Last Updated on March 27, 2022 by Ellen Christian
If you’re looking for a gorgeous ride this summer, you have got to visit Quechee Gorge Vermont. Learn more about Queeche Falls.
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You won’t believe the amazing views you’ll see as you look over the railing. Plan to spend the afternoon just taking in the views but do wear a good sturdy pair of shoes if you plan on doing any hiking or walking down the gorge.
Quechee Gorge
Quechee Gorge is known as Vermont’s Little Grand Canyon and is located in Windsor County, Vermont. The entire length of the Gorge is 1.4 miles.
Quechee Gorge can be viewed from the Quechee Gorge Bridge which is located on Vermont Route 4A in the Town of Hartford. Quechee Gorge is part of the 612 acre Quechee Gorge State Park.
The drop from the Quechee Gorge Bridge to the bottom of the Gorge is roughly 165 feet.
History
Before the existence of Quechee Gorge, the Ottauquechee River made a slow gradual southern turn about a mile east of the Gorge.
When our climate cooled about 100,000 years ago, the Laurentide Ice Sheet formed in northern Canada and flowed south over New England. This buried the Ottauquechee River underneath ice and snow.
About 13,000 years ago, it started to warm up again and the ice sheet began to melt. Instead of flowing straight into the Connecticut River as it did before the ice sheet, it flowed into the arm of a huge lake called Glacial Lake Hitchcock.
It backed up behind a dam of gravel left by the ice melt. When the dam broke, the Ottauquechee River turned south and wore away the bedrock until it finally cut all the way through to form the Gorge as it is today.
Amenities
Also within walking distance are parking, picnic tables, hiking trails, souvenir shops, and restrooms. The bridge is handicapped-accessible.
There is a campground within driving distance and a number of other local attractions including the Vermont Institute of Natural Science (VINS) Raptor Center. Trail conditions vary and the state recommends you check with the visitor center for details and safety information.
You can view the gorge from protective walkways located on both sides of the highway. A crosswalk exists to go from side to side but traffic can be fairly busy at times so use care.
Quechee Gorge is a beautiful scenic stop if you’re traveling State Route 4 in Vermont. If you’d like to spend time in the area, there are a number of other Vermont attractions to see or you can hike the trails depending on the weather.
So, I wouldn’t recommend this stop as a great place to bring small children. The walkways are protected but there is a fair amount of traffic.
The safety railings would make it difficult for a younger child to see down into the gorge unless they were lifted up by an adult. For older kids or adults, it’s a truly breathtaking view down into the gorge.
The view during the height of the leaf-peeping season is phenomenal so aim for late September/early October for the best view. Heading this way? Consider stopping at another Vermont & New Hampshire attraction
More places to visit in Vermont
Ellen is a busy mom of a 24-year-old son and 29-year-old daughter. She owns six blogs and is addicted to social media. She believes that it doesn’t have to be difficult to lead a healthy life. She shares simple healthy living tips to show busy women how to lead fulfilling lives. If you’d like to work together, email info@confessionsofanover-workedmom.com to chat.
Quechee Gorge Vermont attraction looks to be absolutely beautiful. I’ve never been to Vermont, but my parents visited Dorset and the surrounding area and brought back beautiful pictures. It sounds like it’s perfect for everyone.
I’ve never been to Vermont, but it’s on my list! I’ve always wanted to visit and I love that you have put some very interesting places to see if I ever get to go. I can fly there for free, so that would take care of part of the expense. LOL
What a gorgeous view!!! Thi is definitely on my must see places whenever I get up to Vermont!!!
I have been to the Quechee Gorge, but didn’t enjoy it as I am terrified of heights 🙁
Quechee Gorge looks like a wonderful place to visit and have lots of things to do. I loved reading how Quechee Gorge was created.
Really lovely. I’ve never been to Vermont, but this makes me want to hop in the car and drive north.
Fabulous pictures
wow this is beautiful. great way to spend outdoors
Wow that is so beautiful! Looks like a terrific place to visit!
I have been there and it is absolutely breathtaking! Thanks for sharing…hoping to get up that way again next year!