stowe mountain auto toll road

You need a 4 wheel or all wheel drive vehicle for this road even in good weather. Get the CD to listen to while you're visiting. It will be a highlight of your trip. Go for it. Take a picnic but be sure to clean up after yourself.

The Toll Road has been in operation for about a hundred years, and it is definitely worth doing once. At the top of the toll road, there is direct access to the trails on Mount Mansfield, with a moderate hike out to the Chin. There are some very difficult rock scrambles on marked trails along the sides of the ridge. This is the easiest way to access the alpine hiking experience, but the toll is pretty high and it is charged per-person, so a carful will cost you. Still, the road is well graded and maintained.

We go to Stowe throughout all four seasons - usually to stay at Von Trapp Family Lodge - so this road is NOT always accessible. If you ever visit in the summer or early fall and the road is open, pay the fee and drive to the top. You will see magnificent views of both sides of the mountain - including incredible views of the inspiring Lake Champlain. You can easily see into Canada. This is a wonderful mountain-top view with great hikes to enjoy.

Parking is very limited, on our arrival after paying for our tickets we were told there was a delay because there were no parking spaces available up the mountain. After about twenty minutes and a lot of returning cars we were able to start up the mountain. About three quarters of the way up we were stopped by the shuttle driver saying there was no room in the summit car park and to park in car park B and he would then drive us to the summit, hardly ideal when you want to drive the whole road. When the shuttle delivered us to the summit the views are somewhat restricted and really not worth the effort and as there are very few places to stop and view the scenery on the road itself, it was very disappointing. Mount Washington Toll Road in New Hampshire is a better bet if you are in the area, however neither come close to Pike's Peak Mountain Road.

Great drive up the mountain. Incredible scenery. Once at the top a small hike to summit and to breathtaking views. Dress accordingly. Nice at the bottom and was snowing at the summit. Put go-pro on the roof of car and have an incredible video memory of the drive.Much less expensive than the gondola. And to tell you the truth we did both and the toll road was far better and much easier on the pocket book.

In fairness I've driven on more testing mountain roads in Europe but this is a drive you should do as the scenery on the way up and down is stunning. I'd go early as two-way traffic can be tricky in parts. If you're not the most confident driver the trick is to just take your time and don't be pressured by other drivers, on the way down you have right of way.

It may seem a bit pricey but if you think about the preservation, trails, views, and CD it is reasonable.As we started up the toll road we popped in the informational CD which you can keep or recycle. It described the trees and plants we were seeing on our way up. On a clear day Lake Champlain is visible and the Western ridge is beautiful. The trails are a bit rocky but doable and a photo op is around every turn.

A similar place to Mount Washington drive. It costs $25, but the view is definitely worth it. There is a trail in Lot A, but I didn't go there.

We lucked out with this and drove up on one of the best days of the year. The foliage was outstanding and we could see Lake Champlain and all the way to Canada practically. Passenger side of car is not for the feint hearted!

We got an early start, but still didn't get to the mountain until 11 am, which is starting to be late as the parking lots were filling up fast at the top. The road is only pave the 1st 1/4 mile and then becomes gravel. It's wide enough near the bottom, but as you climb up it becomes skinny and is hard to pass another car at times. Downhill traffic is supposed to have right of way, but some people in large trucks don't seem to care and squeezed us to the edge more than once.Go early, drive a small car and enjoy the view!

WE used the Toll road to take our hike over the ridge of Mt. Mansfield. It is definitely worth the trip and time. It was wonderful!

Always enjoy driving up to the summit of Mount Mansfield. Spent some time at the top this year hiking on Long Trail for about a half hour. I had a new Jeep this year so it was a fun drive up. Nothing to difficult or "offroad". You drive a Camry up this road if you wanted to. The views are stunning. A little bit of a drop off towards the top so if you get nervous driving with a drop off of any kind you may want to reconsider or at least not be the one driving. The only objections I have regarding this toll road is that they don't allow bicyclists to ride up and down it but I understand why. Also, it's a bit expensive to drive up this think. I drove up it with a buddy. Two dudes and a Jeep = $25.00 dollars. A bit silly I thought. I try not to complain about prices too much cuz then my wife says I'm grumpy.

The drive is just the beginning of the fun. Weather permitting, grab your sneakers and walk from the parking lot at the top of the toll road (i.e., just below the "nose" of the sleeping giant that is Mt. Mansfield) to the "chin" and the journey will be as fun as the destination. Once at the chin (a 45 minute walk for the average person; faster for more serious hikers), you'll be rewarded with views that on a clear day can stretch into NY State over Lake Champlain, and as far north as Montreal! The drive is steeper than you ever realize, though, so go up slowly and use low gears on the way down. Fun, and fabulous!

Great trip to the summit of Mt. Mansfield...views up the toll road are amazing. The cost is $25 per vehicle. Be prepared if you plan to hike with the proper clothing, snacks, water, hiking boots, etc.

Only good drivers need enter. Crazy drive to the top, but definitely worth the views. We got some amazing pictures and can say we did it!