Caledonia

Caledonia Caledonia State Park A Pennsylvania Recreational Guide for Pennsylvania State Parks Mission The primary purpose of Pennsylvania state parks is to provide opportunities for enjoying healthful outdoor recreation and serve as outdoor classrooms for environmental education. In meeting these purposes, the conservation of the natural, scenic, aesthetic, and historical values of parks should be given first consideration. Stewardship responsibilities should be carried out in a way that protects the natural outdoor experience for the enjoyment of current and future generations. visitPAparks Printed on recycled paper Directions Reservations Caledonia is at the intersection of US 30 and PA 233. • From Chambersburg, follow US 30 east 11 miles to the park. • From Gettysburg, follow US 30 west 15 miles to the park. • From Harrisburg, follow I-81 53 miles to Chambersburg, then 7.3 miles east on US 30. Make online reservations at www.visitPAparks.com or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. Spend the Day SWIMMING: The park features a large, ADA accessible swimming pool with a small snack bar. The pool is open 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM from Memorial Day to Labor Day unless otherwise posted. PICNICKING: Oak 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. HIKING: see reverse side HUNTING AND FIREARMS: About 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 warmwater game fish can be found in these streams. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulation and laws apply. CALEDONIA PUBLIC GOLF COURSE: An 18-hole, par 68, public golf course is just south of US 30. Constructed in the late 1920s, the course is the oldest and one of the most scenic courses in south central Pennsylvania. Caledonia Golf Enterprises Inc. 9515 Golf Course Road Fayetteville, PA 17222 717-352-7271 caledoniagc.com CATHEDRAL IN THE PINES: Caledonia’s Summer Sunday School dates back to the summer of 1917 when the Manges and Moyer families decided to provide a Sunday school for their children and other families’ children who spent the summer months vacationing at Caledonia, be it in tents or the increasing cabin community around the park. Since 1955, the Franklin County Sunday School Association has kept the tradition alive and offers outdoor, nondenominational Sunday school from Memorial Day Weekend to Labor Day Weekend. All are welcome to attend. TOTEM POLE PLAYHOUSE: Since 1952, the Totem Pole Playhouse, a summer stock theater, has offered performances during the summer months. Request a schedule of shows by contacting: Totem Pole Playhouse 9555 Golf Course Road P.O. Box 603, Fayetteville, PA 17222 888-805-7056 www.totempoleplayhouse.org 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. Hunting 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. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information. Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner’s car or enclosed trailer. Exceptions include: law enforcement officers Thaddeus Stevens 1792-1868 Called the Great Commoner, Thaddeus Stevens was an abolitionist, radical republican, and was one of the most effective and powerful legislators of the Civil War era. Some historians consider Stevens the de facto leader of the United States during the presidency of Andrew Johnson. Stevens became the third person in American history to be given the privilege of lying in state in the U.S. Capitol rotunda, following Senator Henry Clay and President Lincoln. Born in Caledonia County, Vermont, Stevens faced many prejudices for having a club-foot. This and his birth to a poor family likely forged a lifelong drive to defend the poor and persecuted. After graduation from Dartmouth in 1815, Stevens moved to York, Pa. to teach. Within a year he moved to Gettysburg, Pa. to practice law, dabble in real estate, and in 1822, enter the iron business with the opening of Maria Furnace in Fairfield, Adams County. Finding better iron ore in Franklin County, Stevens built a new charcoal iron works, which went into blast in 1837. The Caledonia Iron Works grew to include the charcoal iron furnace, forge, rolling mill, stables, warehouses, blacksmith shop, sawmill, and tenement houses for the workers and their families. Thaddeus Stevens served in the Pennsylvania General Assembly from 1833 to 1841, where he fought for free, public education. In 1842, Stevens moved his law practice to Lancaster, Pa. where he could make a better living as a lawyer and support his iron business interests. Jumping into politics again, Stevens served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1849 to 1853 and again