Save
You must be signed in to save park lists.
Your Park Lists
add New List
Add Photo
You must be signed in to add photos.
state route ranger badge
Vermont
7

Vermont State Parks

responsive menu icon
USA Parks
Vermont
Central Region
Calvin Coolidge State Forest
Spring Hike © stateparks.com
Picnic Table © stateparks.com
It is always a great day for a picnic in the park.
Search
Availability
Calendars
Availability Search
CALVIN COOLIDGE STATE FOREST
CALVIN COOLIDGE STATE FOREST
Killington, Vermont   05751
(lat:43.6142 lon:-72.8015) map location
Coolidge State Forest contains a total of 16,166 acres scattered throughout seven towns, and is divided by Route 100 into two districts. The recreational center of the forest is Coolidge State Park, which consists of about 500 acres in the eastern district. The park includes a campground, picnic area, and an established hiking trail system. Slack Hill is to the east side of the park, and state designated "Wilderness" sites are located there. Brooks in the vicinity are Whetstone Brook, across from the park entrance, and Pinney Hollow Brook, running along the entrance road, across 100A and into Whetstone which in turn flows into the Ottauquechee River.
History of the Area
Calvin Coolidge State Forest, located in Plymouth and Reading, Vermont, was established in 1928 to commemorate the birthplace and childhood home of the 30th President of the United States, Calvin Coolidge. It covers an area of about 4,766 acres and is managed by the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks & Recreation.

The land that now makes up the state forest was once owned by the Coolidge family, who were early settlers in the Plymouth area. Calvin Coolidge was born in Plymouth Notch on July 4, 1872, and spent his early years in the region. His father, John Calvin Coolidge Sr., served as a local farmer, storekeeper, and justice of the peace, while his mother, Victoria Josephine Moor, was a schoolteacher.

After Calvin Coolidge's presidency from 1923 to 1929, a local committee formed to preserve his birthplace and childhood home as a historic site. In 1928, the state of Vermont acquired the land from the Coolidge family and designated it as Calvin Coolidge State Forest. The forest includes the Coolidge Homestead, which is now part of the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site.
Camping
1. Coolidge State Park offers 36 lean:to and tent sites, plus five cabins for a more comfortable stay.
2. Gifford Woods State Park is nearby with campsites available in both summer and fall seasons.
3. The White River Valley Camping area provides primitive camping options within the forest boundaries.
4. Dispersed backcountry camping is allowed throughout Calvin Coolidge Forest following Leave No Trace principles.
5. Long Trail: Sherburne Pass allows overnight stays at shelters along this hiking trail through the state forest.


Nearby Vacation Rentals
Search for a vacation rental



Trails
1. Long Trail: A 272-mile trail passing through the forest, offering challenging terrains and stunning views of Vermont's wilderness.

2. Coolidge Range Loop: Approximately a 10-mile loop featuring beautiful wildflowers and wildlife sightings; moderate difficulty level.

3. Bloodroot Mountain Trail: An approximately six miles long round trip hike with an elevation gain of about 1700 feet, suitable for experienced hikers due to its steep sections.

4. Pogue Run Loop: This is a relatively easy three mile circular route around The Pogue lake in Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park within Calvin Coolidge State Forest area.

5. Mount Tom Trails Network - Faulkner Trailhead: Offers various trails ranging from one to five miles that are moderately difficult but provide panoramic vistas at higher elevations.

6. The Appalachian/Long-Trail Northbound Section Hike: Sherburne Pass Route VT103 To USFS Road Clarendon Gorge (Rutland). It's roughly ten-miles-long section hiking experience on rugged terrain with scenic beauty all along the way.

7. Canty Peak via Canty Connector & Old Jeep Rd.: About four-and-a-half miles out-and-back trail leading up to Canty peak providing breathtaking view points over entire state park region.

8. Bucklin Trial towards Killington Peak: Roughly seven-point-two mile heavily trafficked out and back trial located near Rutland city which features waterfall as well.

9. Deer Leap Overlook Via Deer Leap Rock Spur And AT LT Junctions: Short yet rewarding two point nine milers' journey ending into spectacular overlook spot.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
September 5 Best camping in America by Gil Woodside Jr.
park review stars; one to five Great views, beautifully maintained camping areas and an AWESOME staff. Been camping here since 1950..... The Woodsides Seekonk,MA & West Warwick, RI
September 4 A great place to camp-- I miss it! by Alex McCune
park review stars; one to five Beautiful place to camp, and great rangers. I hope that I can get up there again this year----It has been too long. I miss all of you.-Much love,Alex
write a review
Share On

Area Cabins and Lodges
Inn of the Six Mountains at Killington The
2617 Killington Rd
Killington, VT
(802) 422-4302
Green Mount Motel
138 N Main St
Rutland, VT
(802) 775-2575
Rutland Motel
125 Woodstock Ave
Rutland, VT
(802) 775-4348
Nordic Inn
1000 Us Route 4 E
Rutland, VT
(802) 773-7964
River Tavern The
75 Billings Rd
Plymouth, VT
(802) 672-3811
Hawk Inn & Mountain Resort
75 Billings Rd
Plymouth, VT
(802) 672-3811
Crown Cuts at Hawk Resort
75 Billings Rd
Plymouth, VT
(802) 672-3811

Directions
1. Start on I:89 N from Burlington, Vermont.
2. Take exit 3 for VT:107 toward Bethel/Royalton.
3. Turn right onto VT:107 W (signs for Stockbridge).
4. After about 10 miles, turn left onto VT:100 S/VT-12A S in Gaysville.
5. Continue to follow the road until you reach Calvin Coolidge State Forest on your right side after approximately 8 miles.

state route ranger badge
Vermont
7

Vermont State Parks

X