Coolidge State Park

Introduction of Coolidge State Park

A visit to Coolidge State Park is like taking a trip back in time because the park has mostly remained unchanged since it was founded in the 1930s. The built recreation hub of the 21,500-acre Calvin Coolidge State Forest, the biggest state-owned land holding in central Vermont, Coolidge State Park is renowned for its rustic vibe, hillside campsites that open to magnificent mountain views, and unique character. The Black River valley and the Green Mountains may be seen from several of the lean-to campsites in Coolidge State Park’s loop, which is unique among parks in Vermont. The sites at Coolidge, in the opinion of many campers, provide the nicest views in Vermont. For those looking to truly get away from it all, the park also features a loop of woodland campsites, restrooms with showers, a hilltop picnic area with a log picnic shelter, a group camping area, and numerous isolated lean-to campsites.

Numerous streams in the area are home to elusive brook trout, and there are many miles of hiking paths to explore. Some tourists are fortunate enough to get a sight of a black bear, moose, or barred owl. The community of Plymouth Notch, which lies close by, is where Calvin Coolidge, the 30th president of the United States, was born.

Coolidge State Park Activities

Boating

Boating is allowed, and adjacent Camp Plymouth State Park offers boat rentals.

Bird Watching

In and around Coolidge State Park, you may find birds from the woodlands and from the cliffs and bluffs. Take a look through your binoculars to see if you can detect any of the following animals: a red-tailed hawk, a peregrine falcon, an eastern phoebe, a cliff swallow, a northern goshawk, a ruffed grouse, a hairy woodpecker, a white-breasted nuthatch, a wood thrush, a red-eyed vireo, or a rose-brea.

Bicycling

Cycling throughout the park will give bikers a workout because of the incline of the roads going to the Coolidge campsites. Check out the several mountain bike paths in and around Okemo Mountain for those seeking a longer or riskier trip.

Camping

The Black River Valley and the Green Mountains may be seen from several of the lean-to campsites in Coolidge State Park’s loop, which is unique among parks in Vermont. The sites at Coolidge, in the opinion of many campers, provide the nicest views in Vermont. Along with restrooms and showers, the park features a circle of campsites in the woods. Ice and firewood may be bought here. Pets are allowed.

There are 26 tent/RV sites available (no hookups), however this park is only suitable for tiny RVs owing to the steepness of the park access road. A dump station is present and some restricted generator use is authorised.

A location for group camping is also available.

Fishing

Fishing is allowed in the park’s streams and on Echo Lake at Camp Plymouth State Park, which is close by. Visitors must have a current fishing licence and be at least 15 years old.

Hiking

A portion of the Appalachian Trail/Long Trail passes through the Coolidge Range, and there are more than 30 miles of well-maintained trails nearby. Additionally, there are several kilometres of roads for walking and exploring in the forests. Visit the park website by clicking the link below for comprehensive trail information and maps.

Picnicking

Up to 70 people can sit in a refurbished picnic pavilion that was initially constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The pavilion also features a fireplace, electricity, and breathtaking views. Group camping is possible nearby, and the open stone and wooden pavilion may be leased for events.

Historic Sites

When Perry Merrill, the then-director of State Forests and Parks, oversaw the acquisition of a plot of property near Plymouth, Calvin Coolidge State Forest was created in 1925. The 30th president of the United States, Calvin Coolidge, was born here. The popularity of Plymouth Notch and the widespread public interest in the Coolidge family allowed Merrill to be successful in raising money for the property.

The third Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in Vermont, Camp Calvin Coolidge was founded on June 9, 1933, and is situated in Calvin Coolidge State Forest. A network of forest routes and significant reforestation initiatives were also accomplished by the CCC, who also constructed the first Coolidge State Park.

There are several stonewalls and foundations that show that a large portion of what is now Coolidge State Forest was formerly cleared for grazing and tilled land. A little settlement that would later become a part of the Forest was situated close to Coolidge State Park in the late eighteenth century. The town’s enterprises included a store, a blacksmith shop, and a hotel.

You might like visiting the park’s neighbour, the Calvin Coolidge Historic Site, while staying at Coolidge.

RVing

There are 26 tent/RV sites available (no hookups), however this park is only suitable for tiny RVs owing to the steepness of the park access road. There is a dump station available, and small-scale generator use is allowed. Pets are welcome, and you may purchase ice and firewood.

Water Sports

Within walking distance, Camp Plymouth State Park has a sizable swimming beach.

Wildlife Watching

Wildlife such as ruffed grouse, white-tailed deer, porcupine, fox, skunks, woodchucks, salamanders, frogs, black bears, and squirrels may all be seen in the woodlands near Coolidge.

Winter Sports

Cross-country and backcountry skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling are all popular in the Coolidge Range. A thorough Winter Recreation Trail Map & Guide is accessible online or at the park.

Coolidge State Park History 

When Perry Merrill (the then-director of State forests and parks) secured the acquisition of a plot of property near Plymouth, Calvin Coolidge State Forest was created. Because of the widespread public interest in the Coolidge family and the ubiquity of Plymouth Notch, he was successful in raising money for the property.

The third Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp in Vermont, Camp Calvin Coolidge was founded on June 9, 1933, and is situated in Calvin Coolidge State Forest. The CCC alone constructed the first Coolidge State Park. They also created a network of routes across the jungle and undertook significant reforestation efforts.

There are several stonewalls and foundations that show that a large portion of the area that is now Coolidge State Forest was formerly cleared for grazing and tilled land. A tiny settlement existed next to Coolidge State Park in the late eighteenth century (later becoming part of the Forest). There used to be a store, a blacksmith shop, and a hotel there.

Seasonality/Weather

Transportation

Driving

Go 2 miles north on Highway 100A from the intersection of Highways 100 and 100A.

Parking

Parking is available.

Public Transport

Public Transport is available.