Snowshoeing around Stowe

[roadtripper]

Hey All,

I'm looking for some suggestions as to good snowshoeing routes around Stowe. I'm looking in the range of 3-6 miles with less than 1500ft elevation gain since I'll be going with some first-timers. Their hope is to spend most of our time skiing - followed by quality time at the Alchemist and the Shed ....but I'm hoping we can get out for a snowshoe one of the days we are up there.

Stowe Pinnacle comes to mind. Is this typically broken out well in the winter? What is the parking situation like? (is the lot plowed, or can you park on the side of the road, etc.).

Any other suggestions?

Thanks!

 

[mirabela]

Sterling Pond is another good bet. Follow the unplowed Notch road (VT 108, broken well by skiers, snow machiners, etc.) to the height of land & then the Sterling Pond trail (former LT) up from the height of land.

 

[king tut]

There are two seperate parking lots for Stowe Pinnacle, both right off of roads with residences on them, so I would imagine that they would be plowed or you could at least park on the side of the road and hike up.

 

[MikeM]

Nebraska Notch would be a good choice. The trailhead starts at Lake Mansfield and ascends to a deep notch in the spine of the Green Mountains. Taylor Lodge is a good turn around spot with views and a couple of tables in front. It's around 800ft elev gain in about 2 miles. An easy hike into some dramatic scenery.

 

[bcskier]

Beaver Meadow Lodge

If the summits are socked in you might prefer a trip up to Beaver Meadow Lodge a venerable cabin in the GMC Long Trail chain but far enough off the present route of the trail to be largely unvisited by LT hikers. Last time I was there it still had a functioning wood stove. Consult the LT Guide, Div. 10 list of side trails. Beaver Meadow Trail is number 30 in my edition of the guide (25th).

 

[mirabela]

Beaver Meadow from the Mud City Loop in Morrisville is another nice trip. It's really easy, around 4 miles RT if I recall, and quite a pretty area.

 

[chipc]

Beaver Meadow from the Mud City Loop in Morrisville is another nice trip. It's really easy, around 4 miles RT if I recall, and quite a pretty area.

I hiked up there last May and I was thinking it would be great in winter with the leaves down. I wonder what road conditions are like from the main road.

 

[mookie]

Nebraska Notch would be a good choice. The trailhead starts at Lake Mansfield and ascends to a deep notch in the spine of the Green Mountains. Taylor Lodge is a good turn around spot with views and a couple of tables in front. It's around 800ft elev gain in about 2 miles. An easy hike into some dramatic scenery.

I second that.
as a matter of fact, may be doing that tomorrow with some family members who are coming to visit. always a nice easy hike.

 

[audrey]

Nebraska Notch would be a good choice. The trailhead starts at Lake Mansfield and ascends to a deep notch in the spine of the Green Mountains. Taylor Lodge is a good turn around spot with views and a couple of tables in front. It's around 800ft elev gain in about 2 miles. An easy hike into some dramatic scenery.

I third that...we've had so much fun in that area. Dewey Mt is a short but fun bushwhack; heading south on the Long Trail towards Mt. Mayo is a pretty section with beaver ponds/meadows; the Lake Mansfield trail is also an exciting ski when there's good snow.

 

[Tom Rankin]

I'm looking for some suggestions as to good snowshoeing routes around Stowe. Any other suggestions?

Yes, join Views and Brews!

 

[Forester Jake]

The Pinnacle is a great first-timer snowshoe hike, fairly moderate with maximum "alpine feel" summit views. The main trail head is a fully maintained parking lot with sign at the top of Stowe Hollow road, on your left just past Upper Pinnacle road- this trail is highly used and easy to follow on 'shoes. The Sunset Trail, which links the Pinnacle to Mt Hunger further to the south, is more remote and seldom used in winter. FYI, the trail to Hunger, off the Water Works road in Waterbury also makes a good 'shoe hike though a bit longer. The plus with both trails is that they are west-facing, meaning they make great afternoon hikes. The Elmore mtn trail from Lake Elmore (park either at the Elmore General Store or the town garage on the lake road) to the Firetower at the summit has also been an old favorite of mine, well used with lots of interesting views from atop the old, restored, firetower. A spur trail follows the ridge to the north to Balancing Rock with more interesting views, and drops down to rejoin the main trail, though this is a lesser used route. FYI, the trail is on the east, often in heavy shade by mid afternoon and no cell phone reception. Happy hikin

 

[DrJJFate]

Nebraska Notch would be a good choice. The trailhead starts at Lake Mansfield and ascends to a deep notch in the spine of the Green Mountains. Taylor Lodge is a good turn around spot with views and a couple of tables in front. It's around 800ft elev gain in about 2 miles. An easy hike into some dramatic scenery.

Great suggestion. Please remember to park in the upper parking lot (the one on the right as you drive in). This lot is for GMNF/GMC use. The other lots belong to the Lake Mansfield Trout Club.

 

[mookie]

and when done hiking/skiing in waterbury/stowe area be sure to check out:
http://www.waterburyreservoir.com/

great new restaurant with fantastic beer selection. formerly waterbury wings...