Tuesday, June 1, 2010

Quechee Gorge - Vermont

The Quechee Gorge is sometimes called Vermont’s Grand Canyon. This nickname is not so much a comparison of the Gorge to the Grand Canyon, but comparing it to the rest of New England’s glacial gouges.

New England has, for the most part, a fairly gentle landscape. Catching an eyeful of the Quechee Gorge is a jaw-dropper, I suppose because it’s sudden depth and craggy walls are not what you’d expect on your average country drive. It was formed some 13,000 years ago by glacial movement, which left a 165-foot slash in the earth, at the bottom of which lies the Ottauqhechee River, still rumbling along, oblivious to the gawkers on the bridge above.

There are trails here, and a nearby shopping plaza to catch the tourists who, driving unsuspectingly on Route 4 (that’s “root”), yank the car over to the side of the road after crossing that bridge with the surprising view. You might want to come and have a look for yourself.

For more on the Quechee Gorge, have a look at this website.


John Hayes said...

That takes me back--what a grand spot. & you're right of course--it's "root"; why do people in the midwest & west call it "rout"?

Jacqueline T Lynch said...

They go the "rout" with their uncles and "ants".

Rick said...

there is great swimming at the bottom of the gorge, at the end of the trail that runs along side. Also a little way west on route 4 is Woodstock Vt.

Jacqueline T Lynch said...

Thanks for stopping by, Rick, and giving us a little more info.