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Nature|National & State Parks

With More Than 1,300 Acres To Explore, Vermont’s Largest State Park Is Worthy Of A Multi-Day Adventure

Coolidge State Park, the largest state park in Vermont, offers stunning views, camping options, and numerous trails for outdoor enthusiasts.

Published Aug 1, 2022

Written by 

Marla S.

Named after President Calvin Coolidge, Coolidge State Park claims the title of the largest state park in Vermont. Founded in the 1930s, this unspoiled park is within Calvin Coolidge State Forest and is based in Plymouth, Vermont. While you can take a day trip to the park, one of the best ways to truly experience its beauty is to spend a few days camping. Want to know more? Read on to learn more about what you can do and see when you head to Vermont's largest state park.

To get started on your outdoor adventure at Coolidge State Park, take US-7 North if you're coming from Bennington, Vermont.

Sign for Coolidge State Park, indicating camping, hiking, and picnicking activities, surrounded by trees.
Google/Nicholas Arceneaux

One of the biggest draws that attract visitors to Coolidge State Park is the jaw-dropping views of Black River Valley and the Green Mountains.

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A panoramic view of lush green mountains under a cloudy sky.
Google/Joe Phillips

If you decide to camp at Coolidge State Park, you'll have options. This includes staying at one of the 36 lean-to campsites. There are also 26 tent and RV sites for you to choose from as well.

A rustic camping shelter with a tent, firewood, and a picnic area surrounded by lush green trees.
Google/ Nicholas Arceneaux

During your camping adventure, you'll get to soak in views like this while hanging out at a picnic table.

A picnic table overlooks a vibrant autumn landscape with colorful trees and a distant mountain under a blue sky.
Google/ Robin Joslin

There are also 11 trails for you to explore with your family when you visit this massive state park.

Sign for Slack Hill Trail indicating distances to Vista (1.0 miles) and Contact Station (2.5 miles) in a wooded area.
Google/John Foster

It doesn't matter if you decide to spend the day or camp for a few days, one of the best ways to explore the grounds is by taking a hike to serene spots like this!

A serene forest stream flows over rocks, surrounded by autumn foliage and moss-covered stones.
Google/Delia Dunphy

And while you can spend time hiking, taking photos, or visiting the nature center, one of your highlights can just be reflecting while taking in a gorgeous sunset.

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Two tents sit on green grass under a vibrant sunset with colorful clouds and distant mountains in the background.
Google/Rachel Lin

Check out Vermont State Parks to start planning your visit to Coolidge State Park. If you'd like to explore more of the Green Mountain State after spending time at Coolidge State Park, take a look at these state parks in Vermont.

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Nature|National & State Parks

With A Children’s Playground And Beach, This Family-Friendly Park In Vermont Is The Best Summer Day Trip

Published Jul 16, 2024

Written by 

Marla S.

As a child, I loved making sand castles and spending time in nature during the summer. Luckily, there's so much to do in Vermont too - from hiking to going on a picnic to spending time at the beach. If you're interested in making and recapturing memories like these, we suggest spending the day at a state park frolicking in the water while the kids play. When you're near Poultney, head to Lake Saint Catherine State Park for a fun summer adventure the whole family will love. If we've piqued your curiosity, read on to learn more.

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To start your fun-filled day trip at Lake Saint Catherine State Park, take VT 30-S if you're coming from Burlington.

Sign for Lake St. Catherine State Park, featuring green background and icons for recreational activities.
Google/Bob Ricketson

This lovely state park spans 117 acres and has been operating since 1953.

A sunny lakeside scene with people relaxing on the grass, swimming, and enjoying the water under a blue sky with clouds.
Google/Google

Unlike many state parks, Lake Saint Catherine in Vermont has two sandy beaches.

Two children run on a sandy beach while adults relax under trees in the background. Bright, sunny day.
Google/Brendan Sowerby

As you can see, there's also a massive grassy area and a fun playground along the lake. We think these amenities make Lake Saint Catherine State Park the ideal destination for a kid-friendly outing.

A playground featuring a spiral slide, swings, and climbing structures, surrounded by green grass and trees.
Google/Fabio Caetano

If you'd like to spend some time on the water, feel free to rent a kayak, canoe, or paddle boat.

A serene lake scene with colorful paddle boats lined up on the shore, surrounded by trees and a clear blue sky.
Google/Bob Ricketson

In addition to spending the day exploring on the water, you're welcome to go fishing, too.

Two people in a canoe on a lake, surrounded by green hills and a blue sky with fluffy clouds.
Google/Brian Watson

As shown in this stunning photo, we highly recommend staying until the park closes at sunset. Make sure to have your camera on hand, too.

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A serene lake at sunset, reflecting vibrant orange and purple hues with hills in the background.
Google/Jean Kunkel

If you'd like to spend more than a day at Lake Saint Catherine State Park, we suggest taking advantage of the camping facilities on the premises. To help you prepare for your adventure, we also recommend referring to AllTrails to learn of hikes in this Vermont state park. And, if you're looking for more things to do during the warmer season, take a look at our ultimate guide to summer fun in Vermont.

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Nature|National & State Parks

This Historic Park Is One Of Vermont’s Best Kept Secrets

Lake Saint Catherine State Park in Vermont is a historic and scenic park that was once a summer camp for boys.

Updated Jun 14, 2024

Written by 

Natalie Clunan

Vermont is brimming with wonderful parks and I love checking them out! Today's spotlight shines on Lake Saint Catherine State Park in Poultney, a historic Vermont park. The 117-acre park is a top-notch site for all kinds of recreation, but not many people realize this gorgeous park was once a summer camp for boys. Let's check out this hidden gem park in VT:

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Google Images/Bob Ricketson

The star of the show at this historic Vermont park is the beautiful Lake Saint Catherine. Enjoy a glorious day on the water here. A public boat launch gives access to those looking to fish or water ski. Anglers love the chance to land largemouth and smallmouth bass, rainbow and brown trout, yellow perch, and northern pike. Lake Saint Catherine State Park is open to day-use visitors as well as overnight campers.

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Google Images/Robert Gossman

Splash around in the crisp clear water or relax on the beach. Rentals of rowboats, canoes, kayaks, and pedal boats are available to tour the lake. Before the park's opening as a swimming and picnic area in 1953, this location was once a summer camp for boys. Prior to the land's development as a camp, it was farmland as much of Vermont was in the beginning. As you explore this hidden gem park in VT, you'll find remnants of those past times.

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Vermont State Parks

Stop by the nature center for one of its regularly scheduled programs. A park interpreter is on site to conduct nature activities, hikes, crafts, and more. The park also has a concession stand and playground to keep the kids satisfied. It is truly one of the best VT parks to visit!

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Vermont State Parks

Fall in love with this historic park in Vermont and you can spend the night! There are 50 tent/RV sites and 11 lean-to sites available in serene wooded settings. Once you spend the night, you can see why this spot was once a popular summer camp.

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Google Images/Deborah Hayes

Learn more by visiting the website for Lake Catherine State Park.

Have you visited this historic. park in Vermont? What are some of your favorite VT parks? Share your experiences in the comments section below.

Find some of the best trails in the state on AllTrails.

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Want to see some more Green Mountain State history? Check out these iconic Vermont buildings.

https://www.onlyinyourstate.com/vermont/9-iconic-buildings-in-vermont/

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