The park is named after the Caledonia Iron Works, which were burned by Confederate troops during the Gettysburg Campaign in 1863.
The property was donated to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1902 by the estate of Colonel George Wiestling.
The park contains a portion of the original Chambersburg and Gettysburg Turnpike, an early 19th-century roadbed.
Thaddeus Stevens, a prominent abolitionist and U.S. Congressman, owned and operated the iron furnace located within the park grounds.
The park pool is gravity-fed by a mountain stream, maintaining a naturally cool temperature.
Caledonia serves as the mid-point for the Appalachian Trail's 2,190-mile span.
Caledonia State Park is located in the South Mountain region of Pennsylvania along the boundary of Adams and Franklin counties. The park features 1,125 acres of landscape spanning the historic site of Thaddeus Stevens' iron furnace. It serves as a major trailhead for the Appalachian Trail, which traverses the park's eastern section. Visitors utilize the park for trout fishing along the Conococheague Creek and swimming in the public pool. Hunting is permitted in designated areas during specific seasonal windows established by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. The park offers 106 campsites, including facilities equipped with electric hookups. Historical points of interest include the reconstructed blacksmith shop and the original charcoal hearth remains. Trail networks provide access to the Michaux State Forest, connecting hikers to extensive rugged terrain.
The stone ruins of the Thaddeus Stevens Blacksmith Shop.
Check the Pennsylvania Game Commission website for specific hunting season dates to ensure safety when hiking in designated hunting zones.
Bring sturdy, waterproof hiking boots if planning to access the Appalachian Trail, as terrain can be rocky and uneven.
Pack bug spray, particularly during the summer months, as the forested areas and creek proximity attract significant insect activity.
Do not attempt to swim in the creek itself, as the water is designated for fishing and can contain strong currents; avoid relying solely on GPS, as cellular service is intermittent in parts of the forest.
The public pool is open seasonally from late spring through late summer; camping areas are subject to winter closures.
Leashed pets are permitted in designated areas; pack out all trash to maintain Leave No Trace principles; remain on marked trails to protect local flora.
