Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Read Our Blogs

 

Caledon, a name whose origin recedes back into the mists of time, and the dreams of the ever expanding might of the Roman Empire. The Caldones were an early Scottish tribe, who continued an effective organized resistance of allied tribes to the expansion of the Romans north through Early Britannia.

Ancient Rome could not conquer them and built Hadrian's Wall to demark the realistic extent of their military hold on Britannia. Naming the lands north, Caladonia, they settled on an uneasy truce.

The marsh attracts warblers and other wildlife to Caledon State Park, Virginia

The Scottish immigrants, the Alexander family, named their plantation Caledon as a tribute to their heritage.

It's a nostalgia fitting this place with quiet strength of old growth forest nestled on the Potomac River. The forest was left untouched as a buffer from the wrath of storms that occasionally came inland from the Chesapeake Bay. We benefit today, as we get to enjoy the amazing place that is Caledon State Park.
 

Parking is near the main office where you can begin your trek down to the beach or hit other trails at Caledon State Park, Virginia

Explore this Caledon State Park's many trails under the canopy of the trees or down to the beach on the Potomac River in Virginia

Old growth trees are found in the forest at Caledon State Park, VirginiaScenic mallow marsh at Caledon State Park, Virginia

We read reviews of this park before visiting. Some of them were not nice, but we saw through to the fact that we would likely love this place because of the very reason people found it irritating, a lack of easy access.

One must realize, easy access comes at a price to nature, always

You must hike into Caledon State Park, to either camp, or for access to the Potomac River. That is this park’s strong point. It remains peaceful. The forest is old, and still looks as it did to Native Americans before Europe sent many settlers to these shores.

Roads exist into Caledon State Park, but for park vehicle use and hiking. If they have an event, it might include transport to a destination deep in the park, but always check. 

I love this place

Meadow within Caledon, molted juvenile bald eagle feather on the beach, and the wonderfully spaced benches along the way for meditation in the forest. at Caledon State Park, Virginia

Trees that feel as if they reach the sky at Caledon State Park, Virginia

The trees tower over you and make you feel small and insignificant, like a tolerated guest they hope doesn't overstay its welcome.

Hiking here is to the sounds of birds. Warblers, pileated woodpeckers, flickers, and some I could not place, give the impression that this is where nature, not man, reigns.

Take time to notice the signs that a forest is old and long undisturbed. Oaks top out at a narrow, but sturdy 90 feet, rather than the stockier 65 feet of mature regrowth oaks.

The cycle of life is found along the forest floor at Caledon State Park, Virginia

Explore the woods at Caledon State Park in Virginia

Decayed fallen trees can be massive and seem to be literally melting back into the forest at Caledon State Park, Virginia

Decayed fallen trees can be massive and seem to be literally melting back into the forest. The cycle of life here is complete, extending back for countless centuries. To walk among it is spiritual and a privilege. 

Stay tuned for part 2 where we will explore the beach...

Visit our Facebook page "Virginia Through Our Eyes," and we will give some photo by photo commentary on how we got a few of the more spectacular shots at Caledon State Park.

Stay tuned to Bob and Kevin's series on Virginia State Parks to learn more cell phone photography tips, these images were all taken with a cell phone camera, and we are excited to have them get to know Virginia one park at a time.

Editor's Note: Caledon State Park has six paddle-in and hike-in primitive campsites available for rent year-round. The park has no cabins or drive-to campsites. Click here for details. Call 800-933-7275 to reserve a site.

PARKS
CATEGORIES
SHARE THIS PAGE

If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.

COMMENT

Lou Foster (October 22, 2016 11:04:26 PM): Hi Bob, Ranger Foster here. :) The email listed is my business email (fyi).
Thanks for letting me know about your post. It is very well written. I posted this to my FB business page: facebook.com/herb-fancy which has a unicorn and faery logo if you are interested. I love the photos! I am looking forward to reading #2. It was good to see you again here at the park. I'm looking forward to your next visit during the Art & Wine Festival. See you there.

By Park