from 1859 to his death in 1868. During his terms in office, Steven championed the passing of three amendments to the constitution: the 13th, abolition of slavery; the 14th, citizenship and due process; and the15th, the right to vote. Even in death, Stevens illustrated his principles by choosing to be buried in a cemetery that accepted people of all races. available at the park office. Special requests are welcome and may be directed to the park office. The Thaddeus Steven Blacksmith Shop has operating hours during the summer. Visitors can tour and, on occasion, visit with a guest blacksmith hammering out iron products. The park is also the home of the Pennsylvania Forest Fire Association Museum, located across from the park office. The Park While Thaddeus Stevens fought for abolition in Washington D.C., Caledonia Iron Works furnace foreman William Hammett was a conductor for the Underground Railroad. Hammett would meet a conductor near Pond Bank and guide runaway slaves north to Greenwood, just west of the park, to meet the next conductor on the journey to freedom. For this, and Stevens’ tireless fight for equal rights, Caledonia State Park is a Path of Freedom site. During the Gettysburg Campaign of the American Civil War, the confederate cavalry of General J.A. Early raided throughout southern Pennsylvania but followed a policy to destroy no private property or industry. The cavalry burned and pillaged Caledonia. Early explained his actions, “Mr. Stevens is an enemy of the South. He is in favor of confiscating their property and arming the Negroes. His property must be destroyed.” The Confederate Army marched through the ruins of Caledonia on their way to the Battle of Gettysburg, then retreated back the same way, followed by the Union army. With money from Stevens and the help of the Ahl brothers, Cumberland County ironmen, furnace manager John Sweeney rebuilt the furnace and forge, which continued to operate at a reduced capacity until 1870. After a nineteen-year estate battle over the Caledonia property, the Diller brothers of Lancaster County purchased the iron works in 1887 and operated quarries for ganister sand and other minerals. In 1903, the Caledonia Mining and Manufacturing Company, then owned by a New York investment group headed by telephone magnate Theodor Vail, sold most of the Caledonia Iron Works lands to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania as part of the new Forest Reserve System. The tracts of cutover forestlands were set aside as a future supply of timber and to be “outing grounds for citizens.” The Chambersburg and Gettysburg Electric Railway Company leased the area around the old furnace and blacksmith shop as a trolley park. The company turned the former blacksmith shop into a trolley station and built amusement rides and a dance pavilion. In 1927, the Pa. Alpine Club, a local hiking group, reconstructed the old furnace stack as a reduced scale model monument to the iron works. From 1933 to 1939, young men of camp SP-18-PA of the Civilian Conservation Corps built many of the roads throughout Michaux State Forest and recreational facilities at Caledonia State Park. INFORMATION AND RESERVATIONS Caledonia State Park 101 Pine Grove Road Fayetteville, PA 17222 GPS DD: Lat. 39.9089 Long. -77.4783 717-352-2161 email: caledoniasp@pa.gov An Equal Opportunity Employer www.visitPAparks.com  Make online reservations at www.visitPAparks.com or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday. Act (ADA) accessible for people with disabilities. This publication text is available in alternative formats. If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit. In an Emergency Call 911 and contact a park employee. Directions to the nearest hospital are posted on bulletin boards and at the park office. dump station is available in Hosack Run Campground. Chinquapin Hill Campground is nestled on the side of a mountain among plenty of shade trees and is close to the swimming pool. Some sites have electric hookups. The park amphitheater is in this camping area and is accessible to the public from the day use parking area. Pets are prohibited in this campground. Hosack Run Campground is one mile from the main day use area. All sites in this camping area are pet friendly. This campground has moderately level, open and shaded sites, and many sites have electric hookups. This camping area also has a small playground for children. There are ADA accessible sites available with a nearby family-assist restroom. ORGANIZED GROUP TENTING: Caledonia offers 5 separate 20-person sites for rent to organized adult and youth groups. This area opens the day before