Vermont's 'Little Grand Canyon' Is A Stunning Natural Wonder To Explore

The state of Vermont is full of natural beauty, from Lake Champlain to its green and lush mountain backdrop. If you're taking one of the state's scenic drives to appreciate it all, make sure you stop in the mid-state town of Hartford. Within its boundaries sits a jewel in Vermont's crown. Quechee State Park boasts a section often referred to as Vermont's "Little Grand Canyon," and you don't want to miss it. The mile-long Quechee Gorge, in the southern part of the park, is a canyon created by glaciers around 13,000 years ago, with walls rising up 165 feet over the shimmering Ottauquechee River. This is the deepest gorge in the state and perfect for a day out in nature or a few days camping under the stars.

Quechee State Park is $5 per adult and $2 for kids between the ages of 4 and 13, at the time of this writing. Admission for kids under 4 is free. It's open from Memorial Day weekend through the second week in October, which is perfect for viewing Vermont's famous fall foliage. The park is 135 miles from Boston Logan International Airport and 140 miles from Bradley International Airport, consistently rated one of the best in America. You'll need a car to get here, but it's worth the drive. If you're looking for a nearby place to stay, try The Quechee Inn at Marshland Farm, just 1.5 miles from the gorge. It was built in 1793 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The first lieutenant governor of the state once lived there, but it's been expanded to include charming suites and guestrooms. You'll find pretty antique decor, a fine-dining restaurant, and a tavern as well.

Quechee Gorge can be viewed from above along the bridge on Route 4 if you're driving, but the best way to experience the majesty of this natural wonder is on a hike. One of the best is the easy Quechee Gorge Trail, which is 1.3 miles out and back with only a bit of elevation gain. It starts in the parking lot of Dewey's Mills Pond, north of the gorge, and takes you to the park's dam. There are restrooms there, and you can bring your pooch with you if you have one. You can also check out the longer Quechee Gorge Dewey Pond Trail, which is 2.8 miles out and back. This one is fantastic for birding and fishing, and the best time to check it out is April through November. You likely won't be alone, as this is a popular trek, and it's recommended that you wear the right shoes since it can be slippery. Birders should take along some binoculars — 105 different species have been sighted in the park, according to eBird. Sightings included red-shouldered hawks, American kestrels, belted kingfishers, purple finches, and blue-headed vireos.

Make sure to stop by the Quechee Gorge Visitor Center when you arrive. It has maps of the park and historical displays about the days when the area supported a mill, as well as crafts and other items for purchase. It's open every day from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The parking lot can accommodate RVs, and there are restrooms and picnic areas on site. There is even the Snack Bar at the Gorge, with fried and fresh seafood, burgers and fries, onion rings, and the like if you get hungry after your hike.

If you want to stay in this loveliness a bit longer, there are 43 campsites that can accommodate both tents and large RVs, as well as several cabins and lean-tos. There is a dump station but no water or electric hookups, so prepare accordingly. Make sure you toss some sports equipment in your trunk, as there is a play area and field at the campground, with a volleyball net and a horseshoe pit to show off your aim. You'll also find a picnic area with a pit toilet. If fishing is part of your ideal camping trip, the river has brook trout, rainbow trout, and brown trout. 

If you visit in the summer, plan your trip around the annual Quechee Balloon Festival  with hot air balloons soaring over the dam and gorge. There are vendors, skydiving demonstrations, live music, and more during this three-day festival. While you're visiting the park, it's worth taking a quick drive less than a mile from the gorge to the village of Quechee inside Hartford to visit the Vermont Antique Mall. This 17,000-square-foot barn features hundreds of booths full of vintage and antique goodies to explore. It's open every day (other than a few holidays) from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and there is free parking. One review on Google by visitor Misty Macdonald said, "Love the different shops and the antique side was so cool. Had a wide range of things. The shopping side had a little bit of everything." It's also worth visiting the village of White River Junction within Hartford, with its historic downtown and art scene, less than 7 miles away.