Quechee Gorge, VT

• 4-star hikes
• 1 to 3 mile options
• Easy | Gain 110 to 180 feet
• Quechee, VT | Central East
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The image shows an aerial view of a striking green bridge that spans across a deep, rugged gorge. Below the bridge, a river winds its way through the gorge, reflecting the sunlight. The surrounding landscape is densely forested with a mix of deciduous and evergreen trees, creating a lush, green canopy. In the distance, you can see rolling mountains under a clear, bright blue sky.

Quechee Gorge Bridge is Vermont's oldest steel arch bridge.

One mile long and 165 feet deep, the narrow Quechee Gorge was carved out by the rapid draining of glacial Lake Hitchcock some thirteen thousand years ago, and continues to be slowly etched away today by the flows of the Ottauquechee River. Stopping by the Quechee Gorge Bridge on Vermont's Route 4 highway is necessary to gain an appreciation of the site, but much more can be discovered on a couple of short walks. We present several brief hikes that can be enjoyed either individually or collectively.

⬤ Visitor Center Trail
This short trail begins down the steps at the visitor center and winds through forest and then under the Quechee Gorge Bridge to reach the road level for gorge views from the bridge. If you want a shorter route you could just stick to the roadside pavement, but we like a trail that eschews pavement for dirt, provides some woodland views and some appreciation of the bridge's structure.

Trail Options Expand KML · Google Earth ·

⬤ 4★ Visitor Center Trail 0.7 mi out & back, easy, gain 95 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions GPX?

⬤ 4★ Dewey's Pond & Quechee Dam 1.6 mi out & back, easy, gain 60 ft
GPX File · AllTrails · Directions

⬤ 4★ Spur Trail to Rocks + 0.9 mi part-loop, easy, gain 50 ft

P Free parking

⬤ Dewey's Pond Trail
Dewey's Pond was formed from an old oxbow section of the Ottauquechee River when it was dammed to power a textile mill back in the 1830s. The dam remains though the mill structures were demolished over sixty years ago. Today the route is a pleasant walk along the north end of the gorge and an opportunity to explore wildlife around the pond from within a ring of surrounding hilltops. This trail can be used to extend your hike from the visitor center, or as an alternative trailhead and access to the gorge and the bridge viewpoint.

⬤ Spur Trail to Rocks
Head downhill on the Quechee Gorge Trail to the downstream end of the gorge where you'll find exposed rock outcroppings to hop around on, or from which to take a cooling dip in warmer months. There are few views along the wooded trail, but there are upstream views of the gorge and bridge from the rocks. Our route includes a short angular looping return. On our map we also identify the 'campers only' trail, which can be used to return to the visitor center. A return on this trail is around 0.8 miles in length and 180 feet in elevation gain and includes a short and marginally steep section.

Locally there are more attractions to check out by the gorge and in the nearby town of Quechee. Close to the visitor center is the huge antiques mall, or head upstairs to the Vermont Toy Museum to revel in some nostalgia. Next to the town's picturesque covered bridge and falls you'll find the popular Simon Pearce glassblowing workshop, store and restaurant.

The image shows a natural outdoor scene with rocky terrain and a small body of water. Several individuals are scattered across the scene, some standing on rocks and others walking through shallow areas of the water. The sky is clear, suggesting a sunny day.

Swimming hole in the summer, rock hopping at other times.

The image shows a natural outdoor scene featuring a waterfall cascading into a lower body of water. Above the waterfall, there is a calm river or lake surrounded by forested land with mostly bare trees, suggesting autumn or winter. The sky is clear and blue, with sunlight filtering through the branches on the left side, creating a serene atmosphere.

Ottauquechee River falls by the former Dewey Mills.

The image shows a panoramic view of a landscape featuring a body of water, possibly a lake or river, with an island in the middle. Surrounding the water are areas of dense forest and open fields. The terrain is varied with some hills visible in the distance.

Dewey Pond, once an oxbow of the river is now cut off by levee.

The image shows two individuals walking on a wooden bridge in a forested area. Sunlight filters through the trees, creating a serene atmosphere.

Wooded walk down to the gorge from the visitor center.

Tangents:
• AllTrails Public: Quechee Gorge
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