Blog
Take the Scenic Route: Fall Road Trips from Stowe
In fall, the quickest route isn’t always the best one. With mountain passes, country roads and colorful views in every direction, getting there is half the fun when you start in Stowe.
Set aside a few hours or make a day of it. Along the way, you’ll find small towns, local stops, mountain views and plenty of reasons to pull over and take it all in. Fill up the tank, leave a little extra room in your itinerary and explore a few of our favorite ways to take the scenic route this fall.
Follow Route 100
Few roads are as closely associated with a Vermont road trip as Route 100, and Stowe puts you right along the way.
Head south from the village toward Waterbury Center, where mountain views, farms and colorful hillsides accompany you along the route. The drive itself is part of the experience, but there are plenty of reasons to make a few stops.
Visit Cold Hollow Cider Mill for fresh cider and cider donuts, take a detour toward the Waterbury Reservoir to see the fall landscape from the water’s edge, or continue into downtown Waterbury for shops, restaurants and more to explore. Depending on how much time you have, you can turn around here or continue further south on Route 100 to the Mad River Valley for an even longer Vermont road trip.
It’s an easy route to customize, making it just as well suited to a quick afternoon drive as it is to a full day of exploring.
Explore the Lamoille Valley
For rolling farmland, small towns and a different perspective on the mountains, head north from Stowe into the Lamoille Valley.
Follow Route 100 toward Morrisville, where you can continue exploring communities like Hyde Park and Johnson or make your way west toward Cambridge and Jeffersonville. Along the way, the landscape shifts between open fields, forested hillsides, river valleys and classic Vermont villages.
There are plenty of opportunities to turn the drive into more than a sightseeing trip. Stop for lunch, browse a local shop or spend some time along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, which stretches 93 miles across northern Vermont. Even a short walk or bike ride gives you a chance to get out of the car and experience the surrounding landscape at a different pace.
If you traveled through Smugglers’ Notch on the way out, the Lamoille Valley can also become part of a longer loop back toward Stowe, giving you a completely different view on the return trip.
Head Up, Not Out
Not every scenic drive has to take you farther away from Stowe. Sometimes, the best direction is up.
The historic Auto Toll Road at Stowe Mountain Resort climbs 4.5 miles up Mt. Mansfield, bringing you to an elevation of approximately 3,850 feet. The unpaved road steadily winds its way up Vermont’s highest peak, with the surrounding landscape opening up as you gain elevation.
Fall makes the journey especially striking. Foliage typically progresses earlier at higher elevations, so the colors near the top may look noticeably different from what you see in Stowe village below. Once you reach the upper parking area, step out of the car and take in expansive views across the Green Mountains before making your way back down.
The Auto Toll Road operates seasonally and has vehicle restrictions, so check current hours, conditions and requirements before planning your drive.
Go Beyond Stowe
Stowe makes an ideal starting point for exploring even more of Vermont. Follow a winding road through the mountains, discover a neighboring town or turn a short drive into a full-day adventure. The route you choose can be as much a part of the experience as where you end up.
If you have more time to explore, set your sights a little farther afield. Head east toward Cabot, the birthplace of Cabot Creamery and a name synonymous with Vermont cheddar, or travel south to Montpelier, the nation’s smallest state capital, where you can explore the historic downtown, local shops and restaurants. For an even longer road trip, continue south toward Woodstock, known for its covered bridges, historic architecture and quintessential Vermont village setting.
Whichever direction you choose, getting beyond Stowe gives you an opportunity to see how the landscape changes from one corner of Vermont to the next. Leave plenty of time for unexpected stops, small towns and scenic stretches along the way, especially in fall, when even the journey to your destination is worth slowing down for.
A Few Tips Before You Go
Fall is one of the most popular times of year to explore Vermont by car, so a little planning can go a long way. Allow extra travel time, especially on weekends and along popular foliage routes, and check current road conditions before heading out.
Remember that many of the roads you’ll travel pass through residential areas and working communities. Use designated parking areas and pull-offs when stopping for photos, respect private property and avoid stopping in the roadway.
Most importantly, don’t pack the itinerary too tightly. The best part of taking the scenic route is having enough time to follow your curiosity when something catches your eye.
FIND YOUR HOME BASE
Make Stowe your home base for wherever the road takes you. Find the perfect place to stay, settle in and start planning your next fall adventure from the heart of the Green Mountains.
