Sunset Rock — Attraction in Stowe

The route from the parking area off of Taber Hill Road is pretty gradual and easy going, and you can follow either the wider access road up to the Upper Overlook, or the narrower and slightly overgrown-in-places Taber Path, which splits at the end to go down to Sunset Rock or up to the Upper Overlook. Both paths up and down from here are fairly steep, so be sure to wear proper footwear.

The trails themselves are well-marked, but the actual attractions (Upper Overlook, Sunset Rock, Glacial Kettle Hole) are a little understated and could use some extra signage to let you know you've arrived, or you may just walk right past (we actually did miss both the Upper Overlook and the Glacial Kettle Hole at first pass, and had to double back to find them).

The view of downtown Stowe's Main Street from Sunset Rock is pretty cool, if not spectacular. As for the Upper Overlook, maybe mid-August is just the wrong time of year, with all of the trees in full foliage and concealing the view, but we found it a little underwhelming.

Still a nice hike, and the convenience to downtown Stowe and relatively short length make it a decent option for families with kids (although not too young, as some parts are a little steep) and more...

this is tucked away and actually two sites close together - there is what is on the map as "sunset rock" is not actually a rock but more of a small park at the top of a winding trail. Its a small grassy knoll opening in the trees with a view of Mt Mansfield - specifically the nose. I got there at sunset and it was truly a special site to view the sun going down behind it. The second location which is an actual rock requires trekking down a little trail off the main winding drive called "Sunset Rock Trail" which takes you to a rock that juts off the mountain and can sit more than a few people which reveals more of an overlook of the village of Stowe and the roads. There's an alternate route to the rock which can be started from the end of Sunset Road at the bottom and its really steep to climb up that way - doable but steep. I prefer the approach from the top. Worth it in every way and especially enjoyable at sunset. Right now that's...

DO NOT DRIVE UP SUNSET STREET! This is a residential street with NO PARKING signs posted.

It is also a dead end street and you will need to make a U-Turn in someone's driveway.

Park in town somewhere.

The walk up to the Sunset Rock is shorter and much more difficult than if you went to the SUNSET ROCK PARKING location on Google Maps. Hiking to Sunset Rock from the parking location is much better, less difficult and more phot...