Rochester VermontATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rochester, Vermont.
1. Thundering Brook Falls
SCENIC WATERFALL TRAIL
Thundering Brook Falls is a kid-friendly hiking destination with only 0.4 miles roundtrip, making it perfect for families. The trail is accessible year-round but is especially beautiful during spring, summer, and fall foliage season. Dogs are welcome on this trail but must be kept on leash throughout the hike.
2. Big Town Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Big Town Gallery is one of the top attractions in Rochester, showcasing works from local and regional artists. The gallery features rotating exhibits throughout the year, providing fresh experiences for repeat visitors. It serves as a cultural hub for the small town, bringing art appreciation to this remote area of the Green Mountains.
3. Bingo Road
SCENIC MOUNTAIN DRIVE
Bingo Road is listed as one of the top things to do in Rochester, offering visitors a scenic drive through Vermont's beautiful countryside. The road winds through the Green Mountains, providing spectacular views especially during fall foliage season. Travelers can enjoy numerous pull-offs for photography or picnicking along this picturesque route.
4. Rochester Public Library
HISTORIC COMMUNITY RESOURCE
Rochester Public Library is a popular destination for visitors and locals alike, offering more than just books. The library hosts community events, workshops, and exhibits that showcase local history and culture. Its historic building adds architectural interest to a visit while providing a quiet respite for reading and research.
5. Quarry Hill Creative Center
ALTERNATIVE LIVING COMMUNITY
Quarry Hill Creative Center holds the distinction of being Vermont's oldest alternative living community, located in Rochester. The center attracts visitors interested in sustainable living, artistic expression, and counterculture history. Tours of the property provide insights into alternative lifestyles and the community's significant role in Vermont's cultural landscape.
6. Liberty Hill Farm
WORKING FARM EXPERIENCE
Liberty Hill Farm offers visitors an authentic Vermont farm experience in Rochester. Guests can participate in farm activities, learn about sustainable agriculture, and enjoy farm-to-table dining. The working dairy farm combines agricultural education with comfortable accommodations for a unique rural Vermont getaway.
7. Texas Falls Recreation Area
DRAMATIC GORGE VIEWS
Texas Falls Recreation Area features a spectacular waterfall and gorge just a short drive from Rochester. A footbridge crosses high above the flume, offering breathtaking views of the cascading water below. The one-mile trail with minimal elevation gain makes this natural wonder accessible to visitors of all fitness levels.
8. Killington Peak
MAJESTIC MOUNTAIN HIKE
Killington Peak is accessible via the Bucklin Trail, offering hikers a challenging but rewarding 3.4-mile journey near Rochester. The trail begins on Wheelerville Road and winds through diverse terrain before reaching spectacular summit views. Hikers are treated to panoramic vistas of the Green Mountains and beyond upon reaching the peak.
9. Moss Glen Falls
PHOTOGENIC NATURAL WONDER
Moss Glen Falls is a picturesque waterfall near Rochester that attracts photographers from across the region. The falls cascade dramatically through a rocky gorge surrounded by lush vegetation, creating endless photo opportunities. Visitors can access viewing platforms that provide different perspectives of this natural wonder throughout the seasons.
10. Little Pico Mountain
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR RECREATION
Little Pico Mountain offers year-round recreational opportunities near Rochester, with skiing in winter and hiking in warmer months. The mountain features gentler slopes than its larger neighbor, making it perfect for families and beginners. Spectacular views of the surrounding Green Mountains reward visitors who reach the summit.
11. White River Golf Club
SCENIC MOUNTAIN COURSE
White River Golf Club provides golfers with a picturesque setting among the Green Mountains of Rochester. The course challenges players with its natural terrain while offering stunning views at every hole. After a round, visitors can enjoy the clubhouse facilities and discuss their game while taking in the panoramic mountain scenery.
12. Appalachian Trail
HISTORIC LONG-DISTANCE PATH
The Appalachian Trail passes near Rochester, offering hikers access to America's most famous long-distance footpath. Day-hikers and through-hikers alike can experience sections of this historic trail that stretches from Georgia to Maine. The Vermont portion features dense forests, mountain views, and the characteristic green tunnel effect that makes the trail famous.
13. Hurricane Irene Historic Sites
NATURAL DISASTER LEGACY
Hurricane Irene Historic Sites in Rochester commemorate the 2011 natural disaster that completely isolated the town. Visitors can view markers, photographs, and restored areas that tell the story of the community's resilience in the face of devastating flooding. These sites provide an educational look at climate events and their impact on small Vermont communities.
14. Green Mountain National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS EXPANSE
Green Mountain National Forest surrounds Rochester with over 36,000 acres of pristine wilderness, making it the largest land area in Windsor County. The forest offers countless recreational opportunities including hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and wildlife viewing. Visitors can explore well-maintained trails that range from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes through diverse ecosystems.
15. Rochester Historical Society
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Rochester Historical Society preserves and displays artifacts related to the town's rich history dating back to its founding. Exhibits highlight notable residents including William Wildman Campbell, Jeremiah Ingalls, and James Whitcomb who went on to national prominence. Visitors can learn about the town's evolution from agricultural community to outdoor recreation destination through photographs, documents, and personal accounts.