Stowe Pinnacle, Stowe

Amazing hike, but be prepared… I hiked yesterday (April 16, 2023) and it was all-terrain. The snow is melting at the top so the hike included a lot of mud, water from melting snow, snow, and ice. For a good portion, I was essentially stepping up rocks (that would normally be stepping stones) but it was like climbing up a gentle stream. If I didn’t have my hiking boots and trekking poles, I wouldn’t have had fun… and could easily have been injured. (I’d call myself an intermediate hiker. There were other people who made it up/down without boots/poles, but I wouldn’t have wanted to. I saw someone else wipe out going down because they slipped in the mud.) From the first parking lot, you go up a hill (less attractive and you might start to wonder if the whole hike is going to be like that), turn onto flat ground (with a lovely view), and then the real hike begins. Given the conditions, though the sign where I parked calls it a “short” hike, it took me 3.5 hours round trip. Overall, it was a challenging hike, but I’m glad I did it and the summit view is gorgeous.

Amazing hike and views from the top! It can be quite windy at the top so pack a jacket and plenty of water. The trail is rugged throughout, with either rocks, roots, or steep climbs facing you most of the way. It feels longer than it is because it's all uphill to the top right from the trailhead. Worth the effort though for one of the best views around.

This was our 3rd time climbing this trail but the first time we made it to the summit! The last couple times it was quite icy, but this time not at all, just a bit muddy in places. Making it to the top was SO worth it. The view was spectacular!! Also, it will now be my favorite trail because my boyfriend proposed to me at the summit! I had just set my camera up to take a bunch of times pictures of us at the summit & on the 3rd one, he pulled out the ring. I was so surprised! Anyway, great hike!

This is rated as a moderate hike. But it’s all relative. Our family hikes a lot and all agree it was one of the hardest we have ever done. Very steep and rocky. That being said we saw a couple of families with small kids and a ton of dogs up make them trek so it’s doable. And the view at the top is well worth the effort.

I'd read about the golden retriever that climbs alone and hangs out with hikers, but didn't think I'd actually witness this. I swear this dog has a human soul. Super friendly and he actually guided us about a quarter mile down the mountain (until we name across a woman climbing up and he went up with her). The view up there is amazing and totally worth the climb.