A local’s guide to the best Stowe, VT Summer Recreation
Stowe is one of Vermont’s best summer destinations for one simple reason: it’s easy to spend the whole day outside.
From mountain trails to water days and scenic bike rides, these are the best outdoor summer activities in Stowe, VT—perfect for a long weekend or a full week in the Green Mountains.
Hike to the Summit of the Green Mountains
The apex of the entire 250-mile-long Green Mountain chain, which runs the length of Vermont from the Berkshires to Monts Sutton of Quebec, is Mount Mansfield (home of Stowe Mountain Resort), looming to nearly 4,400 feet above Stowe. Besides offering some of the best snowsports in New England, Mount Mansfield’s a fantastic hiking destination, with fine trails ranging from the forested midslopes up to the alpine tundra—some of the only of its kind to be found in the Green Mountain State—of the summit crest.
Among multiple route options, consider trekking the Mansfield ridgeline between the “Nose” and the “Chin” (the highest of the subpeaks), or perhaps rambling the iconic Long Trail—the most venerable of long-distance recreational footpaths in the U.S.—from the summit. For those up to a challenge, the aptly named Hell Brook Trail is a steep 1.3-mile ascent “straight up” from VT-108 to the top of Mount Mansfield.
Paddle the Winooski River
Nearly 10 percent of Vermont’s area falls within the big watershed of the Winooski River, which flows some 90 miles from Cabot to Lake Champlain and is easily reached from the Stowe area. A summer’s day spent kayaking or canoeing the Winooski is as pleasant as they come! Good access points to the Winooski’s pretty flow not far from Edson Hill include Montpelier High School, the Middlesex Dam Powerhouse, and the Waterbury Recreation Fields.
Go Swimming or Boating at Waterbury Reservoir
One of the largest bodies of water in the state of Vermont, the Waterbury Reservoir of the Little River is a great place to cool off on a hot summer afternoon. Created in 1938, the reservoir boasts 18 miles of lakeshore and comes mostly encircled by state forestland and parkland. You’ve got many options for taking a dip here or launching a boat, not least Waterbury Center and Little River state parks, both within easy day-tripping reach of Edson Hill.
Take a Bike Ride on the Stowe Recreation Path
From leisurely road biking in the countryside to demanding mountain-bike trails in the Cady Hill Forest or Sterling Forest, cyclists are definitely spoiled for choices when calling Edson Hill their Vermont home away from home. One always-rewarding idea for an easy jaunt is the 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path, a paved route that crosses the West Branch of the Little River a number of times. You can hop on it from such access points as Lintilhac, Chase, and Thompson parks.
A Summer Getaway to Edson Hill in Stowe, VT
The above only scratches the surface of what there is to, outdoors-wise, this marvelous season of long, sunny days and warm weather. Come join us at Edson Hill and enjoy the world-class outdoor recreation Stowe, Vermont has to offer!
Looking for More Things to Do?
For a broader guide that includes village shopping, art galleries, and rainy-day ideas, see our full list of summer activities in Stowe, VT.
