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Virginia
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Virginia State Parks

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Tidewater Region
Caledon State Park
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Caledon State Park © Virginia State Parks / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
CA_Natural Play Area
Caledon State Park © Virginia State Parks / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Eagle perched high overlooking the beauty of Caledon.
Caledon State Park © Virginia State Parks staff / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Caledon State Park ribbon cutting ceremony.jbp
Caledon State Park © Virginia State Parks staff / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Kayakers look for eagles at Caledon.Used in blog
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CALEDON STATE PARK
CALEDON STATE PARK
11617 Caledon Road
King George, Virginia   22485
(lat:38.3418 lon:-77.1556) map location

Phone: 540-663-3861
Toll Free: 800-933-7275
Reservations: 540-663-3861
Email: park email button icon
A designated National Natural Landmark, Caledon provides visitors the unique opportunity of viewing bald eagles in their natural habitat. Caledon and the surrounding areas are the summer home for one of the largest concentrations of bald eagles on the East Coast. As many as 60 eagles have been spotted on the bluffs overlooking the Potomac River in King George County. Preservation of the national bird's habitat is the primary focus of the natural area. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of Caledon by hiking and picnicking in a mature forest. Hiking trails in the eagle area are closed April through September to allow young birds undisturbed time to perfect their hunting and fishing skills. Limited tours of the eagle area are offered, however, mid-June through August by reservation only. Park guests can learn more about the natural history of Caledon and the American bald eagle by touring the visitor center.
History of the Area
Caledon Natural Area is located on what was the early colonial seat of the Alexander family. John and Philip Alexander founded the city of Alexandria and established Caledon Plantation in 1659. William A. Smoot inherited the property from the Alexander family in the mid 1800s. In 1974, Caledon was donated to the Commonwealth by Mrs. Ann Hopewell Smoot in memory of her late husband, Lewis E. Smoot, who passed away in 1962. After the importance of Caledon to the summering eagle population was noted in 1981, Governor Charles S. Robb appointed the Caledon Task Force to develop the area's management plan. The task force was successful in creating a no-boating zone off the shores of the Potomac River at Caledon. Continued eagle research, development of nature trails and limiting public access in eagle-sensitive areas and buffer zones were among the other recommendations of the plan.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseHiking Trailyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
Fishing
Managed reservation hunt held annually in November. Muzzleloading only; must qualify to participate and must bring proof of hunter safety course.



Picnicking
The park's picnic shelter can be rented 8 a.m. - close (all day). The shelter accommodates 40 comfortably, is handicap accessible and is about 75 feet from the parking area. The shelter has tables, a grill, and the visitor center's restroom is nearby. Call 1-800-933-PARK (in Richmond, 225-3867) to reserve.

Cancellation policy: No refund within 14 days before reserved date. Before then, there's a cancellation fee.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore various trails, but should be aware that some paths are not suitable for cycling.

The Boyd's Hole Trail is open to cyclists and offers a 3.5-mile route.

However, the Potomac River shoreline trail doesn't permit biking due to its sensitive environment.

Cyclists must respect all posted signs indicating areas where bikes aren't allowed in order to protect wildlife habitats.

Remember also that helmets are required by law for riders under age 14 - safety first!

It's important too, when planning your visit, check if any seasonal restrictions apply on certain routes.

Riding off designated pathways isn't permitted; this helps preserve natural resources within the park area.
Trails
Five hiking trails in the natural area are open year-round and take park visitors through environmentally sensitive marshlands and picturesque wooded areas of the park. The 3.5 mile Boyd's Hole Trail leading to the Potomac River is the most popular of the trails. Because human traffic disturbs the park's summer population of roosting and foraging eagles, this trail is only open from Oct. 1 through March 31.
Birding
The park is a designated Natural Area Preserve, ideal for bird watching. It's known as the summer home to American bald eagles and offers eagle tours during June and July. Other species include osprey, hawks, great blue herons, kingfishers and various songbirds like warblers.

Birding enthusiasts can explore over four miles of hiking trails or take advantage of guided canoe trips on Potomac River where many birds nest along its banks.
Nature Programs
Eagle tours, Junior Rangers night hikes, conducted walks, astronomy, storytelling, bonfire programs, birdwatching and crafts - some fees required. Click here for details on park events and interpretive offerings.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
January 20 by Liz
park review stars; one to five This a beautiful little treasure of a park. Under-utilized or so it seems based on my visits. I really have enjoyed the tranquility everytime I have been here.
May 6 beautiful forest by 1logcabin
park review stars; one to five The size of the Chestnut trees is awesome, including many multi-trunk Chinese Chestnuts. Mountain Laurel is ready to bloom in early May. Short trails have some steep parts. Wonderful hike.
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Virginia State Parks

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