FALL FOLIAGE BICYCLE TOUR

WOODSTOCK/QUECHEE

CENTRAL VERMONT

By Wilfred Perkins

Hello! Wilfred Perkins here with a great fall foliage bike tour for you. It’s about 25 miles, and the terrain is not too difficult. Before you leave, you may stop in and prepare for the journey at the Taftsville Country Store. They even have a place for you to leave your car.

Your starting position is Rt. 4, at the store. Cross Rt. 4, the Ottauquecheee River, and the Taftsville covered bridge. Once across the bridge, turn left onto River Road.

Stay on this quiet rural road for three miles. You will reach Rt. 12 above Woodstock village. On your left at the intersection of River Road and Rt.12 is Billings Farm and Museum.

Across Rt. 12 is the Marsh/Billings/ Rockefeller National Park. Take a right. After a half of a mile, you will come to a fork in the road. Bear right on the fork, and your back on country roads. Ride on for two miles. The next fork is subtle, and your landmark is the Taego General Store. On your left is Suicide Six ski area. Stay to the right and continue on the road to Pomfret. You will notice a change in the elevation. You will climb 500 feet over the next 3 miles. This is the toughest part of the tour. Once at the top, it’s smooth sailing! You are now at an elevation of 1200 feet. There are beautiful views of the countryside here.

On the other side of Pomfret is “Hewitt’s Corners.” Continue on Pomfret road. Do not follow the sign for Sharon. Wind your way downhill through Pomfret. You will come to White River in West Hartford. At the stop sign by the iron bridge that crosses the river into West Hartford, bear right. This is the Quechee-West Hartford road. Follow this road for 5 miles.

The first half is uphill, the second half easier. After the last downhill stretch, come to a “Y” intersection. When you continue to the left you are entering Quechee Village. Take a sharp right at the “Y” onto Quechee main street. This will put the Ottauquechee river on your left. Within a half mile you will pass the Quechee Club on your left. Continue on for three miles and you’ll arrive at a short steep downhill run. It will bring you back to the Taftsville covered bridge. Cross over the bridge and you will see the store.

Stop in and sign the Visitor’s Register. Ask if Charlie is around. He might even treat you to a free soda!

Copyright © PB Publishing/Scenes of Vermont 2006