Stowe, Vermont

• What is Mount Mansfield?
  • Mount Mansfield is Vermont's highest mountain, with its highest peak reaching 4,393 feet.
• Why is Mount Mansfield popular?
  • It is a popular destination for hikers in the summer and skiers in the winter.
• What does Mount Mansfield look like?
  • When observed from the West or East, the mountain resembles a human profile, with the chin sticking up highest.
• What hiking trails cross Mount Mansfield?
  • The mountain is intersected by several hiking trails, including the popular Long Trail, which crosses the mountain's main ridgeline.
• Where is skiing available on Mount Mansfield?
  • The east flank of the mountain is used for skiing in the winter by the Stowe Mountain Resort.
• What is unique about Mount Mansfield's summit?
  • The summit has about 200 acres of real alpine tundra that remained from the Ice Age, making it one of only three such spots in Vermont.
• What is "The Nose" on Mount Mansfield?
  • "The Nose" is a convenient location for transmitter towers used by several local radio and TV stations.

• What is the Stowe Recreation Path?
  • The Stowe Recreation Path, or what locals call the 'Rec Path', is a paved 5.5-mile one-way public path that offers a scenic and leisurely way to explore Stowe.
• Who can enjoy the Stowe Recreation Path?
  • The path is mostly flat and can be enjoyed by anyone regardless of age or fitness level.
• What activities can be done on the Rec Path?
  • Visitors can walk, bike, or in the winter, enjoy skiing or snowshoeing.
• What scenic features can be found along the path?
  • The path takes you over a lovely stone bridge, along swimming holes, and past benches and picnic tables.
• Is the Rec Path easily accessible?
  • Yes, the path is easy to access from several spots in the village and offers beautiful views of Stowe from many points.
• What is the Quiet Path?
  • The Rec Path is intersected at several points by the 1.8-mile Quiet Path, which is reserved for joggers and walkers. It features a natural surface and beautiful views of the Little River.

• What is Smugglers' Notch?
  • Smugglers' Notch is a narrow pass through the Green Mountains, located about six miles from Stowe, surrounded by 1,000-foot high cliffs.
• Is the road through Smugglers' Notch open year-round?
  • The winding road through the Notch is impassable in winter.
• Why is Smugglers' Notch historically significant?
  • The Notch was famously used for various illegal activities, including:
    • Smuggling cattle and goods from British territories in Canada in the 19^th century
    • Helping runaway slaves escape to freedom
    • Transporting illegal alcohol during Prohibition from Canada to the United States
• Is Smugglers' Notch State Park open year-round?
  • Smugglers' Notch State Park is open year-round for recreation but can only be accessed during winter by snowmobiles and skis.
• What camping facilities are available at Smugglers' Notch?
  • The park has twenty campsites and fourteen lean-to shelters located just off Route 108.
• Are there hiking trails in Smugglers' Notch?
  • Yes, trailheads for several hiking trails leading into Mount Mansfield State Forest start at Smugglers' Notch State Park.
• Where is Smugglers' Notch located?
  • 6443 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, Phone: 802-253-4014

Recommended Activities for Families

• What is the Mt. Mansfield Auto Road?
  • The Mt. Mansfield Auto Road, also called the Stowe Toll Road, is a 150-year-old scenic road that winds 4.5 miles to the summit of Mt. Mansfield.
• How high does the Mt. Mansfield Auto Road climb?
  • The road climbs to an elevation of 3,850 feet, offering spectacular views of the Adirondack Mountains and the Lake Champlain Valley.
• When is the Stowe Toll Road open?
  • The Stowe Toll Road closes in mid-December and re-opens in July.
• Can you ski down the Stowe Toll Road?
  • Yes, during the winter, when cars are not permitted, it is possible to ski down the road.
• Is there a fee for driving the Mt. Mansfield Auto Road?
  • Yes, a toll is charged by the Stowe Mountain Resort for access to the road.
• Are bicycles and motorcycles allowed on the road?
  • No, bicycles and motorcycles are not permitted on the Mt. Mansfield Auto Road.
• Are there hiking trails at the top of the road?
  • Yes, several popular hiking trails start at the upper end of the road.
• Where is the Stowe Mountain Auto Toll Road located?
  • Stowe Mountain Auto Toll Road, 7416 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, Phone: 802-253-3000

