Stowe, in Motion

Hit the whole town on two wheels.

4 Riding Days • 4 Trail Networks • Off-Bike Activities • All Skill Levels

Grant Wieler Photo

Stowe, VT:

A vacation where you can go everywhere by bike? Stowe fits the bill. Stay, ride, swim and eat for as many days as your legs and appetite will allow.

A visit to Stowe will appeal to mountain bikers looking to blend engaging riding with an iconic Vermont vacation experience. Spend hours blissing out on buffed out flow, or get your endurance on and link multiple trail systems to ride fifty miles in a day. And with snack stops and delicious drinks available nearly everywhere, nobody is in danger of bonking.

Grant Wieler Photo

Itinerary

DAY-BY-DAY ITINERARY

The vibe at Cady Hill Lodge is casual and fun. (Courtesy Photo)

ARRIVAL DAY

Park It for a Car-Free Stay

Arrive at the Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge, located right along the Stowe Recreation Path. With your legs as your engine, it’ll be your highway during your stay.

If you need to rent a bike, the nearby Ranch Camp crew will set you up with some wheels, and if you happen to have a VMBA membership, they’ll toss in a free burrito. Leaving from the lodge, pedal out the backdoor for a few evening laps on the Cady Hill Forest trails, then tuck into some creative Vermont-style pub fare next door at Backyard. 

VIDEO: Flowing on Florence at Cady Hill (YouTube: Venture)

DAY ONE - MORNING

Pedal to Pedal

Start your day with a two-minute ride to Woodland Baking and Coffee for exceptional espresso and baked goods made fresh from organic flour.

Snag one or two of Woodland’s homemade bars to tuck in your pack for your upcoming morning of riding, then pop into the woods to explore the Cady Hill Forest trail network. As one of Vermont’s most popular riding destinations, you’ll find whatever it is that you seek, be it ribbons of intermediate flow or tangles of tech and chunk.

The Current is a progressive contemporary art center. (Courtesy photo)

DAY ONE - AFTERNOON

Immerse Yourself in a River…or Art

Break for lunch at the Skinny Pancake, a Vermont favorite where local sourcing reigns supreme and your meal supports the region’s many food producers. Good deeds aside, there’s not a bad choice to be made on the extensive menu.

If the weather’s warm, take a leisurely ride on the rec path, stopping at any number of great swimming holes along the way. Or, if you’d rather stay dry, flip a one-eighty and ride into the village of Stowe to shop or catch whatever’s fresh at The Current Center for Contemporary Art. 

Save Room for Stowe Sweets (Courtesy Photo)

DAY ONE - EVENING

Eat Your Favorites From a Wood Fire

For dinner, stroll to The Bench, a local favorite loved for its casual atmosphere and the charred delights that emerge from its wood-fired oven. (Flame-kissed nachos, anyone?) Alternatively, if superb cocktails and creative mains are what you seek, check out Doc Ponds, a creation of Eric Warnstedt and William McNeil, who also founded Burlington’s famous Hen of the Wood restaurant. For dessert, indulge in a frozen treat from Stowe Sweets, a pocket-sized ice cream shop tucked into the back of The Country Store on Main.

“Ask anyone who has ridden Cady Hill–it’s hard to quit Florence, but you can explore here for days!”

The trails at Trapps are suitable for all skill levels. (Courtesy Photo)

DAY TWO - MORNING

Follow the Sound of Music

Have breakfast at the lodge, or walk across the road to Stowe Bee Bakery & Cafe for a hearty biscuit sandwich to fuel up before your day of riding at the Trapp Family Lodge and Outdoor Center. Owned and operated by the von Trapp family (yes, of The Sound of Music fame), Trapp’s, as it’s locally known, offers a range of outdoor activities for riders and non-riders alike. Trapp’s is about a 4-mile ride from the Lodge, so consider loading your bikes on your rack and driving if you want to save your energy. Note, visitors who are not staying at the lodge will need to purchase a property day pass (VMBA members can buy one get one free in 2025!)

