Huntington Gorge
Location: Richmond Vermont
River: Huntington River 
Type of Project: Public Access
Public Access: Yes
Date Completed: March 2018
Size: 4.9 acres
Water Frontage: 3,100
Landowner: Richmond Land Trust
Funding Partners: Richmond Land Trust, Vermont Housing and Conservation Board,
Property Description: The Huntington Gorge is a well-known and historic gorge on the lower Huntington River in Richmond Vermont. Popular with local and state visitors, the gorge is visited most during the summer months. The Huntington Gorge is a spectacular river gorge and waterfall formed by a narrow gap in the bedrock schist underlying the Huntington River as it flows toward its confluence with the Winooski River. Over time, flowing water has sculpted the rock walls into dramatic chutes and bowls that create stunning cascades, particularly during periods of high water.
Project Background: VRC teamed up with the Richmond Land Trust to purchase the Huntington Gorge property from its long time private landowner. Recognizing the challenge of managing the Gorge property to promote safety and appreciation of the Gorge’s geologic features a comprehensive management plan was created with significant input from neighboring landowners. The Huntington Gorge property will be owned and managed by the Richmond Land Trust in conjunction with other Richmond Land Trust properties located downstream of the Gorge. The Vermont River Conservancy and Vermont Housing and Conservation Board co-hold a perpetual conservation / public access easement on the property.
Future Management Goals: Huntington Gorge can be a dangerous place, especially during times of high waters. Vermont River Conservancy has included safety concerns within the strategy for maintaining and improving visitor experience at the Gorge. The goals include creating signage to warn and inform swimmers of the risks of the gorge, directing swimmers to visit swimming areas located on adjacent Richmond Land Trust properties downstream of the Gorge, improving trails, and creating a position for a site steward to be an onsite presence to educate users and reinforce safe behavior.
Directions:
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.
