GENERAL INFO: 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.

LOCATION: Caledon is located in King George County between Fairview Beach and Owens, 23 miles east of Fredericksburg on Route 218. From Fredericksburg, take 218 East for 23 miles. Caledon is on the left. Or you may take Rt. 3 east 18 miles to a left onto Rt. 206 for six miles, then turn left onto Rt. 218 and go about one mile; Caledon is on the right. From U.S. 301 (MD), turn right onto Rt. 206 for four miles to Rt. 218, then west about one mile.

Drive Time : Northern Virginia, 1 hour 45 minutes; Richmond, 1 hour, 30 minutes; Tidewater/Norfolk/Virginia Beach, 3 hours, 30 minutes; Roanoke, 6 hours, 30 minutes.

Click here for a Google map.

PARK MAP: Click here (PDF).

OVERNIGHT FACILITIES: None; day use park. Group camping can be arranged by permit with park. For information on availability of other state parks' overnight accommodations, particular park amenities or to make a reservation, you can reserve online or call 1-800-933-PARK. Click here for park fees.

CABINS / CAMPING: Click here for park fees. Rental rates for cabins and camping vary by season, offering and park. Rates are subject to verification by DCR's state parks reservations staff (1-800-933-PARK). First, determine the appropriate season, which can vary by park, then the relevant rate. (Note: Caledon has no overnight facilities.)

SWIMMING: None.

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.

FISHING, BOATING: None.

HUNTING: Click here to learn about this park's hunting opportunities.

HORSES: No horses allowed.

PARKS CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Click here to view park events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

VISITOR CENTER, GIFT SHOP: Located in the Smoot House, the visitor center features exhibits on the bald eagle and on the park's history. Environmental education facilities are available for school groups and research. Exhibits depicting representative habitats of Caledon and covering the park's ongoing resource management activities are free to the public. Open Wednesday through Sunday, Memorial Day through Labor Day.

NATURE, HISTORY 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. Eagle tour - Caledon offers limited tours of the eagle areas from mid June to September. An orientation to eagles is given by a park interpreter. Binoculars and sighting scopes are available. Reservations are recommended, and there is a fee for the tour. Click here to view park events, festivals, workshops and interpretive programs.

ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER: Environmental education facilities are available.

NEARBY ATTRACTIONS: Fredericksburg, King George County Museum.

PICNIC SHELTERS: 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 to reserve. Click here for park fees.

ACCESSIBILITY:

• The visitor center is accessible by a ramp at the right, front corner of the building. It contains exhibits, a gift shop and restrooms. Office on second floor is not accessible.
• Picnic area: There are three paved sites with wheelchair accessible tables. These sites connect to the parking area via paved paths.
• Environmental Education Pavilion is handicapped accessible from handicapped parking at the picnic area via compressed rock dust path. This is a 20 x 40 foot covered shelter with lights and electricity, and there's an extra large grill at the rear of the shelter. A water fountain and faucet also are located adjacent to the building. This area can be rented as a picnic shelter when not in use for educational programs.
• Although motorized vehicles are not permitted on park trails, electric wheelchairs and electric scooters that meet the federal definition for wheelchairs are allowed to enable people with disabilities to use the trails.

SPECIAL FEATURES: None.

CONCESSIONS: None.

LAUNDRY: None.

RESTAURANT: None.

HISTORY: 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.