In 2004, when I first published this image, here is how I described it: Roaring Branch runs along the lower portion of the Kelly Stand Road, in Arlington and Sunderland, and is one of the prettiest rivers in all of Vermont. I often come here to admire the beautiful colored rocks, the dark riverbanks and wonderful trees and greenery. This image was taken in late September as the colors were just starting along the water.
Unfortunately, this was before Hurricane Irene blasted her way through Vermont in 2011, causing devastating flooding. The beautiful Roaring Branch was one of the hardest hit waterways, no doubt due to its steepness and the large area of mountainous terrain that it drains. The river's beds were gouged out, leaving huge boulders everywhere, and Kelly Stand Road was destroyed along much of its length. Several unfortunate folks who had beautiful homes near the water lost them to the rushing waters. An effort is underway to rebuild Kelly Stand Road, and special attention is being given to trying to return Roaring Branch to some semblance of its former beauty, but it may be years or even decades before a peaceful view like this one will be seen here again.
Unfortunately, this was before Hurricane Irene blasted her way through Vermont in 2011, causing devastating flooding. The beautiful Roaring Branch was one of the hardest hit waterways, no doubt due to its steepness and the large area of mountainous terrain that it drains. The river's beds were gouged out, leaving huge boulders everywhere, and Kelly Stand Road was destroyed along much of its length. Several unfortunate folks who had beautiful homes near the water lost them to the rushing waters. An effort is underway to rebuild Kelly Stand Road, and special attention is being given to trying to return Roaring Branch to some semblance of its former beauty, but it may be years or even decades before a peaceful view like this one will be seen here again.