Ultimate Fall Weekend Guide to Stowe, Vermont (From Scenic Drives to Cider Donuts)

A fall foliage road trip through New England had been on my must-do list for years, and no town captured my imagination quite like Stowe, Vermont. In October, it turns into a living postcard: crisp air, fiery trees, and cozy charm everywhere you look.

I just spent a week road-tripping New England with my girlfriends, and Stowe was the highlight, hands down. From scenic drives and maple lattes to cozy hikes and corn mazes, this town is the fall foliage capital of Vermont. Whether you’re visiting for a weekend or planning a longer leaf-peeping adventure, here’s everything to do in Stowe, Vermont during autumn.

Why Visit Stowe, Vermont in the Fall?

We started our trip in New Hampshire to drive the Kancamagus Highway, which gave us 48 hours of nonstop fall foliage and mountain views. By the time we pulled into Vermont, I was ready to hunker down in a cozy town and do all the classic fall activities.

I had actually fallen asleep somewhere along the drive between New Hampshire and Vermont. But I woke up just ten minutes before we reached Stowe, and I immediately got the biggest, goofiest grin on my face. Fall colors everywhere. Downtown shops decked out in pumpkins and mums. A local corn maze sign. I was READY to live out my Gilmore Girls fantasy.

1. Kick Off Your Trip at the Percy Farm Corn Maze

First stop: a corn maze. Obviously. Corn mazes are my secret passion, I’m great at them and they are a classic fall activity. 

The Percy Farm Corn Maze is just outside downtown and costs $8 per adult. It takes about 45–60 minutes to complete (or less, if you’re solving it with me, I’m a bit of a maze master). They don’t give you a map, which honestly makes it more fun.

You just have to wander and find your way out.

Bonus: there are cows and pigs to pet, too. It’s a wholesome, feel-good way to start your fall weekend in Stowe.

2. Watch the Sunset at the Trapp Family Lodge

Yes, it’s that Trapp family: Sound of Music legends. After touring the U.S., the Trapp Family Singers settled in Stowe and opened an Austrian-style lodge that’s still family-owned today.

You can stay there or book a guided tour, but we opted for happy hour instead. No fee, just martinis at the bar and a golden hour view of the mountains from the outdoor patio.

The carved wood bar had little stars and moons etched into it, which made me swoon. The whole thing was low-key magical.

3. Grab a Maple Croissant at Black Cap Coffee

We loved Black Cap Coffee so much, we went every single morning.

Located at the edge of downtown Stowe, this cafe serves up hot breakfast sandwiches, excellent coffee, and the most insane maple croissant I’ve ever had. It’s flaky, buttery, gooey maple syrup perfection. I would fly back to Vermont just to eat it again.

Also, minor flex, I got recognized in line from my TikTok. I get that in San Francisco, but in Vermont?! Wild.

4. Explore Downtown Stowe on Foot

Stowe Village is peak New England charm. The main street is lined with boutiques, a general store, restaurants, cafes, and an ice cream shop. You’ll want to carve out at least a couple hours to walk around, shop, take cute fall photos, and maybe grab a snack or two.

Just note that many stores close around 5 p.m., so go earlier in the day.

@whimsysoul Replying to @Liv the themed sweaters keep on coming!! Day 3 of my girls trip to New England! Woke up at the Bluebird Cady Hill and explored downtown Stowe before it got busy. I'm obsessed with the Black Cap and Cold Hollow was worth the stop. So is the Stowe Gondola – expensive but an experience!! The views just keep givin. Then drinks and a game of Clue. #kieljamespatrick #sweaterweather #newengland #whimsysoul #vermont #autumn #roadtrip #stowevermont #coldhollow #vermonttiktok #noahkahan ♬ original sound – Noah Kahan

5. Stop at Gold Brook Covered Bridge

Covered bridges are just adorable, okay? We didn’t have them growing up in Wisconsin, and you definitely don’t see them in California, so I made it a mission to find as many as I could.

Gold Brook Covered Bridge is just a short drive from town and totally worth the stop. Great photo spot, especially with those fiery leaves in the background.

6. Ride the Stowe Gondola for Peak Fall Foliage Views

If you only splurge on one activity, let it be the Stowe Gondola Skyride. It’s $40 per person, and yes, that’s steep, but the views are jaw-dropping, especially during peak foliage season.

We almost missed it, too. They stop selling tickets at 4:15 p.m., and the final gondola up is at 4:15 p.m. sharp. I literally jumped out of the car and sprinted to the counter while my friends parked. We made it by 30 seconds.

At the top, we had just enough time to take in the panoramic views before the last ride down. It was quick, but totally worth it.

Pro tip: eat lunch next time at the Cliff House restaurant up there. It has the best view in the entire state.

7. Eat Cider Donuts and Sip Hard Cider at Cold Hollow Cider Mill

I was worried this famous Stowe cider shop was going to be overhyped, but Cold Hollow Cider Mill is worth every bit of buzz it gets.

We stopped for lunch at the café, where I devoured a bacon, apple, and maple sandwich with hard cider. Then we stocked up on maple goodies in the gift shop. Syrup, maple sugar for coffee, even maple sriracha!

