Vermont Route 65

Those who know me know I like highways.  Their architecture, design, and scenery fascinates me.  Whenever the current project is finished, one involving highway history is likely what I'll work on next.  Recently, I travelled to Vermont for the second time this summer for what ended up being a very fortunate research-related conversation.  I camped at Allis State Park in the town of Brookfield, south of Montpelier.  Allis State Park is located along Route 65, which has to be one of the most unique highways I've ever travelled.  For most of its 5.2 mile/8.4 kilometre distance, it is gravel.  There are numerous curves, steep hills, hidden drives, and quirky alignments.  Allis State Park itself is unique, situated atop a small mountain called Bear Hill.  It was established as Vermont's second state park in 1928 and facilities were built in 1932 by the Civilian Conservation Corps, a federal agency that provided work to thousands of young American men during the worst of the Great Depression building outdoor recreation areas.  The park is also home to an old forest fire lookout tower which is still accessible to the public and provides an absolutely amazing view of mountains in all directions.  As a switch from the usual politically-charged commentary on this blog, I decided to share photos of the park and route 65.

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Looking east on the floating bridge over Sunset Lake in Brookfield.  It appears to be a popular place for swimming and fishing.  This is the newest version of the bridge which opened earlier this year.

Looking west on the floating bridge.  

West from the fire tower at Allis State Park.  The White Mountains, including Mount Washington in New Hampshire are off in the distance.

Looking south 

South view

Looking west in the late day sun

Looking north, Mount Mansfield (Vermont's highest peak), and Camel's Hump are visible.

Allis State Park.  Stone wall was built in 1932 by the Civilian Conservation Corps

Campsite 4.  My tent is on the right.  Friends from Ottawa joined me for one night and their tent is on the left.

Park entrance sign on Route 65.  As you can see, this is an extremely busy and major state highway.

Campsite 4.  Note the stone fireplace, built in 1932.  My friend Tim, who is much more talented at open fire cooking than I am showed up with a pork roast and corn on the cob which turned out great.

Looking east on Route 65 from the barnyard where it begins at the junction with Route 12 at Baker Pond.

Route 65's western terminus in a barnyard where it meets Route 12 at Baker Pond.  An old farmer was sitting on the porch of the house (on the right) one of the times I drove by.