Stowe Pinnacle Trail
Reaches Stowe Pinnacle (2,628 ft).
- Length
- 1.6 mi
- Climb
- 1,520 ft
- Time, one way
- about 1 h 40 min
- County
- Lamoille
- Difficulty
- Moderateestimated
- Surface
- earth
Download GPX for a GPS app or watch
About this trail
Stowe Pinnacle is a short but steep climb in C.C. Putnam State Forest. From the lot on Upper Hollow Road the trail is nearly flat for about half a mile, then climbs steeply, almost like a staircase, through mixed hardwoods. About halfway up, a short spur leads to an overlook toward Mount Mansfield, and the bald summit looks to Mansfield in the northwest, Mount Hunger to the south and, on clear days, Camel's Hump. From the top, hikers can return the same way or continue on the ridge trail toward Hogback Mountain.
Good to know
- It is a busy trail; Trail Finder suggests avoiding weekends between 9 am and 4 pm.
- If the lot is full, the managers ask you to choose another trail rather than park on the road.
- Dogs must be on a leash.
Written by VTHiking from Vermont FPR, C.C. Putnam State Forest and Vermont Trail Finder, Stowe Pinnacle, checked Oct 24, 2026. Distances in this text are the source's own; the figures above are measured from the mapped line and can differ.
Where to park
We haven't confirmed the fee at the lot below yet. Check posted signs when you arrive.
Walking distances follow the mapped trail network. They are not a route, they ignore slope, and they are not driving directions.
Elevation
Climb, time and difficulty are estimates worked out from the mapped line and USGS elevation data, not measurements or official ratings. Time assumes about 2.5 mph plus an hour per 1,500 ft climbed.
Other trails nearby
Trail geometry and attributes from OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL). Elevation from USGS 3DEP. Lengths are computed from mapped geometry and are approximate. Safety disclaimer.