In need of a foliage retreat? We've got the perfect spot!

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Looking for beautiful scenery, plenty of hiking, and a taste of Vermont’s history? Coolidge State Park is the perfect spot for your next fall foliage escape. Coolidge State Park is located in Plymouth, Vermont and just a short drive away from Ludlow, Killington, Quechee, and Woodstock.

Coolidge State Park: What You Need To Know

A lean-to surrounfded by foliage. 
Coolidge State Park is perched within the center of the 21,500 acre Calvin Coolidge State Forest. The park was developed in the 1930’s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Their signature post and beam construction and stonework can be viewed throughout the park. Signs of a late nineteenth century town remain in the form of extensive stonewalls and many foundations.

The park has stunning views of the Black River valley and the Green Mountains. Choose from 36 lean-to sites and 26 tent/RV sites arranged in two camping loops. The lean-to sites have some of the most stunning views in the Vermont State Parks system!  The park also has restroom facilities with hot showers, a hilltop picnic area with a log picnic shelter, a group camping area, and several remote lean-to campsites for those wishing to really escape it all.

Owing to the park’s forest location, wildlife sightings are common. Brook trout can be found in the cool, clear streams nearby the park. Lucky visitors will be catch a distanced glance of a barred owl, moose, or bear.

Coolidge Range Hikes

The CCC trail nearby the shelter.
There are two beautiful trails within the park which can be done separately or combined for a longer loop hike. Choose the CCC Trail (1.5 miles one way) to featuring a former shelter site, a hemlock grove, a brook crossing and moderate elevation gains to arrive at the Bradley Hill Picnic Shelter. Look for a scenic vista? Check out the Slack Hill Trail (2.5 miles one way) to a narrow vista of the 2,174 ft summit of Slack Hill. On a clear day, Mt. Ascutney can be seen in the distance.

Looking for some hikes with more elevation gain? Check out hikes in the Coolidge Range including the "high peaks" of Killington Peak (4235'), Little Killington Peak (3939'), Shrewsbury Peak (3720), Mendon Peak (3840'), and Smith Peak (3220').

Want summit views your can drive to? Check out the scenic view from the Mountain Road at Mt. Ascutney State Park, which is included in your day use or camping fee.

Historic tours

Garden at Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller NHP.
Just a 5 min drive south on Route 100A leads to the birthplace and childhood home of Calvin
Coolidge, the 30th President of the United States is preserved at the President Calvin Coolidge Historic Site. Check out historic buildings and exhibits about historic cheese making, farming at the turn of the 20th century, and the 1924 Summer White House office.

 Heading about 20 mins north on Route 100A leads you to the only National Park property in Vermont, Marsh Billings-Rockefeller National Historic Park and their partner the Billings Farm & Museum. Explore over 20 miles of trails and the carriage house in the park. Then, head on over to the fully functional Jersey dairy farm, learn more about historic farming practices, and maybe even try a couple of tasty snacks along the way.

Udder-ly Delicious Snacks Abound

The Quechee General Store front.
Just around the corner from the park are the food genius’ at Plymouth Artisan Cheese. Sample their cheeses or bring some home for friends and family. Can’t get enough cheese?
Head on over to the Quechee General Store to grab Cabot Cheese and other tasty local products. Is your maple meter running low? Swing by the Green Mountain Sugar House in Ludlow, VT. Farmstands abound and you never know what you might find on a wander through the area!

Coolidge State Park is perfect for your next fall foliage foray. Can’t wait to make a reservation? Head on over to our Coolidge State Park Reservation page to make your reservation 24/7 or give us a call at 1-888-409-7579 Mon-Fri 9am to 4pm to discuss the details of your next trip.

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