Enjoy authentic schnitzel and an old-world brew at the Bierhall. (Courtesy Photo)

DAY TWO - AFTERNOON

Enjoy Some Austrian Eats

For lunch, the patio outside the on-site von Trapp Brewing Bierhall is not to be missed. A menu of Austrian favorites ranging from brats and sauerkraut to pretzels and cheddar lager soup pair perfectly with the brewery’s Old World beers. If you finish riding but are not yet ready to leave,  Trapp’s offers a variety of activities, including horse-drawn carriage rides, guided history and maple syrup tours, and disc golf. Or, get back out there and ride some more!

Cork is Vermont’s only all-natural wine shop and restaurant. (Courtesy Photo)

DAY TWO - EVENING

Uncork a Bottle of Natural Wine

Back in town after a day away, there are plenty of options for dinner. Piecasso, Shakedown Street @ Stowe Cider, and American Flatbread are all good choices on your way back toward the Cady Hill Lodge. For a more upscale option, consider Cork, Vermont’s first and only natural wine shop and restaurant. Founded by Danielle Nichols and operated with her younger sister Katie, Cork is a cute place to order a few small plates plus a bottle of wine to share.

“Each trail system can be ridden on its own for a day, or if you have a ton of energy to burn, you can link a very large ride that goes from Cady Hill to Trapps via the Pipeline trail connector and then over Trapps to the Cabin and down to Adams Camp.”

VIDEO: Riding Shredder at Adams Camp (YouTube: Josh’s Ski Tips)

DAY THREE - MORNING

Order an Antique with a Side of Eggs

This morning you’ll head to Adams Camp. This smaller network of intermediate and advanced trails is located about five miles from Cady Hill Lodge, so you’ll have to decide whether to ride or drive. Whichever way you travel, you have two excellent breakfast options. For a quick bite, head to The Bagel. Otherwise, take some time to enjoy all that The Round Hearth Cafe has to offer. Formerly a famous ski dorm, they now serve a full breakfast menu and host a well-curated antique shop. After nearly fifty years in business, it’s still owned by the same family.

Park your bike against a tree and take a refreshing dip! (Google Peter Miller)

DAY THREE - AFTERNOON

Finish With a Swim and a Forest Bath

Once you’ve wrapped up riding for the day, drive or ride out to Mountain Road and take a quick left on Notchbrook Road for a dip at Foster’s, one of the area’s best swimming holes. Take your time and cool your legs in the natural pools.

Stowe Bowl is not your average evening of bowling. (Courtesy Photo)

DAY THREE - EVENING

Go Bowling at a Gastro-Pub

Clean-up at the hotel and get ready for an evening of using your arms instead of your legs at Stowe Bowl. Just a 10-minute bike ride up the rec path, this eight-lane bowling venue features great food, comfy lounge-style seating and a creative bar menu. It’s a popular spot, so be sure to book your lane in advance on their website.

“Riding Sterling Forest is like going back in time, in a good way. Hand-built, but for modern riders.”

You won’t leave Butlers Pantry hungry! (Courtesy Photo)

DAY FOUR - MORNING

A Bonus Morning of Old-School Tech

There’s one more local riding experience to be had in Stowe before you leave. Load up your vehicle, check out of the lodge and fill your tank at Butlers Pantry in downtown Stowe before heading to Sterling Forest. The riding here is quiet old-school Vermont cross-country, tucked in a beautiful secluded valley. The trails are mixed-use, so if you feel like a nice hike instead, there are some great options.

Cap off your stay at the patio bar at the Matterhorn. (Courtesy Photo)

DAY FOUR - AFTERNOON

One More Swim and Iconic Après

Before you leave, take the short walk to Sterling Falls Gorge. The series of eight cascades drops 100 feet through the gorge. If you fancy a swim, take the trail across the bridge from the parking lot and follow it down to the middle set of falls, where there is a large, clear pool perfect for swimming. Lastly, a trip to Stowe isn’t complete without a visit to its most iconic après bar, The Matterhorn, so cap off a great trip by grabbing a bite or a beer and toasting to a perfect stay in Stowe.

WHERE TO STAY, EAT & SHOP

Stay, Eat, Shop

  • Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge** is a boutique hotel equipped for adventure. Trails run right out the back door and dedicated space to clean, store, and maintain your gear make it the perfect landing spot for group and family outings. 

    Bluebird Talta Lodge**, the sister establishment of Cady Hill Lodge, provides the same quality and amenities and is closer to Adams Camp and Trapp’s.

