Stowe Recreation Path

The Stowe Recreation Path is a 5.3-mile greenway that weaves its way from the Village of Stowe to the Top Notch Resort. Along the way it crosses the Little River and West Branch of the Little River a total of ten times, passes through three parks, and winds through several meadows and forested areas. In the winter the recreation path is groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, and the Green Mountain Transit Authority operates a shuttle along Mountain Road that allows for a one-way trip. The fare is $1 for adults on a single trip.

Starting at Lintilhac Park, the southern terminus, the Stowe Recreation Path is accessed from a parking area behind the Stowe Community Church on Main Street. This parking area can be prone to flooding, especially in the spring when heavy rain combines with snowmelt. The path immediately crosses the Little River, and a short spur to the Quiet Path appears on the right, just before a second bridge crossing the West Branch of the Little River. Many restaurants, galleries, and boutique shops are accessible by following any of the spurs on the left after crossing the bridge. 

As the Stowe Events Fields come into view on the right, another access point to the Quiet Path also joins. The first road crossing comes at Weeks Hill Road near The Swimming Hole, a non-profit community pool. The path continues around the events fields, taking a sharp left turn to parallel the West Branch of the Little River. Two longer bridges follow in quick succession, and the path returns to the more developed roadside near the Sushi Yoshi restaurant. The Cady Hill forest can be found less than a quarter of a mile away on Route 108 heading south.

For the next mile the recreation path travels through the village of West Branch. There are a few road crossings and plenty of access to more restaurants and galleries. As the path leaves town, the parking area at Chase Park provides access to the path. The path remains relatively isolated, paralleling the West Branch of the Little River on one side, and several fields on the other.

The next access point is at Thompson Park, where there is a large parking area and several picnic tables. The path then continues along the edge of the Percy Corn Maze. After a few more bridge crossings, path users will reach the northern terminus at the red covered bridge on Brook Road.