Stowe is the Ski Capital of the East. Mount Mansfield is the origin of some of the country’s first downhill ski trails and lifts. The mountain retains its history, with steep, challenging terrain and an incredible network of back-country opportunities. Stowe is also an increasingly popular summer destination, and also very popular in autumn, when thousands of folks enjoy Stowe’s gorgeous colors and hills. Stowe Village is a picture perfect New England town center, with a Main Street lined with shops and restaurants. As a recreational mecca, there are also excellent options for running in Stowe. The area is also growing center for mountain biking. It’s home to a ski academy, hockey academy, and world class indoor swimming and recreational facility, The Swimming Hole.
Some the best options for running in Stowe include the 5-mile Stowe Recreation Path, plus some quieter road running options off Rt. 100/108. Another great multi-use trail is the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail between Morrisville and Cambridge. We’ve also mapped some pretty routes along the area’s back roads, which boast mountain views, farms, and fields, and are especially pretty in fall. There’s a huge variety of trail running, the most accessible being the network at Trapp Family Lodge. And for those who like hills, there are great options. In general, we would avoid running on Rt. 100 between Waterbury and Stowe (busy, poor shoulder), or along Rt. 108 between Stowe Village and the Mountain. Use the recreation path, which parallels Rt. 108.
Runners should be aware of Stowe’s weather. Winters are very cold and trails used for running in summer are used for X-C skiing in winter. Bring your Yak-Traks!. Summers are pleasant and sunny, and rarely too hot.
