The best dog-friendly hikes and walks around Stowe

There are 5 dedicated dog-friendly hiking trails around Stowe featured in this guide, all offering a moderate level of difficulty. These trails are perfect for exploring the area with your canine companion.

Yes, all the dog-friendly routes listed in this guide are loop trails, making them convenient for hikers and their dogs. Examples include the New Inn Visitor Centre – Stowe House loop from Stowe and the New Inn Visitor Centre – Temple of British Worthies loop from Stowe.

The dog-friendly trails around Stowe generally feature varied terrain, from forested paths to open areas. While the specific routes in this guide are moderate, the broader Stowe region, particularly Vermont, offers everything from gentle forest walks to more challenging climbs in the Green Mountains. You can expect well-maintained paths suitable for dogs.

While the specific routes in this guide don't explicitly highlight waterfalls, the Stowe area is known for beautiful natural water features. For example, the Octagon Lake Cascade and Artificial Ruins is a notable water feature nearby. Many trails in the wider Stowe region, especially in Vermont, offer river access or pass by waterfalls like Moss Glen Falls or Bingham Falls, providing opportunities for dogs to cool off.

The trails in this guide pass by several interesting historical and natural landmarks. You can explore sites like the Palladian Bridge at Stowe, the Temple of Ancient Virtue, and the Gothic Temple, Stowe Landscape Gardens. The Stony Stratford Nature Reserve is also a great spot for nature lovers.

The dog-friendly hikes in this guide vary in length and duration. For instance, the New Inn Visitor Centre – Stowe House loop from Stowe is about 8.7 km and takes around 2 hours and 15 minutes, while the Buckingham Old Gaol – Temple of British Worthies loop from Stowe is longer at 13 km, taking approximately 3 hours and 25 minutes.

The komoot community highly rates the hiking experiences around Stowe, with an average score of 4.34 out of 5 stars. Hikers often praise the well-maintained paths and the beautiful scenery, making it an enjoyable experience for both them and their dogs.

While the routes in this specific guide are all rated as moderate, the broader Stowe region (Vermont) offers many easier options. For instance, the Stowe Recreation Path or trails in Kirchner Woods and Wiessner Woods are known for being relatively flat and accessible, perfect for a more relaxed walk with your dog.

Stowe offers beautiful hiking experiences across all seasons. Spring brings lush greenery, summer provides warm weather for exploring, autumn showcases spectacular fall foliage, and winter transforms the landscape into a snowy wonderland. Always check trail conditions, especially in winter, and ensure your dog is comfortable with the weather.

While specific rules can vary by trail, it's generally recommended to keep your dog on a leash, especially in more populated areas or near wildlife. Always pack water for both yourself and your dog, and remember to clean up after your pet to keep the trails enjoyable for everyone.

Many natural areas around Stowe, particularly in Vermont, feature rivers and streams. While the specific routes in this guide don't detail swimming spots, areas like Bingham Falls or Sterling Gorge Falls in the wider region are known for their water access and pools, which can be great for dogs on a hot day. Always check local regulations for swimming with dogs.