Caledonia State Park

Quick Facts

Pennsylvania

(717) 352-2161

Map Directions

Things To Do

Overview

The 1,125-acre Caledonia State Park is in Adams and Franklin counties, midway between Chambersburg and Gettysburg on US 30. Caledonia is in the northernmost section of the Blue Ridge Mountains known locally as South Mountain. Blue Mountain, the easternmost ridge of the Allegheny Mountains, is to the west and northwest of the park across a large low, rolling, fertile valley known as the Great Valley. South Mountain is mostly composed of a hard rock called quartzite. The valleys on either side are underlined with limestone and shale. The soil is ideal for fruit production, proven by the abundance of orchards in the surrounding area. Caledonia State Park offers visitors a unique combination of outdoor recreational activities, as well as a rich history to be explored all in the same place.

Map of Caledonia (PA)

Latitude, Longitude: 39.905540, -77.478676

Bicycling
All park roads and service roads are open to bicycles unless posted otherwise. A two-mile section of the Cumberland County Bike Trail connects the Furnace Stack Day Use Area with Laurel Lake Day Use Area. Bicyclists are advised to use caution because all trails are shared with pedestrian traffic and some are open to motor vehicles. Pennsylvania state law requires all bicyclists under the age of 12 to wear an approved helmet. A bicycle rental concession is available at the boat launch at Laurel Lake.
Camping
Chinquapin Hill Campground is nestled on the side of a mountain with plenty of shade trees and is close to the swimming pool. Some sites have electrical hookups. Hosack Run Campground is one mile from the main day use area. It has moderately level, open and shaded sites, and offers hot showers, flush toilets, electrical hookups, a dump station and small playground for children. Pets are permitted on designated sites. Two special campsites are set aside for people with disabilities with a nearby family-assist restroom.
Fishing
The 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. Brown trout, rainbow trout, native brook trout and some warm-water game fish can be found in these streams.
Golfing
An 18 hole, par 68, public golf course is available. Constructed in the late 1920s, the course is the oldest and one of the most scenic courses in south central Pennsylvania.
Hiking
Caledonia State Park boasts 10 miles of trails. The trails pass through forests and historic areas. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail, which extends 2,000 miles from Springer Mountain in northern Georgia to Mount Katahdin in central Maine, traverses the central portion of Caledonia.
Hunting
About 740 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, rabbit, squirrel and turkey. Hunting is permitted in the adjacent Michaux State Forest.
Picnicking
More than 450 picnic tables are provided for year-round use. Two 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.
RVing
RVing available.
Water Sports
The park features a large, ADA accessible swimming pool with a small snack bar. The pool is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, unless posted otherwise.