Looking for a unique adventure that skips the crowds?
Embark on an off-the-beaten-path road trip to discover Vermont’s hidden natural wonders.
These nine unforgettable stops promise an experience filled with surprises and extraordinary beauty.
1. Quechee Gorge (Quechee)
Picture this: You’re standing on a bridge, peering down into a chasm that would make the Grand Canyon blush.
That’s Quechee Gorge for you, Vermont’s very own “Little Grand Canyon.”
At 165 feet deep, it’s like Mother Nature decided to play Jenga with rocks and water.
In the summer, the gorge is a kaleidoscope of greens, with the Ottauquechee River snaking through like a silver ribbon.
Come fall, it’s a fireworks display of reds, oranges, and yellows that’ll make your Instagram followers weep with envy.
Pro tip: Pack a picnic and head down to the bottom of the gorge.
Just remember, what goes down must come up, so maybe skip that extra sandwich unless you’re planning on rolling back to the top.
2. Huntington Gorge (Richmond)
Next stop: Huntington Gorge, where the water’s so clear, you can see fish contemplating their life choices.
This natural wonder is like nature’s own water park, minus the screaming kids and overpriced snacks.
The gorge features a series of cascading waterfalls and deep pools carved into the bedrock.
It’s like someone took a giant ice cream scoop to the earth and filled it with crystal-clear water.
Just resist the urge to cannonball – swimming here is about as advisable as using a fork to eat soup.
Word to the wise: Admire this beauty from a safe distance.
The rocks can be slippery, and the currents are stronger than your aunt’s holiday fruitcake.
3. Warren Falls (Warren)
Warren Falls is the cool kid of Vermont waterfalls.
It’s got everything: emerald pools, natural water slides, and enough nooks and crannies to make an English muffin jealous.
The falls cascade down a series of ledges, creating a natural playground that’s more fun than a barrel of monkeys (and significantly less messy).
On a hot summer day, you’ll find locals and tourists alike lounging on sun-warmed rocks, looking like a bunch of very happy seals.
Insider scoop: Arrive early if you want a prime sunbathing spot.
By midday, this place is more packed than a clown car at a circus convention.
4. Moss Glen Falls (Stowe)
Moss Glen Falls is like the supermodel of waterfalls – tall, slim, and effortlessly gorgeous.
At 125 feet high, it’s the kind of waterfall that makes you crane your neck and say, “Well, would you look at that!”
The falls tumble down a series of rock faces, creating a misty veil that catches the sunlight just so.
It’s the kind of scene that makes you want to break out in song, Julie Andrews style. (Please don’t, though. The local wildlife has suffered enough.)
Fun fact: The moss that gives this falls its name is greener than a rookie stockbroker on their first day on Wall Street.
5. Texas Falls (Hancock)
Don’t let the name fool you – there’s nothing Texan about these falls except maybe their swagger.
Texas Falls is a series of cascades and pools that wind through a narrow gorge, creating a natural waterpark that would make any Texan trade their ten-gallon hat for a pair of water shoes.
The area around the falls is a labyrinth of trails and wooden bridges, perfect for pretending you’re Indiana Jones (minus the snakes and booby traps).
The sound of rushing water drowns out everything else, making it the perfect spot to escape your chatty Aunt Mildred or that coworker who won’t stop talking about their cat.
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Handy hint: Bring a camera, but maybe leave your phone in the car.
Nothing ruins a zen moment like a notification about your dentist appointment next week.
6. Hamilton Falls (Jamaica)
No, not that Jamaica. We’re talking Jamaica, Vermont, home to the stunning Hamilton Falls.
This 125-foot cascade is like nature’s own Slip ‘N Slide, only with more rocks and less childhood trauma.
The falls plunge down a series of steep rock faces, creating a spectacle that’s part terrifying, part mesmerizing.
It’s the kind of place that makes you realize how small you are in the grand scheme of things – like watching a cat video marathon and suddenly questioning your life choices.
Warning: The top of the falls might look inviting, but it’s about as safe as trying to hug a porcupine.
Stick to the lower viewing areas unless you fancy starring in your own episode of “I Shouldn’t Be Alive.”
7. Clarendon Gorge (Clarendon)
Clarendon Gorge is like the brooding poet of Vermont’s natural wonders.
Deep, mysterious, and with a tendency to make loud noises when agitated.
The gorge is a narrow chasm carved by the Mill River, creating a scene that’s part beautiful, part terrifying, and all Instagram-worthy.
The highlight is the suspension bridge that spans the gorge.
It’s the perfect spot for testing your fear of heights or recreating that scene from Indiana Jones (you know the one).
Just remember, screaming like a banshee might startle the local wildlife – or worse, your fellow hikers.
Sage advice: If you drop something while on the bridge, consider it a sacrifice to the gorge gods.
It’s gone, buddy.
8. Lye Brook Falls (Manchester)
Lye Brook Falls is the shy cousin of Vermont’s waterfall family.
It’s a bit of a hike to get there, but like that friend who’s quiet until they’ve had a drink, it’s totally worth the effort.
At 125 feet high, these falls are taller than a stack of 25 moose standing on each other’s shoulders (don’t try this at home, kids).
The water cascades down a rocky face, creating a misty veil that’s perfect for those “I’m one with nature” selfies.
Hiker’s tip: The trail to the falls is about 2.3 miles one way.
That’s roughly 6,000 steps or one episode of your favorite true-crime podcast.
Choose wisely.
9. Bingham Falls (Stowe)
Last but not least, we have Bingham Falls, the grand finale of our watery tour.
This 40-foot cascade might be shorter than its cousins, but what it lacks in height, it makes up for in attitude.
The falls plunge into a deep, emerald pool surrounded by smooth rock walls.
It’s like nature’s own amphitheater, only instead of Shakespeare, you get the constant roar of water.
Final nugget of wisdom: The rocks around the falls can be slippery.
Unless you’re auditioning for “Vermont’s Got Talent: Extreme Falls Edition,” tread carefully.
And there you have it, folks – nine of Vermont’s best-kept secrets, served up with a side of awe and a sprinkle of “holy guacamole!”
Fuel your wanderlust!
This map has all the directions you need to make every stop a memorable one.
Now get out there and chase some waterfalls.
Just don’t go chasing them too literally – we want you back in one piece for the next adventure!