Headed to beautiful Stowe, Vermont? No matter what time of year it is, Stowe is a great destination for outdoor adventure. Whether it’s skiing at a world-class resort or exploring mountain trails, you’re sure to find all the outdoor fun you could possibly want here in Stowe. Here’s five of the best outdoor activities in Stowe!
Dog Sled Ride
You might think dog sledding only happens in the winter, but you’d be wrong. Here at Eden Dog Sledding, it’s a year-round activity! High-performance European wheeled sleds hit the trails during warmer months, and it’s a fun ride no matter the season. Eden Dog Sledding is an operation that really cares about its beloved animals, so you can feel good about your visit here. They also love providing a hands-on, educational experience, making this the perfect activity for dog lovers of any age.
Located a 45-minute scenic drive from Stowe, Eden Dog Sledding is nestled in the midst of 3000 acres of Vermont Land Trust wilderness. Their 140-acre center is home to miles of specially maintained dog sledding trails, as well as a cozy welcome center where visitors get to meet and greet the dogs. If you’re looking for a wilderness experience like no other, you can’t do better than viewing the forest from the back of a dog sled!
Swing Through the Trees
Have you (or your kids) ever dreamed of swinging through the forest canopy like Tarzan? Probably the closest you can get would be an adventure at ArborTrek Canopy Adventures! This adventure wonderland near Stowe is a big kid’s dream: forest ziplines, climbing challenges (for adults and kids), and even a treetop obstacle course. If you can’t choose, and just need to try all three, book the Awesome All-Day Adventure package!
Nestled in a scenic valley below Smuggler’s Notch, ArborTrek’s location is so gorgeous it can’t
Meanwhile, the Treetop Obstacle Course is standing by with 85 different elements waiting to be conquered! Beginning with thorough instruction from the Ground School, participants can choose from five different courses to pursue. There’s also an ArborTrek Junior option for younger (and shorter) participants. It’s memorable outdoor fun for the whole family!
Experience Austrian-Style Recreation
A huge variety of outdoor activities await at the Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center, the Austrian-inspired resort that became the home of the famous Von Trapp family after World War II (yes, the ones from The Sound of Music). The Trapp Family Lodge offers over 100 kilometers of trails for cross-country, snowshoe, and backcountry skiing, on over 2500 acres of land. And that’s just in winter! In warmer months, visitors can choose from hiking, mountain biking, disc golf, and summer concerts in the meadow. If your family loves to get active and try new sports, a visit to the Trapp Family Lodge is a must.
Stowe Like the Locals Do
you’ll want to book some awesome tours during your stay, don’t forget about the simpler pleasures in life: great food, a walk in the woods, perhaps a good book? Stowe has all three, and plenty more in abundance, at some of the locals’ favorite spots in town.
Stop by the Stowe Free Library and Helen Day Art Center to check out the current gallery show, and perhaps borrow a book. On Sundays from May through October, don’t miss the Stowe Farmers’ Market, which opens at a leisurely 10:30 am, and offers the best selection of Vermont delicacies around (Maple syrup? Basil jam?), as well as boasting live music and local cooking demos. If you need to take a walk and digest all that lunch, stroll on the Stowe Recreation Path, a 5.8-mile paved greenway winding through the woods and over streams. There are also bike and skate rentals available along the path, in case you’re in the mood to get there faster. The rec path ends up at a beautiful covered bridge, so be ready for a photo op!
Rev It Up!
Finally, if you love high-speed adrenaline adventures, you won’t want to miss out on snowmobiling. It’s a great way to see Vermont’s backcountry, and it’s perfect for beginners and advanced riders. Snowmobile Vermont’s tours are 25 adventurous miles through varied terrain, with options to challenge yourself extra (or not) as you go. Prepare for this 2-hour tour with warm winter clothing; boots and helmets are provided at no extra cost. Ski clothes work great! You’ll always remember your zooming snowmobile trip through Vermont’s beautiful countryside.
Have fun in Vermont’s great outdoors!
About the Author: Chezlani Casar is a librarian and travel enthusiast from Hawaii Island. Working with Stowe Country Homes, she hopes to help other travelers find the joy of exploration.
I will be traveling to Stowe in April. Do you think there will be a chance to try out the dog sled ride in this time of year? 🙂
Bet, it depends on the conditions and how early or late in the month you’ll be visiting. If you’re not able to try out the dog sled ride, you should definitely try dog sledding on wheels, it’s worth it!