Stowe Pinnacle Trail Hiking Guide
Stowe Pinnacle is a rocky knob on the western edge of the Worcester Range, directly across the valley from Mount Mansfield. The climb is short but steep, and the bare summit gives one of the best views of Mansfield's long ridge anywhere. Trail Finder lists it as a high-use trail, and the small trailhead lot is the main thing to plan around.
Steps, Spur, Summit
From the Upper Hollow Road trailhead, Trail Finder describes about half a mile of nearly flat warm-up, then a steep, staircase-like climb through mixed hardwoods. Partway up, an overlook spur gives a western view of Mount Mansfield. The trail passes the Hogback Trail junction, eases through thinner forest and comes out on a bald rock summit with Mansfield to the northwest, Mount Hunger to the south and, on clear days, Camel's Hump.
How Long Is It?
Sources do not agree. One detailed trip guide gives 2.8 miles round trip with 1,520 feet of gain from Upper Hollow Road, which is what we list; a Champlain College guide says 3.1 miles and about 1,500 feet, mapping apps show 3.3 miles, and the Stowe visitor bureau says 3.6 miles round trip from Upper Hollow Road and 2.6 miles from the Pinnacle Meadow trailhead. Trail Finder says either trailhead makes a round trip of just under 5 miles. Plan for roughly 3 miles.
Two Trailheads
From Stowe village, take School Street, bear onto Stowe Hollow Road and continue onto Upper Hollow Road; the Stowe Pinnacle lot is on the left about 0.6 miles along. One trip guide says it holds about nine cars and suggests arriving before 8 a.m. on weekends and before 9 a.m. on weekdays. If it is full, the Pinnacle Meadow trailhead off Pinnacle Road and Upper Pinnacle Road starts higher and joins the main trail half a mile below the overlook. Trail Finder says both lots are plowed in winter and that if a lot is full you should choose another trail rather than park on the road. There is no fee.
Dogs, Mud and Ice
The trail is in C.C. Putnam State Forest, and Trail Finder lists it as open to dogs on a leash. In spring, the Vermont Explored trip guide notes that the state closes Worcester Range trails from mid-April to Memorial Day to protect the upper slopes; check Trail Finder before going. In winter, the Champlain College guide says microspikes or snowshoes are essential on the steep pitches.
Hiking tips for Stowe Pinnacle Trail
- Arrive before 8 a.m. on weekends; the main lot fits only about nine cars.
- Use the Pinnacle Meadow trailhead if Upper Hollow Road is full.
- Take the overlook spur halfway up for a framed view of Mansfield.
- Carry microspikes from late fall into spring for the steep steps.
- Continue along the ridge toward Hogback only if you have a map and extra time.
Nearby trails to explore
- Mount Hunger via the Waterbury Trail
- Mount Mansfield via the Long Trail from Route 108
- Sterling Pond Trail (Smugglers' Notch)
Hike this trail with TrailMates
Stowe Pinnacle is a short climb to the best seat facing Mount Mansfield. Use TrailMates to find Burlington-area hikers heading to Stowe Pinnacle. Download the TrailMates app to connect.