Quechee Gorge, Vermont, also known as "Vermont's Grand Canyon," is in the Quechee State Park, practically on the doorstep of Quechee. From the bridge, overlooking the Gorge, you get a bird's eye view of the 165 foot plunge through the rock cut and into the Ottauquechee River below. This area is rich in history and peppered with farms. It offers everything from mountains to rivers, so whether you are here to relax with a favorite book or if you're looking for a challenge, this is the place for you.
Hiking
Quechee State Park offers a wide range of trails for every level of experience and endurance. You can hike around the entire Gorge, or choose a left turn at the fork in the trail to the bottom of the Gorge. Or take a right turn to view the Mill Pond Falls. You will find plenty to explore in the Quechee Gorge area including a mountain top view of Woodstock. Mount Tom is 1,250 feet high and has two access points, you can choose the easy route from the back of the mountain or the more difficult journey from Woodstock.
Parks
Whether you want a quiet day in the sun or an active afternoon playing ball, the parks near Quechee Gorge offer plenty of diversity. At the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park you can visit the Carriage Barn, the Mansion or take a walk through the back woods to the 14-acre pond called the Pogue. On the other hand, you may prefer to play with the kids on one of the playgrounds, basketball courts or baseball fields scattered through the Hartford and Quechee area.
Educational
If you want to learn more about maple syrup you can help collect the sap on a brisk spring morning and watch it being made into syrup at one of the historical farms around the Gorge. History becomes an experience when you interact with the animals, help make cheese or enjoy either a sleigh or wagon ride. Avian rehabilitation is the main purpose of the Vermont Institute of Natural Science. It offers hands-on learning opportunities, live raptor shows and a chance for the entire family to participate in the Raptor Scavenger Hunt.
Water
The Ottauquechee River, directly in the Gorge area, offers you a place to showcase your canoeing or kayaking skills or to participate in a white water rafting experience. This local river flows through Quechee Gorge and into North Hartland Lake, but does not provide continuous access between these two points. Swimming, kayaking, canoeing and tubing are all popular activities on the White River. For a quiet day, enjoy a paddle or float down the Connecticut River. Fishing is permitted in each of these beautiful rivers and in many of the parks.
Winter
Vermont winters offer a distinctly different experience than the other seasons. Hot air balloon rides provide an intense view of the Gorge and surrounding areas. If you'd rather keep your feet on the ground, seek out the snow covered trails available for cross country skiing and snowshoeing throughout the Quechee Gorge area. Downhill skiing and snowboarding runs, lessons available if you need them, are found at the Quechee Lakes and are suitable for beginners and intermediate thrill seekers.
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