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One of the best ways to experience Stowe, VT in the summer is to bike, walk, run, or ride on the Stowe Recreation Path!

It’s internationally recognized, a moderate 5.3 miles long, it has breathtaking views of the Green Mountains, and along the way there are numerous places to stop including picnic spots, restaurants, shops, and a river perfect for wading and swimming.

The path is paved, relatively flat, and free of motorized vehicles meaning everyone – including families with small children – can enjoy the Stowe Recreation Path.

If you’re visiting Stowe this summer, rent some wheels, or bring them with you and enjoy a ride on this delightful treasure.

Four of our favorite ways to enjoy the Stowe Recreation Path:

1) Picnicking

There are numerous spots to stop and picnic along the recreation path. It crosses several parks where there are picnic tables in shaded areas, as well as parking for easy access.

Find your perfect picnic area with this map that lists the spots that provide parking as well as access to the path.

We also recommend making life easier by letting someone else pack your picnic for you! Stowe is full of great places where you can order delicious food to go:

Harvest Market – Located on the Mountain Rd. in Stowe, this compact but well-stocked market serves up delicious fare from breakfast sandwiches and muffins, to freshly baked breads and gourmet local cheeses – stop here if you want to take your picnic to the next level!

Edelweiss Mountain Deli – Also located on the Mountain Rd. in Stowe, this friendly small-town spot makes great sandwiches & chili, and includes a market where you can pick up fresh meats, cheeses, salads, and anything else you might want for your day out!

2) Restaurants

If you prefer to leave the backpack at home and want to stop and sit down for lunch, there are plenty of interesting restaurants to choose from that are easily accessible from the Stowe Recreation Path. The following are actually right along the path so you can pull over, park your bike, and fuel up with ease!

Idletyme Brewing Co. – If you enjoy sitting outside on a patio and sipping locally brewed beer accompanying well-crafted food, then make sure to stop here! Their outdoor biergarten overlooks the recreation path and is open for lunch and dinner. Lawn games and room to roam about means the kids will be happy too.

Piecasso – A local favorite, this fun and funky pizzeria is a great stop along the recreation path. The menu includes pizza but also sandwiches, small plates, bigger entrees, and a kids menu. Some nights feature live music, so consider making this a fun ending to a day of exercise!

3) Cooling off in the River

While there are no “official” swimming holes located along the recreation path, its proximity to the West Branch River means there are plenty of places to stop and cool off in the water.

As you explore you will find hidden spots to take off your shoes and wade or let kids splash around. Other more popular spots include deeper areas where you can legitimately take a dip, so bring along a bathing suit if it’s a particularly hot day and you can look forward to a refreshing reprieve.

4) Farmer’s Market

Every Sunday from May to October, the Stowe Farmers Market sets up on the green next to the Red Barn Shops on The Mountain Road.

You’ll find locally grown produce, spirits, meat, cheese, maple syrup, bread and baked goods, plus local crafters offer handmade Vermont jewelry, bags, art, and more, so with a big enough backpack, you can even wrap up your souvenir shopping!

There are also prepared food vendors serving up everything from bbq to potstickers, crepes, samosas, farm pizza and fresh local salads, plus ice cream for dessert.

The Stowe Farmer’s Market goes on rain or shine, so even if it’s not the ideal day to traverse the entire path, you can still enjoy a fun, local outdoor experience that the whole family will enjoy. There’s even free live music.

The length and ease of the Stowe Recreation Path make it a perfect half or full day excursion while you’re visiting our beautiful state. Located just minutes from our Inn, it is a must-do for many of our guests!

Erik Stacy
General Manager
Edson Hill