trout season in March and closes the 4th Sunday in October. There are flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings. Advance reservations are required. Caledonia makes a great base for groups touring Gettysburg National Millitary Park. Protect and Preserve our Parks Please make your visit safe and enjoyable. Obey all posted rules and regulations and respect fellow visitors and the resources of the park. • Be prepared and bring the proper equipment. Natural areas may possess hazards. Your personal safety and that of your family are your responsibility. Access for People with Disabilities Park facilities available for use by people with disabilities include picnic areas, campground, cabins, parking, and a fishing pier. Restrooms in these areas are designated with the symbol for accessibility. This symbol indicates facilities and activities that are Americans with Disabilities Spend the Night CAMPING: electric hookups, warm showers Tent and trailer sites are available in two campgrounds. The camping season opens the day before trout season in March and ends with the conclusion of deer season in December. Both campgrounds have drinking water, showers, and flush toilets. A sanitary A park educator offers programming during the summer season. The history and environment of the area are topics for discovery for park visitors of all ages. Children’s programs, guided walks, and campfire programs are scheduled throughout the summer season. Program schedules are HISTORY RECREATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms are authorized to carry a firearm concealed on their person while they are within a state park. Rhododendron ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION AND INTERPRETATION CALEDONIA STATE PARK 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 Mountains of Maryland and Virginia. Within South Mountain 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. 2018 • Alcoholic beverages are prohibited. • Please camp only in designated areas and try to minimize your impact on the campsite. • Firewood Advisory: Firewood may contain non-native insects and plant diseases. Bringing firewood into the park from other areas may accidentally spread pest insects and diseases that threaten park resources and the health of our forests. Campers should use local firewood. Do not take wood home and do not leave firewood. Burn It! • Prevent forest fires by having a fire in proper facilities and properly disposing of hot coals. Do not leave a fire unattended. NEAREST HOSPITAL Chambersburg Hospital 112 North Seventh Street Chambersburg, PA 17201 717-267-3000 Nearby Attractions Information on nearby attractions is available from the Franklin County Visitors Bureau, www.explorefranklincountypa.com, or the Gettysburg Convention and Visitors Bureau. www.gettysburg.travel The 84,000-acre Michaux State Forest features hunting, fishing, and general outdoor recreation. 717-352-2211 The Gettysburg National Military Park is operated by the National Park Service and preserves and explains the events that occurred on the Gettysburg Battlefield during the Civil War. www.nps.gov/gett CALEDONIA LODGE: Located along US 30, Caledonia Lodge is a two-story frame house available for rent year round. The lodge has a modern kitchen, closed-in porch, 1½ baths, dining room, living room, central heat, and three bedrooms that sleep ten people. Mountain laurel HIKING: 12.9 miles of trails Shippe nsb urg L 1320 0 Milesb 128 1240 1200 1160 Ap pa la ch i 1120 Ap r k , I- 83 Tr. ia n To Y o 15 MICHAUX S TATE F ORES T 14 40 233 tM D A pp al ach d. lR au lH 00 on 148 m 0 ur Waynesboro Carroll Valley T To h Chinquapin Hill 1522 ft. 16 MARYLAND E 1400 1440 1400 Trail 0 20 0 Hosack Run Valley 0 124 0 120 60 11 Trail Ro ad Trail 0 C 1040 Trail Trail Trolley 0 100 To I-81, 7.6 Mi. & Chambersburg, 9.1 Mi. 40 10 0 112 60 Y 00 10 10 40 Rd . F ORES T Pe Corls Dr To PA 233, approx. 3.8 Mi. rr y 6 4 3 20 30 Pipeline 13 0 100 1040 1080 14 17 16 To Gettysburg, 13.5 Mi. & US 15, 15.2 Mi. 0 112 0 116 15 00 12 Rd. CONTOURS ARE ON 40 FT. INTERVALS 11 8 5 re 1080 1040 Caledonia Public Golf Course 18 0 State Park Hunting To Mont Alto, 8.1 Mi. n 1 9 108 ive RO S TATE Ru ADAMS COUNTY FRANKLIN COUNTY M ICHAUX 12 10 o ti m Bal State Park No Hunting Forestry Office 7 CK R o c ky Mounta in C Ra reek cco on R un Trail 1040 0 0 108 112 1160 1200 12 40 TA 80 UN 0 MO App ala chi an 233 Pro Shop New Parking Paved 2 Road 128 1000 IN 40 12 Trail 96 00 12 0 960 11 Parking ADA Accessible Parking Unpaved Cat in t hedr he al Pi n Course Gate 0 h ine Pipel 100 Car ba ug 0 108 es Unpaved Road Totem Pole Playhouse Caledonia Lodge