• What is Sterling Falls Gorge?
  • Sterling Falls Gorge Natural Area is a scenic gorge located in the Vermont Green Mountains near Stowe.
• How was Sterling Falls Gorge formed?
  • The gorge was carved by 10,000 years of relentless work from rocks and sand carried by Sterling Brook, resulting in a spectacular gorge with cascades, falls, and pools.
• How high are the gorge walls?
  • The gorge walls range from 11 to 50 feet high and are surrounded by dense hemlock forests, shrubs, and ferns.
• What makes the walls of Sterling Falls Gorge unique?
  • The walls are covered with lush, green mosses, adding to their natural beauty.
• Is there a trail to explore the gorge?
  • Yes, there is a scenic trail that follows the gorge, at times getting close to the gorge walls, revealing thousands of years of geological history through exposed rock layers.
• How long does it take to walk the trail?
  • The walk to the end of the trail and back takes about 45 minutes.
• Where is Sterling Falls Gorge located?
  • West Hill Road, Stowe, VT

• What is Gold Brook Covered Bridge?
  • Gold Brook Covered Bridge, also known as Emily's Covered Bridge, is a small covered wooden bridge over Gold Brook in Stowe, Vermont.
• When was Gold Brook Covered Bridge built?
  • The bridge was built in 1844 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
• Why is Gold Brook Covered Bridge called Emily's Covered Bridge?
  • According to legend, the bridge is haunted by the ghost of a girl named Emily, who allegedly took her own life on the bridge after her lover failed to meet her there.
• Is there any evidence that Emily existed?
  • There is no historical evidence that Emily ever existed, but stories of her appearances and mysterious noises continue to be reported by visitors.
• What could explain the noises at the bridge?
  • The noises are most likely caused by teenagers partying under the bridge, often leading to police intervention.

Attractions for Couples

• What is the best way to explore Stowe's scenic roads?
  • There is no better way to explore the scenic roads and vistas of Stowe than in a beautiful, old-fashioned carriage or sleigh pulled by powerful but gentle Belgian and Percheron horses named Mack, Justin, Donny, Tom, and Bret.
• What types of carriages and sleighs are available?
  • You can choose between romantic carriages and sleighs for two or large, candy-apple red Santa-style carriages that can fit up to 12 people.
• Can the carriage top be adjusted?
  • Yes, you can leave the top down to enjoy the fresh air or put it up if it rains.
• What can you see during the ride?
  • The ride takes you down scenic winding roads, through the village and dense woods, across historic covered bridges, and offers splendid views of Mt. Mansfield.
• Are the rides available in winter?
  • Yes, in winter, you can snuggle under a blanket during the day or take a ride under the stars in the evening.
• Are the carriage rides private?
  • Yes, each ride is private and just for you.
• Where can you book a carriage or sleigh ride?
  • Gentle Giants Sleigh and Carriage Rides, 4000 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, Phone: 802-253-2216

• What is Stowe Mountain Resort?
  • Stowe Mountain Resort is a premier ski resort in Vermont that offers skiing on two mountains: Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield.
• What is the lift-served vertical drop at Mount Mansfield?
  • Mount Mansfield has a lift-served vertical drop of 2,360 feet and an average annual snowfall of 333 inches.
• How many trails are available for skiing?
  • There are 116 trails on Spruce Peak and 39 miles of ski terrain on Mount Mansfield.
• What activities are available when there is no snow?
  • When the snow melts, visitors can enjoy:
    • Hiking across the mountain
    • Golfing
    • Mountain biking
    • Rock climbing
    • Zip lining
    • Scenic drives on the Toll Road, offering postcard-worthy views
• Is there childcare available at the resort?
  • Yes, the resort has a great daycare facility, so parents can explore while the kids enjoy their own fun activities.
• Where is Stowe Mountain Resort located?
  • 7416 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672, Phone: 802-253-3000

• What is Umiak Outdoor Outfitters?
  • Umiak Outdoor Outfitters is a retail store and tour company that provides outdoor adventure gear and guided tours in New England.
• What does the retail division sell?
  • The retail division offers everything needed for outdoor adventures, including new and used boats, skis, snowshoes, clothing, sleds, car racks, and crampons.
• Are tours available year-round?
  • Yes, Umiak Outdoor Outfitters offers tours year-round, whether you want to go kayaking in the summer or sledding in the winter.
• What can visitors experience on a kayak tour of the Winooski River?
  • Kayak tours of the Winooski River provide a chance to see wildlife up close, including deer, otters, moose, great blue herons, and kingfishers.
• What makes the Lamouille River canoeing tour ideal for beginners?
  • The Lamouille River canoeing tour is perfect for beginners because of its slow-moving waters, making it a relaxing and easy ride.
• Does Umiak Outdoor Outfitters offer any special tours?
  • Yes, they offer craft brewery tours, where visitors can enjoy local brews while exploring the area.
• What winter activities are available?
  • In winter, guides take groups on snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures, or for a spectacular ride on a dogsled.
• Where is Umiak Outdoor Outfitters located?
  • 849 South Main Street, Stowe, VT 05672, Phone: 802-253-2317