2 Gorge Walks in Vermont

What is a gorge anyways? According to Merriam-Webster dictionary, it is a narrow steep-walled canyon , among other things...we shall, of course, be talking about the canyon definition:)

There are many beautiful places to explore in the state of Vermont. In this post I will be talking about two gorges where you can walk down and enjoy the view and the water!

Clarendon Gorge- Clarendon, Vermont (approx. 20 minutes-1.5 hours)

Located right off the road on Route 103 in Clarendon, Vermont, this gorge walk is fairly short, but still worth checking out. There is a sign for the Appalachian/Long Trail at the entrance to the parking lot...

This is also a place where you can hike on the Appalachian and Long trails, but to get to the gorge you must take the trail to the left of the parking lot...

In only about 0.1 miles you will come upon one of the best suspension bridges in the area. It is a 30-foot bridge that goes over the falls...

This is where you can get the best views of the small 8-foot falls below...

If you head off to the right after crossing the bridge, there is a 'trail' that leads down under the bridge...

People can swim near here, if the rapids and current aren't too strong, like it was when I went...

There is also a nice trail leading straight from the bridge to some camping sites located near a calmer section of the brook...

All in all, a nice place to stop by when you are short on time but still wish to experience nature!

Quechee Gorge-Quechee, Vermont (approx. 40 minutes-2+ hours)

Quechee Gorge is located near the village of Quechee, Vermont, and is bigger than Clarendon Gorge. One can easily spend a couple hours or more exploring and enjoying the water down in the gorge.

You can park at the visiting/welcome center and head down the trail through the woods that meets up with the main trail down the gorge...

Or at the Quechee Gorge gift shop and snack area across the street, where you can access a trail down the gorge...

Where a sign tells you how far it is to the bottom...

There is also a great view from the top of the gorge on the bridge that you drive over...

The trail leads under the bridge...

And down the hill for about 0.4 miles on a well-kept path...

On the trail you can see lots of trees that have their roots exposed...

And you will see a sign warning you to be careful if swimming...

At the bottom you come to several paths that lead down to the rocks and water...

When you go down on the rocks there are many pools of water to walk around before you get to the river...

There are some rapids here as well so if you want to swim you should be careful where you enter the water...

But there is a fairly good sized area where it is safe to swim, most of the time...

What's that over there on the other side of the water? Almost looks like a giant antlered animal sticking out of the trees!

There are many wild flowers that like to grow in between the rocks, a perfect symbol for tough Vermonters...

And a nice view of the bridge up above...

After a refreshing dip and/or ramble over the rocks, head back up the hill and across the street to check out the gift shop. And don't forget to try some food and/or ice cream at the snack bar! When I went recently, a storm was coming in, but luckily it came after we finished our ice cream!

If I inspired you to get out and explore some of Vermont's gorges, please like and share this story! Thank you!