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 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.
 

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

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.

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.