Sunset Rock - Conserved 1999

Click Here to View the Sunset Rock Trail Map

When viewing Stowe from afar, one sees a quaint, traditional New England village framed by a wooded hillside to the east known to locals as Sunset Rock.  This 23.3-acre hillside is one of the most visually important properties to Stowe Village as it provides a beautiful backdrop for the church steeple and other traditional village landmarks.  

Although Sunset Rock has a long history of private ownership, Stowe residents have used it as a hiking, picnicking, and sunset viewing area for years.   Annie Dwight, who grew up in Stowe and is Stowe Land Trust’s Programs Coordinator, said, “I recall many wonderful evenings picnicking on Sunset Rock and watching the sun descend behind the spine of the Green Mountains.”  Sunset Rock is truly a special place.

Preserving Sunset Rock was a goal of Stowe Land Trust because of its significant scenic and recreational attributes and its contribution to Stowe’s rural character.  The opportunity to purchase the property arose in February 1999 when SLT agreed to purchase the property.  At Town Meeting, locals expressed their support for the purchase by voting in favor of a Town Bond for the purchase.  Other supporters included the Freeman Foundation, the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, the Vermont Recreation Trails Program and private contributions. Stowe Land Trust closed on the property in August 1999, placed a conservation easement on it, and donated the property to the Town.

Sunset Rock is a recreation area within walking distance of Stowe Village.  There are a series of trails on the property and trail maps are available on site or from Stowe Land Trust.  The sweeping views of the Green Mountains are breathtaking from the summit and the gradual hiking is perfect for a mellow walk in the woods.