From your Stowe vacation rental, you are just minutes away from a number of well-known state forests. Stowe is one of the preferred destinations among outdoor enthusiasts in Vermont, because it is surrounded by excellent natural attractions. You will have lots of wonderful natural areas to explore and exciting outdoor activities to enjoy when you are vacationing in the town.
Mount Mansfield State Forest
Mount Mansfield State Forest is one of the most visited state forests in Vermont. It is home to Mount Mansfield, the tallest mountain in the state. The mountain is 4,393 feet high, and it offers fantastic views of the immense natural beauty of the area. There are 4 state parks within the boundaries of the state forest, and they are the Underhill State Park, the Little River State Park, Smuggler's Notch and Waterbury Center. The presence of mountains and water bodies make the forest a great place for a wide array of outdoor activities, which include hiking, fishing, camping, scenic driving, skiing and snowmobiling. The main attractions of the area are the Cantilever Rock, an elongated rock that protrudes from a cliff; the Mount Mansfield Natural Area, which is the biggest alpine area in the state; and the Smuggler's Notch, a historic passageway that served as an important trading route during the early 19th century.
The Mount Mansfield State Forest is situated about 5 miles west of Stowe. If you are driving from your Stowe vacation home, take either SR 108 from the northwest or SR 100 from the south.
Long Trail State Forest
The Long Trail State Forest is another state forest you must not fail to visit when you are in Stowe. This state forest covers a total area of 5,459 acres, and it provides access to the Long Trail, the first long-distance trail established in the United States. You will also find many other natural attractions in this forest, including the Sugarloaf Mountain, Gilpin Mountain, Strawberry Hill, Hazen Notch and the Domey's Dome. You can indulge in activities such as hiking, camping, fishing and hunting while you are there. Many people come to this state forest to view peregrine falcons, which are often seen near the Hazen Notch Natural Area.
The best way to get to the Long Trail State Forest from your Stowe vacation home is to go north on SR 100 and then west on SR 15. The drive will only take about 10 to 15 minutes.
Groton State Forest
The Groton State Forest encompasses about 26,000 acres of land in the eastern part of Vermont. There are 9 state lands in this state forest, and they collectively provide a wide range of outdoor activities. The most popular activities include hiking, fishing and hunting, but you can also indulge in mountain biking, boating, scenic driving and skiing. Some of the attractions you must see in this forest are the Kettle Pond, Peacham Bog and Lords Hill.
To find the right Stowe vacation rental, look at the accommodation options available at VacationHomes.com. This site features useful search options, such as rental type, places of interest and amenities, to make it easier for you to locate a suitable rental.