Quechee Gorge/Quechee, VT - One Arm Hike #1

Are you looking for a less stress, no fuss hike? Quechee Gorge is it. One for all ages and plenty of changes to keep it a different hike everytime you go.

Getting there is easy take Exit 1 (Route 4) of I-89 and head towards Quechee/Rutland, VT. It's a left off both the North and Southbound highway ramps. A few miles down you'll be able to see the Vistor's Center on the right and the hot dog/Quechee Gorge Gifts on the left. You can park in either parking lot. Both places have an entrance to the trails.

I suggest heading down to the rock quarry first to the left when you get on the main trail. It's mostly downhill and a easy hike. At the bottom, depending on the rainfall, you'll see the Ottauquechee River opening up upon the rocks. If the rocks are showing you can climb across the rocks to the river's edge. If it's under water, you can take off your shoes and enjoy the cool Vermont river water. If you venture off on the rushing water over the rock plese use caution the rock are very slippery when they are covered with water. Plenty of people swim in the river. It's very refreshing but keep in mind the current is very strong. To return, backtrack the way you came down the hill.

If you need more hiking and sights, you can cross under the bridge and up the stairs to your right and head down to the dam. It's a hydroelectric dam. Lots of red pines usher your way to the dam and onto Dewey's Mill Pond. There's a marshy walk through the thin land bridge between the river and and the pond. The trail ends at a parking lot on Quechee Main St.

There's a campground, pizza place and some other points of interest in that area. Quechee State Park Campground, VINS Nature Center, Fire Stones and Pizza Chef are my favorite places to visit.

Here is the VT State Park site for Quechee Gorge: http://www.vtstateparks.com/htm/quechee.cfm
Here's the map: http://www.vtstateparks.com/pdfs/quecheegeo.pdf