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Stowe With Your Best Friend: A Dog-Friendly Guide
Dog-Friendly Lodging
Finding pet-friendly accommodations is the first step in planning your trip. Stowe offers a variety of lodging options that welcome four-legged guests, from full-service resorts and hotels to cozy inns, lodges, and vacation rentals.
Pet policies, fees, size restrictions, and available amenities vary by property, so be sure to review the details before booking. Once you've found the right fit, you'll have a comfortable home base for days spent exploring Stowe together.
Adventures for You & Your Pup
Hit the Trail
With mountains, forests, and miles of trails surrounding town, there are plenty of opportunities to explore Stowe on four paws. Hiking trails range from easy walks through the woods to more challenging mountain adventures, allowing you to choose an outing that fits both you and your dog's abilities.
For an easier outing, explore the short trail to Moss Glen Falls, take a walk beneath the trees at Wiessner Woods, or enjoy the natural surroundings of the Quiet Path. Those ready to take on more elevation and varied terrain can head to Stowe Pinnacle for sweeping mountain views or make the climb to Sterling Pond, a moderate hike leading to a scenic mountaintop pond.
Before setting out, check the regulations for your chosen trail, as pet policies can vary by location. Bring plenty of water, be mindful of changing weather and trail conditions, and give wildlife and other trail users plenty of space along the way.
Take a Walk on the Rec Path
The Stowe Recreation Path is a favorite way to explore town with your four-legged companion. Stretching more than five miles from Stowe Village along the West Branch of the Little River, the paved path winds through fields, wooded areas, and different parts of town, with plenty of scenery to enjoy along the way.
Dogs are welcome on the Recreation Path, making it a great option for a morning walk, a longer outing, or simply stretching everyone's legs between activities. For even more room to roam, the adjacent Quiet Path provides a natural-surface alternative where dogs are permitted off leash under voice control. Remember to be considerate of other path users and always clean up after your pet.
Take a Scenic Gondola Ride
Your dog can even join you for a trip up the mountain. The Gondola SkyRide at Stowe Mountain Resort welcomes dogs, giving you and your companion a chance to take in sweeping views of the surrounding Green Mountains together.
Once you reach the top, enjoy the mountain scenery and fresh air before riding back down. Mountain conditions can differ considerably from those in the village, so check the weather before heading up and come prepared for cooler temperatures or changing conditions, even on a warm summer day.
Take the Scenic Route
Sometimes the best way to explore with your four-legged travel companion is to hit the road. Stowe's scenic drives offer mountain views, winding country roads, covered bridges, and plenty of Vermont scenery to enjoy along the way. Routes through Smugglers' Notch and the surrounding countryside make it easy to experience more of the area with your dog along for the ride.
Build in time for stops along the way to stretch your legs, snap a photo, or explore a new place together. With Stowe as your home base, you can also venture farther along Vermont's scenic roadways for a dog-friendly day trip before returning to town.
For a different perspective, take your adventure up the historic Auto Toll Road at Stowe Mountain Resort. The 4.5-mile scenic drive winds its way up Mount Mansfield to an elevation of approximately 3,850 feet, where you and your four-legged companion can step out, stretch your legs, and take in sweeping views of the surrounding mountains. Open seasonally, the Auto Toll Road is a memorable way to experience Vermont's highest peak with your dog along for the ride.
Grab a Bite Together
After a day of exploring, there's nothing better than finding a spot where your dog can join you. During the warmer months, many Stowe restaurants offer outdoor patios and seating areas that welcome well-behaved dogs, making it easy to grab lunch, enjoy a craft beverage, or sit down for dinner without leaving your companion behind.
Dog-friendly dining isn't limited to patio season, either. During the winter months, some local establishments offer pet-friendly outdoor spaces and fire pits where you can bundle up, warm up by the fire, and enjoy an apres-ski libation with your dog by your side. Pet-friendly seating and policies vary by establishment and may change seasonally, so it's always a good idea to check with the business before arriving.
Dog Friendly FAQ
Are dogs allowed on the Stowe Recreation Path?
Yes. Dogs are welcome on the Stowe Recreation Path. Owners should keep their dogs under control, be considerate of other path users, and clean up after their pets. The nearby Quiet Path also allows dogs off leash under voice control.
Can I bring my dog hiking in Stowe?
Many hiking areas in and around Stowe allow dogs, but rules vary by trail and land manager. Some areas may require dogs to be leashed, while others have different regulations. Always check the rules for your chosen trail before heading out.
Are Stowe restaurants dog-friendly?
Many restaurants welcome dogs in designated outdoor seating areas during the warmer months. Some establishments also offer dog-friendly outdoor spaces and fire pits during the winter. Policies vary by business and season, so confirm directly with the restaurant before visiting.
Does Stowe have pet-friendly lodging?
Yes. A variety of Stowe lodging properties accommodate guests traveling with pets. Individual policies regarding fees, size or breed restrictions, number of pets, and where pets are permitted on the property vary, so review the property's pet policy before booking.
Can I bring my dog to Stowe during the winter?
Absolutely. Stowe can be enjoyed with your dog year-round, but winter requires a little extra preparation. Pay attention to temperatures and trail conditions, protect paws from snow, ice, and road salt, and choose outdoor activities appropriate for your dog's age and comfort level.
Do I need to keep my dog on a leash?
Requirements vary depending on where you are. Some trails and recreation areas require leashes, while others may permit dogs under voice control. Businesses may also have their own requirements. Check posted rules and keep a leash with you even when visiting areas where dogs may be permitted off leash.
