Sometimes, sites deserving of public recognition and care become better known for the abuse they receive than for their natural attributes. Such was almost the case with the Lower Clarendon Gorge.

Old postcards and photos from the turn-of-the-century reveal the respect people once had for this deep rock canyon of mists and crystal clear waters.

But in the past decade, there were some questionable activities around the tarmac of the abandoned Rt. 7 just north of the Mill River crossing in Clarendon. Cars seemed to be parked at all hours by the concrete Jersey barriers. More trash dotted the woods than saplings. Broken glass, old TV sets, empty bags of cheet-ohs, and unmentionables littered the ground. Graffiti marred the rock.

The abusive activity seemed to be caused by a small percentage of bad actors, because on warm days, parking was in short supply on the old road for the number of people who came to responsibly enjoy the cool waters of one of the area's finest swimming holes. Surely, only a few of these people did harm to the place.

Anglers and naturalists frequently visited the land and waters above the swimming hole to enjoy the unsurpassed beauty there. No doubt they shook their heads at the abuse the site was receiving.

The area was in danger.

To protect access to the site and to improve its management the VRC purchased 25 acres surrounding the Lower Clarendon Gorge in January 2002 and an additional 48 acres in January 2004 completing the protection of the head of the gorge and adding substantial forested land to the area. Both properties went to the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks and Recreation, and the site is now the Lower Clarendon Gorge State Forest. Grants from VHCB, the Snowden Environmental Trust, the Windham Foundation, and the William P. Wharton Trust, as well as contributions from individuals and businesses made it all possible.

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The Lower Clarendon Gorge property includes an exceptional swimming area well known to many. The main pool is a short distance upstream from the old (now removed) RT 7 Mill River bridge location. Visitors park near Gorge Road, walk south along the old road, and turn down the trail to the river.

The walls of the gorge rise quickly from the main swimming areas, and there is a delightful and dramatic view into the gorge from a trail along its top. Because the river takes a sharp turn at the gorge's downstream extent, it cannot be seen from RT 7 and is wonderfully secluded. Nearly a mile from the lower pool, the upstream end of the gorge includes a dramatic series of mesmerizing waterfalls that cut through the wild folds and faults of colorful, metamorphosed Champlain Valley rock stratigraphy.

The property also protects an important and uncommon "temperate calcareous cliffside" natural community whose presence is due to the 1,000' wide band of calcium-rich bedrock that passes through the property. This assemblage of plants is uncommon in Vermont.

Management of the Lower Clarendon Gorge property will now strive to balance human use with the protection of its ecological integrity.

Like many swimming holes and gorges around the state, appropriate management will be accomplished by a working partnership between several groups. VT FPR now owns the property and will be in charge of the management effort, marshalling the efforts of volunteers to ensure that the site revives its identity as a place to cherish, not a place to avoid.

Learn how you can help the VRC

page updated 5/14/08 by Zephyr Sites