Small town in autumn, with colorful foliage and distant mountains.

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Your Head Start on Fall: Stowe's Fall Favorites

There’s no place quite like Stowe in the fall. As the days grow crisp and the mountainsides transform into a patchwork of fiery reds, oranges, and golds, the season invites you to slow down and savor its beauty. From winding drives through mountain passes to cozy afternoons at local cider mills, autumn here is as much about the journey as it is the destination.

Planning ahead ensures you don’t miss the highlights that make fall in Stowe so special. Whether you’re chasing scenic views, craving seasonal flavors, or looking for unique experiences that bring the season to life, you’ll find countless ways to embrace autumn in Vermont’s most iconic mountain town.

Farm with red-roofed buildings, surrounded by colorful autumn trees and parked cars.

Indulge in Fall Flavor

Few places capture the flavor of fall like Cold Hollow Cider Mill. This local landmark is as much an experience as it is a destination—where the scent of fresh-pressed cider and warm cider donuts fills the air. Visitors can watch the cider-making process in action, browse shelves stocked with Vermont-made treats, and sample everything from maple products to hard ciders in the tasting room. It’s the perfect stop to pair with a foliage drive, offering both a taste of the season and a piece of Vermont tradition.

VISIT COLD HOLLOW

Winding road through vibrant autumn foliage in a mountainous valley.

TAKE THE SCENIC ROUTE

Stowe’s fall foliage is best experienced with the windows down and the open road ahead. Two drives top the list for autumn adventure. First, the road through Smugglers’ Notch is a winding mountain pass lined with towering cliffs and tunnels of maple and birch. In fall, it’s an immersive canopy of color that begs for slow cruising and frequent photo stops. Then there’s the historic Auto Toll Road up Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest peak. The drive climbs 4.5 miles to sweeping summit views, where the foliage stretches out like a quilt of reds, oranges and golds. These are both popular routes during peak season, so plan your visit accordingly to catch them at their most brilliant.

Plan YOUR ROUTE

Corn maze entrance with pumpkins, hay bales, and mountains in the background.

Get Lost in the Fun

For a quintessential fall activity, head to the Percy Farm Corn Maze. This family-run maze winds through tall stalks of corn, offering twists, turns, and plenty of laughter along the way. Set against the backdrop of Mount Mansfield, it’s as scenic as it is fun. Perfect for families, couples, or anyone looking to add a little adventure to their autumn day, the maze captures the playful spirit of the season while surrounding you with the sights and scents of harvest time.

VISIT THE MAZE

Lanterns glowing on pathway near steps at night.

Nighttime History Tours

When the sun sets and the mountains fade into silhouette, Stowe reveals a different kind of beauty. Join the Stowe, At Night, Lantern Tours for a guided walk through the village, where flickering lanterns cast a soft glow on historic buildings and quiet streets. Along the way, you’ll hear stories of the town’s past—some eerie, some enchanting—that bring Stowe’s history to life under the stars. It’s part ghost tour, part history lesson and fully atmospheric, offering a memorable way to experience the charm of Stowe after dark.

TAKE A TOUR