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Fayetteville, PA
Change City

Caledonia State Park

101 Pine Grove Road
Fayetteville, PA 17222

717-352-2161

The 1,125-acre Caledonia State Park is in Adams and Franklin counties, midway between Chambersburg and Gettysburg along the Lincoln Highway, US 30.The park is nestled within South Mountain, the northern terminus of the well-known Blue Ridge Mountain of Maryland and Virginia. Within South Mountain there are four state parks and 84,000 acres of state forest land waiting to be explored and enjoyed. The soils on either side of South Mountain are ideal for fruit production, proven by the abundance of orchards in the surrounding area.Hiking at Caledonia State Park10 miles of trailsThe trails pass through forests and historic areas. A brochure on the hiking trails is available at the park office.Chambersburg Water Line1.9 miles, easiest hikingThis park “right-of-way” is perfect for the entire family. Level and grassy, the waterline cuts across the entire park and offers glimpses into the dark and beautiful forest of the park.Charcoal Hearth Trail2.7 miles, most difficult hikingThis is the longest and most rugged trail in the park.With its trailhead at the falls on Thaddeus Stevens Historic Trail, Charcoal Hearth Trail climbs steeply for 10-15 minutes to Graeffenburg Mountain before leveling off, then descends gradually, ending by a quiet stream near the Furnace Dam and pond. On the descent, watch for four historic charcoal hearths (noted on the map) and an old wagon road.Keep a watchful eye out for squirrels, chipmunks, birds, and deer.Fire Road Trail1 mile, more difficult hikingThis is a dirt road that serves as a fire break for the campground and access road for park vehicles.Midland Trail0.7 mile, easiest hikingStarting at the trailhead kiosk, this trail passes through the park near the swimming pool, past the park office and ends at the old forestry museum building in the organized group tenting area.This uniquely beautiful walk is pleasant and level under a heavy canopy of white pine. This is also a great area to hear the “flute-like” song of the wood thrush on summer late afternoons.Quarry Gap Road/Trail1 mile, most difficult hikingHike up Quarry Gap Road to the dead end, turn left through the gates to the Appalachian Trail.Ramble Trail2.2 miles, more difficult hikingThis wide walking trail begins at the trailhead kiosk and passes through the scenic lowlands of the park then returns to the pool area.In its circular route, the trail follows the millrace of an old rolling mill and passes the rolling mill falls. The trail also passes through one of the oldest white pine plantations in Pennsylvania.This is a great place to see woodland birds.Thaddeus Stevens Historic Trail0.8 mile, easiest hikingGuides are available at the park office for this self-guiding trail.Step back in time to imagine the bustling community of the Caledonia Iron Works. Investigate the:Blacksmith shopMillraceFallsFurnace damHeader damStart at the trailhead kiosk or at the blacksmith shop. Return to the park by way of the Midland Trail which passes by the park office.Three Valley Trail0.7 mile, most difficult hikingBeginning along Ramble Trail, Three Valley Trail crosses over the Chambersburg Water Line and ascends 400 feet up Ore Bank Hill to the Appalachian Trail.This trail is maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club as a side trail to the Appalachian Trail. This trail is blazed in blue, but white blazes appear when the trail merges with the Appalachian Trail at the top of the incline. Retrace your steps or make a right onto the Appalachian Trail.Trolley Trail0.7 mile, easiest hikingAlthough short, this path is suitable for bicycles. CAUTION -- for your safety, do not bicycle on US 30.This trail was once an old trolley grade that brought visitors from Chambersburg to the Caledonia Amusement Park. The old blacksmith shop once served as the trolley station.Whispering Pine Nature Trail0.4 mile, easiest hikingDiscover the lowland forests of Caledonia State Park on this short loop trail that begins along the park road between the two bridges after passing the park office.Appalachian Trail1.8 miles in the park, most difficult hikingThe famous, 2,186-mile Appalachian Trail passes through the park on its way north to Mt. Katahdin in Maine and south to Springer Mountain in Georgia.Hiking this section of the Appalachian Trail gives hikers a taste of the terrain of the entire trail. Many scouting groups use this part of the Appalachian Trail as a “shake down” trip before setting out on longer excursions.Hikers can do an overnight hike on the Appalachian Trail from Caledonia to Pine Grove Furnace State Park.The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club, an all-volunteer club, maintains this section of the trail.Picnicking at Caledonia State ParkOak and pine trees along Conococheague Creek shade picnic tables and charcoal grills.Two rustic, CCC-era picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.This activity or structure is ADA accessible.Stay the Night at Caledonia State ParkCampingflush toilets, warm showers, electric hook-upsTent and trailer sites are available in two campgrounds.The camping season opens the day before trout season and ends with the conclusion of deer season in December.Both campgrounds have drinking water, showers, and flush toilets. A sanitary dump station is available in Hosack Run Campground.Swimming at Caledonia State ParkThis activity or structure is ADA accessible.The park features a large, ADA accessible swimming pool with a waterslide and a small snack bar.The pool is open:Weekends only -- from Memorial Day weekend until the second weekend in JuneSeven days-a-week -- from the second weekend in June to mid-August, weather and staff availability permittingWeekends only -- from mid-August through Labor Day WeekendCheck the Park Advisories on the website for updates.Fishing at Caledonia State ParkThe East Branch Conococheague and Rocky Mountain creeks and Carbaugh Run flow through the park and the surrounding state forest lands, offering many exciting places for anglers. These streams feature:Brown troutNative brook troutRainbow troutSome warmwater game fishPennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply.Hunting at Caledonia State ParkDuring established seasons, about 740 acres are open to:HuntingTrappingTraining of dogsCommon game species are:DeerRabbitSquirrelTurkeyHunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.Golfing at Caledonia State ParkAn 18-hole, par 68, public golf course is just south of US 30.Constructed during the late 1920s, the course is the oldest and one of the most scenic courses in southcentral Pennsylvania.

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