Hiking Trail Appalachian Trail y Pine 1080 40 30 Road Mountain R i d ge 1160 1120 10 Interpretive Wayside Paved Trail 1200 Thaddeus Stevens Blacksmith Shop 960 80 12 1240 Caledonia Furnace Monument 920 40 12 1280 Falls Trail ce e Ra Forg Forge Tail Race Ro ad 60 00 12 11 ad Ramble r. dT an l id Service Pine First Aid (Summer Only) Multi-use Trail nd rg bu dla Mi ers b m Cha 0 96 ace ne urn m i P F g 00 n i 10 Da isper 40 Wh rail 10 0 e T 8 10 tagnter i c r i He y Ce or t l t i s s e er Tra Hi Forscov th s ear n Di H e v l Ste rcoa Cha us e d ad Th Ro B ranch ch e 233 960 lf Go Swimming Pool Ram ble Service Roads 12 Playground East o Conoc e a gu 0 Graeffenburg Hill 1522 ft. Trail Golf Co urs e Picnicking Sanitary Dump Station Oak ek Cre Food Concession 152 13 ai Amphitheater Recycling/Trash Trail l Tr Ramble Line M Water 80 Tra il 920 Chambersburg Showers/Restrooms Organized Group Tenting a 1000 Modern Restrooms Camping qu 960 Public Phone Water n hi ter Wa 1000 itheater ph rail T Fire 108 Hill Am pin 0 3 l ai Tr Header Dam Line 0 104 20 Picnic Pavilion il Tra 1080 th 144 14 Ch ar co al 1120 11 r ea H T hree 00 1160 1320 1360 140 0 1– 4: Charcoal Hearth Sites 4 12 Blue Symbols Mean ADA Accessible 1200 1240 1 0 0 Park Office 1120 1160 132 128 0 104 1080 2 124 Orebank Hill nch Bra t as n To Pine Grove Furnace State Park, 11.7 Mi. eek r C ue eaq ch o oc 1360 n 13 136 40 12 12 00 60 11 11 1440 a i lach A p pa n Ru 80 12 Co k 1480 20 o rg i a c sa Ho To G e l e 14 Bonneauville BUS Road a s tl 116 at Hil R un 20 60 dc se ou lh p Ga 13 13 n ur S til n Ru To McConnellsburg, C owan s Ga pS .P. ad Ro ADAMS COUNTY FRANKLIN COUNTY ck e nc 16 H osa 20 11 0 116 00 40 12 e To Gr Gettysburg Mont Alto reencastle 316 80 30 Mont Alto Qu arr y 12 34 233 997 n Arendtsville ADAMS 11 914 Biglerville 12 81 CALEDONIA FRANKLIN 316 234 234 Fayetteville Ru 233 30 Qua r ry 34 997 t Wi Pine Grove Furnace 696 Chambersburg us oc l la n pa ia Tell us about your hike at: CALEDONIA STATE PARK e ain ch 233 il Tra Whispering Pine Nature Trail: 0.4 mile, easiest hiking Discover 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. M To CUMBERLAND 997 To Ridge Road, approx. 1.8 Mi. & Pine Grove Furnace State Park, approx. 17.0 Mi. Tra i 533 Quarry Hill Mount Holly Springs To Carlisle T o I-76 , Har risb urg 11 81 174 696 Three Valley Trail: 0.7 mile, most difficult hiking Beginning along Ramble Trail, Three Valley Trail crosses over the Chambersburg Water Line and ascends 400 feet up Ore Bank Hill to the Appalachian Trail (AT). This trail is maintained by the Potomac Appalachian Trail an Charcoal Hearth Trail: 2.7 miles, most difficult hiking This is the longest and most rugged trail in the park. With its trailhead at the waterfall on Ramble Trail: 2.2 miles, more difficult hiking This 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 Trolley Trail: 0.7 mile, easiest hiking Although short, this path is suitable for bicycles. 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. Caution: For your safety, do not bicycle on US 30. Tra il Thaddeus Stevens Historic Trail, Charcoal Hearth Trail climbs steeply for 10-15 minutes to Graeffenburg Hill before leveling off, then decends 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 squirrel, chipmunk, deer, and birds. Midland Trail: 0.7 mile, easiest hiking Starting 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. Thaddeus Stevens Historic Trail: 0.8 mile, easiest hiking Pamphlets 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 shop, millrace, falls, Header Dam, and Furnace Dam. Start 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. Ga p Chambersburg Water Line: 1.9 miles, easiest hiking This 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. Appalachian Trail: 1.8 miles in the park, most difficult hiking The famous 2,186-mile Appalachian Trail (AT) 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 AT gives hikers a taste of the terrain of the entire trail. Many scout groups use this part of the AT as a “shake down” trip before setting out on longer excursions. Visitors can do an overnight hike on the AT from Caledonia to Pine Grove Furnace State Park. The Potomac Appalachian Trail Club maintains this section of the trail. Club as a side trail to the AT. It is blazed in blue, but white blazes appear when the trail merges with the AT at the top of the incline. 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. Fire Road Trail: 1 mile, more difficult hiking This dirt road serves as a fire break for the Chinquapin Campground and an access road for park vehicles. 100 400 0 0 100 400 200 300 800 400 1200 500 600 METERS 1600 2000 FEET Rev. 10/2/18