Terrill Gorge
Name of Project: Terrill Gorge
Location: Morristown, VT
River: Kenfield Brook
Type of Project: Swimming Hole, Waterfalls, Fishing
Public Access: Yes
Date Completed: 2005
Size: 10.1 Acres
Water Frontage: 609′
Landowner: Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife
Funding Partners: Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, Vermont Community Foundation, Arthur Kontos Foundation, Businesses and Individual Donors
Property Description: This 10.1-acre parcel is located on Kenfield Brook, an important trout-producing stream. The brook has very high quality cold-water fish habitat that contains wild, self-sustaining populations of brook trout, brown trout and rainbow trout. Hemlocks and birches surround the waters of the gorge, and there are rapids, riffles, potholes and water-smoothed rock with several popular swimming areas.
Project Background: In the spring of 2005, VRC received several requests for assistance to protect this parcel along Kenfield Brook in Morristown that contains a popular and traditionally-used access to the state-significant Terrill Gorge. New owners of the parcel were in the process of subdividing the property, and callers were worried about the impact on fishing and about the loss of public access to Terrill Gorge, one of the Vermont’s most beautiful natural swimming areas. With funding from a variety of partners, VRC was able to protect access to the gorge and conserve undeveloped riparian lands and scenic woodland views along and above Kenfield Brook.
Directions: Take Route 12 North to Morrisville from Montpelier. Take 100 South out of Morrisville approximately ¾ mile to Walton Road. Turn right on Walton Road. Turn right on Stagecoach Road. Go approximately ¾ mile. Turnout for the property is on the left at the edge of woods and a field just beyond. Take the trail down to the river.
