Mt Mansfield Peak Visitor Center — Attraction in Stowe

Toll road a little pricey and the drive is fairly rough up. Road is gravel. The woman at the top was very knowledgeable and friendly to help make you aware of the hike and environment.

The hike is difficult but very rewarding. Took us about 2 1/2 hrs (+/-2.4miles) round trip with snack break at the peak and with two dogs as well.

Be aware that this hike does require climbing over rocks and very uneven surfaces the entire time. If you aren't in decent shape I wouldn't recommend trying.

Also make sure to wear at least tennis shoes, no sandals etc. Hike poles will make the journey easier and safer.

The weather can be quite different at the top, make sure to bring a jacket and PLEASE stay on the path as this is a rare and fragile environment.

Not a ton of parking so I recommend going during the week as this will determine hike length. Our hike time was from the top...

1. Cost is $32 per car & driver plus $12 each additional person. It is NOT $ 28 per car & up to 6 people as we read online in advance. Excuse: "Oh, that's a different website we can't control."- good luck finding a more "correct" website.
2. The attendant at the bottom didn't explain the "40 minute wait" very specifically. Full disclosure: They over sell car passes per parking spaces at the top, so you will wait a minimum 40 min (plan on 1-2 hour) before you can actually park your car. Most cars idle in a line. This is pretty inefficient. Your money is far more important than your time. Mt. Washington is far more efficient, paved, no parking issues, 2 lanes, and cost comparable. Accomplished 2 visits in 1 here;...

We loved the Stowe auto road to the visitor center. We did the road in a stock jeep wrangler. You could do it in an all wheel drive vehicle as well. Most 2 wheel vehicles could do it but it's definitely going to put some stress on the transmission and I would only do it if the road was dry. So best for 4x4 or all wheel drive. Once at the top the staff met us outside and gave us an introduction to the area and the center. We decided to hike to the sumit of mt Mansfield. Great hike. About 1000ft elevation change and not that difficult. Took us about 40 min to reach the top. However, have good hiking shoes or trail runners. Don't attempt in slides or sandles. Views all around were very impressive. Sumit is...