    The Trapp Family Lodge and Outdoor Center is situated on 2,600 acres. Stay in its striking 96-room alpine lodge and enjoy a variety of indoor and outdoor resort amenities.

    AWOL Stowe** is tucked into the side of Cady Hill Forest and offers cute modern A-Frames, communal fire pits, cedar plunge pools and new friends.

    Field Guide Lodge** is a stylish basecamp for your Vermont Adventure in the heart of downtown Stowe.

    ** Offers a VMBA Member Benefit

  • The Alchemist Brewery is the source of the original VT cult-favorite, Heady Topper IPA. Enjoy one on draft outside in their beer garden or inside in their cozy beer cafe. 

    Backyard** dishes value-packed pub food made by hand and enjoyed—by you—en plein air in the company of stone walls and string lights. 

    The Bagel** kettle boils and bakes twenty types of New York-style bagels daily. Order one slathered in Cabot butter or cream cheese, or get one stacked high as a sandwich. 

    The Bench**  is a local favorite loved for its casual atmosphere and the charred delights that emerge from its wood-fired oven.

    American Flatbread - Stowe** puts all of the best local ingredients together and bakes them in a wood-fired oven to create unique and delightful tastes.

    Sushi Yoshi** will make a believer out of any skeptic wondering how good sushi could be in Vermont.

    Ranch Camp** is a favorite destination for local riders and visitors alike. Rent a bike, have a beer, get a burrito.

    The Matterhorn is Stowe’s most famous après bar and offers the only riverside dining in town and dishes a deliciously diverse menu featuring everything from sushi to brick oven pizza and burgers.

    The Skinny Pancake** is quickly becoming a Vermont institution for its wide selection of sweet and savory crepes as well as its dedication to supporting local producers. 

    Woodland Baking and Coffee pours a mean (but friendly) latte and is regarded by many as a top source for baked goods in town. 

    Stowe Sweets, Stowe’s only ice cream shop, is a paradise of polka dots and pink tucked behind The Country Store on Main. 

    Stowe Bee Bakery & Cafe is a go-to spot for morning pastries, lunch specials, sweet treats, and cakes, all made from scratch in an open kitchen that doesn’t use preservatives. 

    Shakedown Street BBQ and Grill @ Stowe Cider is a lively restaurant and event venue that grills BBQ, slings craft beverages, and hosts live music every weekend.

    Cork, Vermont’s first and only natural wine bar, serves focaccia, a funky pour, and vegetables cooked to perfection.

    The Round Hearth Cafe & Marketplace**, previously a ski dorm, is now a cozy place to stop for casual bite and a bit of antiquing.

    Butlers Pantry is a local favorite for breakfast before a big day of riding. Tuck into their famous biscuit french toast sticks or try the cheddar jalapeno pancakes that are topped with eggs and hollandaise.  

    Edson Hill seats patrons of its intimate, light-filled dining room to an upscale menu of New England staples. 

    Doc Ponds is home to over 1,000 vinyl records and a creative menu. The owners flip and spin both often.

    Piecasso** is a family-friendly pizza joint that serves up great vibes and delicious menu inspired by the owners’ Sicilian heritage.  

    ** Offers a VMBA Member Benefit

  • Ranch Camp** is home to everything a mountain biker could want under one roof: a wide range of demo options (including gravel bikes and e-MTBs), a full service mountain bike shop, a casual restaurant, and a tap room. Oh, and don’t sleep on the shop’s selection of MTBVT apparel, which all the cool kids are wearing these days. 

    Hitchhiker** is a friendly, locally-owned bike shop offering timely service and a nice demo fleet. 

    Find Mountain Ops in the big red barn. Their friendly staff can set you up with any outdoor gear you might need, including bike demos and tours. 

    Pinnacle Ski & Sports** transforms from a die-hard ski shop in the winter to a full-service hiking and biking resource in the summer.  

    AJ’s Ski & Sports** is a welcoming outdoor shop with a wide selection of outdoor gear, including bike rentals spanning everything from hybrid cruisers, children's trailers, gravel bikes, and e-MTBs. 

    ** Offers a VMBA Member Benefit

  • Make time for a few frames at Stowe Bowl, which is an elevated bowling experience with lounge-style lanes, a full bar and gastropub menu.

