Quechee State Park is home to the deepest gorge in Vermont, carved out by glacial meltwater over 13,000 years ago. Peer down 165 feet to the Ottauquechee River flowing beneath the bridge or follow hiking trails along the rim to either end of the gorge.
The Quechee Gorge Visitor Center is open year round, seven days a week, and it provides information, restrooms, and wheelchair-accessible trails. A trail connects the visitor center to the Quechee Gorge Trail, which is a 1-mile trail along the gorge rim. From the Quechee Gorge Bridge, the southern section of the Quechee Gorge Trail descends 0.4 mile to the bank of the river downstream of the gorge. You can also head north for 0.3 mile, passing a picnic area on the way to the dam overlook and waterfall. Continuing 0.3 mile north from the dam, you’ll walk on a flat strip of land along Dewey’s Mill Pond and the Ottauquechee River.
Dewey’s Mill Pond gets its name from A. G. Dewey, who owned the land and a woolen mill from 1869 to 1962 before moving his operation to Enfield, New Hampshire. The Dewey Company’s mill was powered by the pond water and river on the property, and remnants of the old mill can be viewed along the trail.
Just west of the Quechee Gorge Bridge, you’ll find open grassy picnic areas with picnic tables on both sides of the road and plenty of parking. At the back of the northern picnic area, there’s a hiking trail that leads over to the Vermont Institute of Natural Science Nature Center, where visitors can meet the resident raptors, check out the forest exhibit, watch shows and animal feedings, or explore additional hiking trails.
Quechee State Park also houses a seasonal campground with 45 sites and seven lean-to shelters for those wishing to extend their stay overnight. Trails connect campers to the visitor center, hiking trails, and nearby food and shopping at the Quechee Gorge Village and more.
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