Quechee Gorge trails?

[mrzilliox]

We're looking for a day trip up to see some leaves this weekend and the Quechee Gorge has always been on our list. Any comments?

Looks like it's about 2.5 hours from me in Dedham. It will be my wife & I, and our two dogs. Are there enough trails in the area to make the 5 hour RT worthwhile? We need something to tire the dogs out really.

I've found a 5 mile RT trail description from the Dewey Mills Pond Parking Lot to Long Run Meadow in Quechee Gorge, which is about the distance to do the trick.

 

[MichaelJ]

Unfortunately, I've only taken the short trail along the gorge from the gift shop down to the dam and back, and that would definitely not be adequate.

A little ways west of Quechee, on Rte 12, is Marsh-Billings National Park which is said to have 20 miles of trails and carriage roads throughout the property. It sounds like a beautiful spot, although pets must be leashed.

Another option is to continue west on Rte 4 another half hour. The two-legs will enjoy Woodstock, which is uber-quaint, and the drive on 4 west of Woodstock along the river valley is gorgeous. Once you get to Killington and Rte 100 (approx 3:10 from Dedham), there are endless opportunities.

Take 100 north just a hair and stop at Kent Pond. Go east around the pond for a walk east on the AT, or drive another hair further to Gifford Woods State Park where you can make a great loop hike to Deer Leap lookout above the top of Sherburne Pass (ranger station at Gifford Woods is a good resource). East is just a walk; the loop west I haven't done, I'm sure it's done in jeans and sneakers, but I'd carry a small pack and good footwear and food & water.

You could also park at the top of Shelburne Pass across from the Inn at Long Trail and pick up the Shelburne Trail and hit the summit of Pico. Or go over the pass about 5 minutes more on Rte 4 and watch on the left for Wheelerville Road. Head up the road a few miles to the trailhead for the Bucklin Trail and climb Killington from the west. Don't do these without a map and real hiking gear. Make sure you're on the Bucklin Trail (signed and blue-blazed), not the old, unmarked carriage road (to the right at the sharp turn in the road).

 

[mrzilliox]

nice, thanks for the tip on Marsh-Billings, we may check that out depending how early we get moving.

 

[thetrailboss]

Just saw this...a bit too late I'm afraid.

Quechee Gorge is a tourist trap. No buts about it. If you want some real foliage and some good local stuff, feel free to PM me. Some good, short hikes nearby here...but I'd prefer not to let them be "discovered" too much. :wink:

 

[nancy2]

don't miss seeing the gorge tho- it is awesome.
i like the hike down to the river and back.the dam is up and a much shorter walk.