    The Current Center for Contemporary Art operates out of a historic building to bring meaningful contemporary art exhibitions and educational programming to the Stowe community. 

    Wander into The Country Store on Main to browse a curated selection of home goods, gifts, and travel accessories that add a chic twist to the comforts and qualities of Vermont living. 

    For more information, visit the Stowe, VT Tourism Website

  • You can save a lot of money by becoming a VMBA member before your trip! 

    Becoming a VMBA member supports mountain biking and trails throughout Vermont, as well as our local chapters. 

    Everyone is welcome. Individual memberships are $60, with discounts available for families and those under 25. 

    Join VMBA today for immediate access to the member benefits in this region, through our App**.

    STAY

    EAT & DRINK

    BIKE SHOPS

    ACTIVITIES

    BIKE PARKS / TRAIL PASSES

    Local VMBA Chapter:

    **Please note that restrictions may apply to the above offers. Please consult the VMBA Member App for terms and conditions for each of these offers.

Trail Networks

ROUTES & RIDE TIPS

“For a real challenge, check out Serenity and Adrenaline at Adams Camp and channel Dangerous Dan for the elevated wood features and steep rock roll-downs. These two trails are not for the faint of heart!”

Cady Hill Forest

Cady Hill Forest

Trailforks Routes

Cady Hill Forest Website

Stowe Trails Partnership VMBA Chapter

The Cady Hill Forest trails are right on the edge of town, making access to them a breeze. Across this trail system, you’ll find a nice blend of flow and old-school tech. Hit up the fast-and-jumpy Florence for the former and the Schween House loops for the latter.  


If you need a warm-up, get your legs and lungs moving on Cady Hill Climb Lower, a multi-use trail that’s uphill-only for bikes and delivers you about 200 vertical feet above where you started. A trip down Bear’s Lower, a buffed out, downhill-only flow trail will leave you grinning ear-to-ear.

Cady Hill Videos

Trapp Family Lodge

Trapp Family Lodge Trails

Trailforks Routes

Trapp Family Outdoor Center Website

Stowe Trails Partnership VMBA Chapter

A trail pass is required, so be sure to stop and purchase one at the Outdoor Center.

If you plan to ride your bike from the Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge to Trapp’s, the easiest way is to take the bike path north for two miles and take a left onto Luce Hill Road. Ride for one mile, then turn left onto Trapp Hill Road and ride for another mile until you arrive at the Outdoor Center on your right. 

During your ride, ascend Growler to take a snack break at the Slayton Pasture Cabin, a rustic log structure that dishes hot chocolate and soup to visitors in winter.

Trapp Family Lodge Videos

Adams Camp

Adams Camp

Trailforks Routes

Adams Camp Website

Stowe Trails Partnership VMBA Chapter

If you go by car, park at the Adams Camp parking area. From there, begin by heading out on the Stowe Derby trail to begin a challenging eight-mile loop that includes 1,500 feet of climbing and ends with a technical descent (featuring rock rolls and hand-built features) down Kimmer’s. 

If you plan to ride there, take the rec path all the way to its northern end (about 4.7 miles), then turn left onto Brook Road. Approximately 1/2 mile down Brook Road, you’ll arrive at the trailhead for Haulapalooza on your right, where you can climb about 500 vertical feet over the course of one twisty mile. Haulapalooza is a bi-directional trail, so be vigilant.From the top of Haulapalooza, go left on Hardy Haul to Cheddar and then to Shredder, which will lead you into Kimmers and, eventually, the main Adams Camp parking area. 

Adams Camp Videos

Sterling Forest

Sterling Forest

Trailforks Routes

Sterling Forest Website

Stowe Trails Partnership VMBA Chapter

Follow Sterling Valley Road from Stagecoach Road (between Stowe and Morrisville) to one of three parking lots: at the Split Rock Trailhead; at the end of Sterling Valley Road; or on Sterling Gorge Road (a left turn just before the end of Sterling Valley Road).

The riding at Sterling Forest is challenging and fun, with plenty of vertical available. From the Sterling Forest Parking lot, take the Catamount Trail Maple Run to Callagy’s to ride Sterling’s signature trail.