This well known gorge, popular with residents and visitors, is a stunning swimming hole and fishing access site on a sunny summer afternoon, but can also be a dangerous, raging torrent when the water is high. The gorge is a spectacular site, with pools and waterfalls formed over eons as the Huntington River has carved its way through bedrock schist. Over time, flowing water has sculpted the rock walls into dramatic chutes and bowls that create stunning cascades, particularly dramatic during periods of high water.
The water and cliffs here can be extremely dangerous. Please consider other locations for safer swimming options.
Parking is limited to marked portions of Dugway Road closest to the river. If parked outside of marked areas your car will be towed.
While in Richmond, check out The Big Spruce, for delicious tacos and fancy-flavored creemees. If you’d prefer to go for a beer and pub-style fare, try Stone Corral Brewery. In the mood for a picnic? Richmond Market & Beverage offers excellent lunch foods as well as anything else you might need. Or, if you’re looking for a full farm stand experience, check out Farr Farm. In late summer/early fall take a stroll through their sunflower maze. Late in the season you can pick your own pumpkins!
This project made possible thanks to the support and partnership of:
Please use extreme caution, and avoid recreating here when the water is high. This is the deadliest swimming hole in Vermont. The rocks are slippery and steep. Even strong swimmers can become caught in currents and swept downstream into the deadly gorge.
Parking is limited to marked portions of Dugway Road closest to the river. If parked outside of marked areas your car will be towed.
From the south: Take I-89 exit 10 for VT-100 S toward Waterbury/US-2. Turn left onto VT-100 S 0.5 mi. At the traffic circle, take the first exit onto US-2 W/N Main St. for 9.6 miles. Turn left onto Cochran Rd and continue for 0.5 miles. Turn left onto Dugway Rd, the gorge is 1.7 miles up the road.
From the north: Take I-89 exit 11 for US-2 towards Richmond/Bolton/VT 117. In .2 miles turn onto US-2 E. In 5 miles, turn right onto Cochran road. In 5 miles, turn left onto Dugway road and travel 1.7 miles to the gorge.
