and savory crepes. Both are right downtown and make a convenient stop before continuing your afternoon.

If you have a little extra time, browse the small boutiques and bookstores along State and Main Streets. Montpelier is hands down one of the prettiest small towns in Vermont and feels much quieter than Stowe, which can be a nice change of pace after a couple of busy days.

Hike Sunset Rock

After returning to Stowe, finish your trip with a short hike to Sunset Rock. This 0.5-mile trail starts right from Stowe Village and leads to a peaceful viewpoint overlooking the town and Mount Mansfield in the distance.

It’s an easy walk through the woods and doesn’t take more than 20–30 minutes round trip, making it perfect for late afternoon or early evening. If the timing works out, it’s also a lovely spot to watch the sun dip behind the hills, casting a warm glow over the village below.

This quick hike is the perfect way to soak in one last view before heading to dinner or beginning your journey home!

Where to Stay in Stowe, Vermont

Finding the right place to stay is key to making the most of your 3 days in Stowe. Whether you’re after a luxury resort with mountain views, a cozy bed and breakfast, or a budget-friendly inn, Stowe has plenty of options to fit your style.

For this Stowe, Vermont fall itinerary, staying close to the village makes it easy to explore the area without spending too much time in the car. Just be sure to book early as fall is peak season, and rooms fill up fast!

Here are some great options to consider:

• The Lodge at Spruce Peak – Luxury resort with stunning views and easy access to Mount Mansfield
• Field Guide Lodge – Boutique hotel in the heart of Stowe with a modern, rustic vibe
• Green Mountain Inn – Historic inn right in Stowe Village, perfect for exploring on foot
• Trapp Family Lodge – Austrian-style mountain lodge with trails, a brewery, and panoramic fall foliage views