But the real showstopper was the hot apple cider and cider donuts served in that Instagram-famous cup.

8. Dine at The Butler’s Pantry (Total Hidden Gem)

We stumbled upon The Butler’s Pantry after our first choice (Cork & Plate) was fully booked. It turned out to be one of our favorite meals.

We sat outside with a perfect view of the iconic white Stowe church, making this one of the most unique things to do in Stowe Vermont.

I ordered brisket, and everything from the cocktails to the dessert was made in-house. The next morning, we walked by and saw a line down the street for breakfast. So whether it’s morning or night, just go. It’s a gem.

9. Drive Smuggler’s Notch for Epic Leaf Peeping

Vermont Route 108, aka Smuggler’s Notch, is one of the most scenic fall drives in the state. The road winds dramatically through the mountains and is lined with blazing red, orange, and gold trees.

Just drive slow, honk on blind turns, and pull over at designated areas only (never in the road!). If you’re into fall colors, this drive is a non-negotiable.

10. Hike Mount Mansfield (If You’re Up for It)

Mount Mansfield is the tallest mountain in Vermont at 4,393 feet. We didn’t hike it this time, but the trail is around 7.5 miles round-trip and worth considering if you’re into hiking and want panoramic fall foliage views.

Pack water, snacks, and give yourself a full day to do it justice. It isn’t an easy hike you can do in an hour.

11. Visit the Ben & Jerry’s Flavor Graveyard

This is a quick and quirky roadside attraction in nearby Waterbury. Every retired Ben & Jerry’s flavor gets its own little tombstone in the Flavor Graveyard.

We each tried to find a flavor that was “buried” in our birth year (mine was Fresh Georgia Peach). It’s totally free to visit and makes for a fun stop on your way to Burlington or Woodstock.

12. Rent a Bike And Ride the Stowe Recreation Path

If you’re looking for an easy, scenic outdoor activity, rent a bike and cruise along the Stowe Recreation Path. This 5.3-mile paved trail winds through forests, past open meadows, over charming bridges, and alongside the West Branch River. It’s flat and super beginner-friendly, which made it perfect for a casual fall afternoon.

There are a few bike rental shops right in town. Along the way, you’ll spot mountain views, cozy cabins, and tons of places to stop for photos (or a cider donut break, obviously).

Highly recommend adding this to your weekend itinerary in Stowe if you want to get into nature without hiking! 

Where To Stay In Stowe: Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge

I somehow snagged the very last room at Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge and I’m happy I did since this is one of the best Stowe mountain resorts you can find. If you’re planning a fall trip to Vermont, book early spring or summer is best. Fall fills up fast.

This lodge was recently renovated and has a modern mountain-meets-mid-century vibe. Think bright lobby, outdoor fire pits, a hot tub and sauna, and cozy rooms that smell like campfire and crisp leaves.

Bonus: it’s right next to their sister property, Awol, which has brand-new A-frame cabins and a giant cedar hot tub that reminded me of the one at my cabin in California. The second night, we grabbed takeout, opened wine, and played Clue in the lobby. It was perfect.

What to Pack for Stowe in the Fall

• Cozy Layers: Sweaters, flannels, and thermals for crisp mornings and chilly evenings. I loved this comfy set from Pink Lily.
• Waterproof Jacket: Just in case of autumn drizzle or windy gondola rides
• Comfortable Walking Shoes: Great for strolling downtown, trails, or the corn maze
• Warm Hat or Beanie: Keeps you extra cozy for sunset happy hours or firepit nights
• Reusable Water Bottle: Stay hydrated during hikes or bike rides
• Camera or Smartphone with Storage: You’ll want so many photos of the foliage
• Swimsuit: If your hotel has a hot tub or sauna (like Bluebird or Awol!)
• Small Backpack or Crossbody: Handy for day trips, cider mills, and covered bridge stops

Final Thoughts on Fall in Stowe, Vermont

Stowe in the fall is magic. There’s something about fall in Stowe that just makes you want to slow down, breathe deeper, and savor every cozy, golden moment.

It’s cozy, charming, and full of nostalgic, feel-good energy. If you’re planning a New England fall foliage trip, put this town at the top of your list.

Next time I visit, I’m bringing my husband and I fully plan on finding that fondue restaurant we drove past. I also would love to visit in the winter, I can imagine magical sleigh rides and seeing Spruce Peak covered in snow just the perfect way to start Christmas. 

Have any questions about planning your Stowe trip? Drop them in the comments or DM me, I’m always happy to help!

FAQ: Visiting Stowe in the Fall

When is peak fall foliage in Stowe?
Typically the last week of September through mid-October. Check Vermont’s foliage tracker before your trip.

Is Stowe worth visiting in October?
Yes! October is peak season for fall foliage travel, cozy cafes, beautiful scenic drives, and all the classic fall activities. Start your trip planning early! They have the best fall foliage in the United States so it’s competitive. 

Do you need a car in Stowe?
Yes. While downtown is walkable, you’ll want a car to explore nearby hikes, bridges, and cider mills.

Where should I stay in Stowe?
Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge and Awol are both fantastic Vermont hotels. Book months in advance for fall weekends.