Vermont's Deepest Gorge Is A Breathtaking Glacial Gem In A State Park Renowned For Its Wealth Of Recreation

The scenery of Vermont is what many people imagine when they think about the New England region. Postcard-worthy towns like Grafton mingle with the unbelievably scenic hikes and drives that can be found throughout the state. With a population of just shy of 650,000, Vermont is the second least populated state in the country after Wyoming in 2023. This lack of urbanization allows the state's natural beauty to truly shine. And one of the best places to experience that beauty is Quechee Gorge.

The Gorge is part of the town of Hartford, which was founded in 1761 and became a profitable mill town thanks to the confluence of the Connecticut, White, and Ottauquechee rivers. The latter flows through the famous Quechee Gorge, which is known colloquially as "Vermont's Little Grand Canyon." The Gorge is the deepest in the entire state and is a breathtaking glacial gem that draws hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

The Gorge can be seen easily from the old railroad bridge that is today part of U.S. Route 4. From New England hubs like Boston, Providence, and Hartford CT, the drive only takes 2, 3, and 2.5 hours respectively. From the connector of I-91 and I-89 at White River Junction, take the Exit 1 to Route 4 towards Hartford. In a mere 3 miles, you will find yourself transported into a world of pure Vermont beauty.

Quechee Gorge is about a mile long and 165 feet deep. It was formed over 13,000 years ago when a massive glacial lake, known as Lake Hitchcock, began to melt and drain. The resulting torrents carved Quechee Gorge out of the bedrock over a 1,000 year period. Much like pristine Crystal Lake in Barton, the waters of Quechee Gorge are beautiful, clean, and clear. It's truly a sight to behold, whether you're experiencing it from above on the Route 4 bridge, or exploring it down below.

Today, the Gorge is part of Quechee State Park, which comprises 688 acres of fields, river, pond, and woodlands on long term lease from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The Quechee Gorge Trail leads visitors along the upper edge of the Gorge, before descending down to the banks of the river. In the summer, when the waters of the Ottauquechee have calmed from the spring runs, swimmers can enjoy a refreshing dip in these cold, clean waters.

The Gorge also makes an excellent spot for a picnic, and you can sometimes see photographers and painters trying to capture its magnificence on canvas or celluloid. During peak summer tourist season, the Gorge can get really busy during the day. If you're looking for a quieter experience, try to get to the park earlier when there are fewer crowds. The Gorge is also incredibly busy during autumn, when Vermont's absolutely stunning fall foliage is on full display.

While the Gorge might be the most famous site at Quechee State Park, there is plenty more to see and do. There is a wealth of recreation opportunities, from camping and hiking to fishing and nature walks. Campers looking to stay at the park will find themselves with plenty of space. There are six cabins available for rental, 45 tent/RV sites, and seven lean-to sites for camper-vans or larger RVs. The campground amenities include two bathrooms with hot water, coin-operated showers, and flush toilets. Those bringing RVs should note that there are no hookups at the campground, though there is a dump station for refuse.

Campers don't need to stay far from the grounds in order to have a good time. There is a large recreational field, horseshoe pit, and volleyball net for everyone to use during the day. There is also a special campers-only access trail that leads directly down to the Gorge.

Fishing in the Ottauquechee River can be done along several points in the park, including the Gorge and Dewey Mills Pond. The river is stocked with brook, rainbow, and brown trout, along with largemouth bass, yellow perch, and northern pike. If you fancy a day in town, Quechee Village is a great place to visit for local history and a bite to eat. You could also travel a little further down Route 4 to neighboring Woodstock, a town consistently ranked the most beautiful in America.