As an alternative to the Stowe Recreation Path, the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail is a recently developed multi-use path that runs for 93 miles in Northern Vermont, connecting 18 towns from St. Johnsbury to Swanton. The trail is a very smooth gravel surface, and quite flat — especially for Vermont! There are wonderful mountain views along the trail, whose terrain alternates between woods and open farm fields. The trail has become a popular cycling destination, and is fantastic for running, as the best long, off-road running opportunity in the area that isn’t too hilly or challenging. 

In the Stowe area, we love the section of the LVRT between Morrisville and Cambridge (Morrisville is 10 miles north of Stowe on Rt. 100). There are numerous interesting spots along the way, and multiple access points. Some key distances/landmarks, starting in Morrisville and headed northeast:

3 miles:    Cadys Falls
4.2 miles: Hyde Park
9 miles:    Johnson
17 miles:   Cambridge, with short spur to Jeffersonville.

Another option is to catch the trail in Jeffersonville, which is just over the Notch off Rt. 108 (note: Rt. 108 over the Notch closed in winter). From Jeffersonville, head southwest toward Morrisville (see mileages above) or north toward East Fairfield and Sheldon. Note the northern section is more remote.