Quechee Gorge

It’s not quite Vermont’s [1] answer to the Grand Canyon, no matter what some might say. And yet there’s no denying that Quechee Gorge (802/295-2990) is a breathtaking natural wonder. Part of the appeal of the narrow, rocky canyon is the way it comes across Route 4 so suddenly, plunging 165 feet down into the Ottauquechee River racing below.

The Quechee Gorge was formed some 13,000 years ago, when waters from a glacial lake cut inch by inch through tough bedrock schist. While the view from the railroad bridge on the highway is spectacular, a more rewarding view can be had by taking a short hike down to the river.