Where We Stayed: Smuggler’s Notch State Park Campground
Campsite Details: Site 1
Hikes We Did:
- Mt. Mansfield Hike via Long and Hazelton Trail
- Subway side route
- Sterling Pond
Meals Out in Stowe:
- Butler’s Pantry
- Idletyme
- Black Cap Coffee
This past fall, during the first weekend of October, we embarked on our first camping trip to Stowe. Known for its breathtaking fall foliage, Stowe is a popular travel destination in September and early October, though it can be quite pricey. If you have the necessary gear, camping is an ideal way to experience the vibrant autumn colors on a budget.
To catch the fall foliage at its peak, we recommend visiting Stowe from mid-September to early October. We were fortunate to visit during the last prime weekend before the leaves began to fall. Our stay at Smuggler’s Notch State Park Campground was the perfect base for our adventures.
We stayed at Site 1, which was absolutely stunning, nestled among the trees and perfectly sized for tent camping. However, it was a bit challenging to access. The parking spot was about 30 yards down a steep, rocky path, making the transfer of our camping gear and food quite an adventure. The rain added to the challenge, making the rocks and leaves slippery. We wanted to highlight this specifically for Site 1. After exploring the campground, we noticed that most other sites had parking conveniently located right next to the campsite.
When camping in the fall, we always make sure to bring several tarps because the weather can be unpredictable, especially the further north in New England we go. Due to the long walk down to our site and the rainy weather, we only brought our tent and sleeping bags down to the site, storing everything else in the car. The walk to and from the site was the only downside of our weekend, but it did provide some laughs.
The first night was a bit challenging as we tried to start a fire with the wet ground and the slightly damp wood we purchased. We highly recommend bringing something to help get your fire started.
The campsite had bathrooms about 100 yards up the road from our campground, but no showers. Since we were only there for two nights and the weather was chilly—around 50°F during the day and near freezing at night—we didn’t feel the need to shower.
On Saturday morning, we made breakfast at the campsite and then headed to the parking lot across the street from the Barnes Camp Visitor Center. This was the perfect starting point for the Mt. Mansfield hike and not a busy parking lot as most tourists park closer to the Mt. Mansfield Lodge. Once you park, walk across Mountain Rd. and turn left at the visitor center onto the Long Trail.
All Trails Link to Hike Below:
https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/vermont/mount-mansfield-via-long-and-hazelton-trail
Total Mileage: 7.8 miles (There are shorter routes to summit Mt. Mansfield, but we opted for the longer one)
Difficulty Level (Our Scale): 6/10 (Moderate) – There is a decent amount of elevation gain, but if you’re in good hiking shape, it isn’t too challenging.
Total Elevation Gain: 3,700 ft.
Total Time to Expect: If you complete the loop with minimal breaks, you can probably finish in about 3 hours. We took a lot of photos and made random pit stops to enjoy the scenery, so our total moving time was 3 hours and 50 minutes, with a total elapsed time of 5 hours. The weather conditions were quite variable, so we recommend bringing plenty of layers and wearing waterproof hiking shoes, especially during this time of year.
The Mt. Mansfield hike is fairly challenging but features a moderate graded incline. The view at the summit is breathtaking, offering a panoramic overlook of downtown Stowe and the surrounding landscape. As you walk across the ridgeline, you are treated to stunning views for about a mile of the loop, making you feel like you’re on top of the world.
During our hike, we noticed a small sign for a side route off the ridgeline called “Subway.” Our curiosity led us to explore it, and we found it to be a fun and adventurous detour. The route involves a lot of scrambling and bouldering, making it quite exciting. We would rate this side route as an 8/10 in terms of difficulty.
The descent was equally enjoyable as we took the Nosedive/Rimrock Trail. Interestingly, we have since snowboarded down this trail, adding another layer of fun to our experience!
After our hike, we discovered that Chad’s sister was also in town for a girls’ trip. Given the forecasted rain for the rest of the day and night, we decided to join them for dinner in downtown Stowe at Idletyme Brewery. This restaurant and brewery has a rich history in Stowe and offers a versatile atmosphere that suits both casual and upscale dining. We recommend making a reservation, as it was quite busy and had a long wait for walk-ins.
After dinner, we headed back to the campground, which was about 10 minutes up Mountain Rd. We were very thankful for the waterproof outer layer of our tent.
On Sunday morning, it was still raining, so we packed up quickly and headed into town to meet up with Chad’s sister and her friend again for breakfast. We chose The Butler’s Pantry, one of the most popular breakfast spots in town. We arrived about 30 minutes before it opened and were still around 10th in line! Since you can’t make reservations for breakfast there, you have to rely on putting your name on the waitlist once you arrive. While we waited for our text to be seated, we went next door to Black Cap Coffee, where we all got Maple Lattes with Vermont Syrup. They have an awesome seasonal menu that gives you all the fall vibes.
Once seated, I ordered the Eggs Benedict, which was a 10/10 if you need help deciding, and split pancakes with Chad since they are known for them. Here are some quick stats from their website to further convince you:
- Yelp’s Top 100 Places to Eat in the USA, 2019
- People Magazine’s Most Popular Breakfast in Vermont, 2019
Sterling Pond Hike: A Quick Adventure
After breakfast, we decided to squeeze in one last hike and headed back up Mountain Road to tackle the Sterling Pond Hike. This popular trail had been on our list for a while, and we were excited to finally experience it.
Hike Summary:
Highlight: Overlooking the serene Sterling Pond at the halfway point
Distance: 2.1 miles round trip (out and back)
Elevation Gain: ~1,000 ft.
- Link to the hike: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/vermont/sterling-pond-trail
The trailhead was bustling with tourists, and the first half mile was crowded. Many hikers seemed unprepared for the elevation gain and challenging footing, attempting the hike in casual shoes and dressy clothes. As a result, we saw quite a few people turning back. The path was wet and muddy, with a small stream running down from the pond above, adding to the challenge.
Determined to beat the crowd, we powered up the trail, eager to capture uninterrupted photos of the pond. The effort was well worth it—Sterling Pond was stunning and provided a peaceful reward after the climb. If you’re looking for a quick yet rewarding hike that can be completed in 1-2 hours, this is a fantastic choice!
Our first camping trip to Stowe/Smugglers Notch was a perfect blend of breathtaking fall foliage, adventurous hikes, and tasty meals both at our campsite and in town! From the challenging trails to the cozy restaurants and coffee shops every moment was filled with nature, local flavor, and unforgettable memories.
