Question 7(Multiple Choice Worth 2 points) (04.05 MC)

Read the article “Walking the Quechee Gorge”:

Walking is the best way to see the Quechee Gorge. The gorge is known as the Grand Canyon of Vermont. When glaciers were melting during the last ice age, the moving water dug away at the bedrock of this area. The result is the magnificent Quechee Gorge with the Ottauquechee River running through it. Walking around the gorge provides visitors with exercise options and different perspectives.

First of all, walking the hiking trails provides tourists with the opportunity to exercise. Hikers may choose to walk along the pathways at the top of the gorge, which is a mile long. They can enjoy the fall colors and the fresh scent of pine trees. Adventurous individuals may choose to walk to the bottom of the gorge. The gorge is 165 feet deep, but the gravel hiking trail takes visitors safely to the bottom. There, hikers can take a break and remove their shoes. They can wade in the shallow waters or sit on a rock to rest. Then they can climb back to the top of the gorge.

Walking around the Quechee Gorge provides options. There are so many things to see! The lengths of the trails are listed, so hikers can decide how far they would like to walk. Visitors can walk along the top of the bridge overlooking the gorge. The bridge has a separate section for pedestrians that is separated from the roadway by a safety fence. Other hikers can walk to the dam and waterfall at the head of the gorge. If tourists get tired, they can rest at the Quechee Gorge Visitor Center or enjoy a meal in the picnic area beside the gorge. Visitors get to choose their adventure.

Finally, the Quechee Gorge is a photographer's dream because there are so many different perspectives to enjoy. At the dam, photographers can capture the smooth line of water falling over the dam into the turbulent waterfalls below. The bridge offers a magnificent view of the length of the gorge. Some photographers may wish to capture the steel curves of the bridge itself. Hikers can take pictures from different spots along the trail, including a picture of the same bridge from the bottom of the gorge. The bumpy rocks at the bottom of the gorge contrast with the smooth, rushing water of the river. With such a wealth of perspectives, even beginning photographers will produce phenomenal pictures.

Indeed, the perspectives, options, and physical exercise available at Quechee Gorge make this natural wonder a mandatory stop for walkers of all ages.

Read the article “An Aerial View”:

The best way to see the Quechee Gorge is by taking a hot air balloon ride. The gorge is 165 feet deep, with the Ottauquechee River at the bottom. It was formed when glaciers melted during the last ice age and is known as Vermont's Grand Canyon. Taking a hot air balloon ride through the gorge is a unique group experience with unparalleled views—and that is only part of the tour!

Taking a ride in a hot air balloon is already a unique experience. Visitors watch as the pilot tests the air currents with a helium balloon and makes a flight plan. The balloon is laid out on the grass and filled with cool air. Then, the pilot turns on the burners, which heat the balloon's air and cause the balloon to rise. Each balloon carries up to four passengers in addition to the pilot. As a result, tourists can enjoy the experience as a private group. Once the hot air balloon is in the air, the skilled pilot puts it into the paths of different air currents. Since air currents change on a daily basis, every ride is unique.

The aerial views from the hot air balloon are unparalleled. The hot air balloon floats above the dam and waterfall. Passengers can see people lining the steel bridge over the gorge. Then the hot air balloon floats just above the river. This relaxing trip allows visitors to enjoy the rushing water and watch for wildlife in the forest. The pilot also takes the hot air balloon high into the sky. Tourists can see the nearby mountains. Since they are traveling in a hot air balloon, visitors are treated to a 360-degree view of their surroundings.

The Quechee Gorge is only part of the hot air balloon tour. Passengers also enjoy seeing covered bridges and farms. They can touch the leaves on the trees. The hot air balloon may even make a quick dip into the water! Visitors admire the beautiful villages of Vermont and take pictures of the picturesque countryside.

At the end of the tour, passengers will without a doubt say that a hot air balloon ride is the best way to see the Quechee Gorge.

What information does the reader learn from “An Aerial View” that is also included in “Walking the Quechee Gorge”?

Each balloon carries up to four passengers in addition to the pilot.
The gravel hiking trail takes visitors safely to the bottom of the gorge.
There is the Quechee Gorge Visitors Center that lets visitors rest.
Tourists stand on the top of the bridge over the Quechee Gorge