Caledon Natural Area

Benchmark Trail

The Benchmark Trail is a 1.1 mile moderate hiking trail that is accessible from both Laurel Glen and Cedar Ridge trails. Like the other trails it forms a loop through the mature hardwood forest. This trail includes some considerable changes in elevation and passes an old surveying mark (or bench mark) placed here during the 18th century.

Blaze Color: Orange

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Boyd's Hole Trail

The Boyd's Hole Trail is a 2.06 mile easy hiking trail that when combined with the Flats Trail, forms a 2.76 mile loop that is accessible from just behind the Visitor Center. This wide gravel path takes users through the critical shoreline area, bringing them to Boyd's Hole, an area with a few picnic tables and a small pier overlooking the Potomac River. This relatively undisturbed shoreline makes an ideal place for bald eagles to nest. For this reason this trail is closed during the summer months with the exception of guided ranger tours. Always check that these areas are open before hiking this network of trails. In addition to eagles there are Red-tailed hawks, Osprey, several types of owls, and many other examples of birds and wildlife to be found here.

Blaze Color: Blue

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Cedar Ridge Trail

The Cedar Ridge Trail is a 1.1 mile moderate hiking trail that passes through the mature hardwood forest. This trail has the greatest variation in elevation of all of the trails along the top of the ridge. The trail is accessible from two locations along the Benchmark Trail. Hiking the Cedar Ridge Trail creates the longest of five loop hikes made possible by linking together the network of trails along the ridge.

Blaze Color: White

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Fern Hollow Trail

The Fern Hollow Trail is a 1.1 mile easy hiking trail that is accessible from the parking area near the historic Smoot House and Visitor Center. This trail loops through the woods and provides access to the Poplar Grove trail in two places. Along the trail you will find interpretive signs that identify examples of native plants.

Blaze Color: Red

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Flats Trail

The Flats Trail creates a loop within the Boyd's Hole Trail. This trail is just under a mile long and is a flat, wide, gravel trail that passes through mature forest. This trail, like Boyd's Hole, is closed in the warmer months for eagle nesting.

Blaze Color: Red

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Laurel Glen Trail

The Laurel Glen Trail is a .76 mile moderate hiking trail accessible from both the Poplar Grove Trail and from the Benchmark Trail. Like the other trails it passes through a mature hardwood forest. This trail has a few raised boardwalks to aid travel through lower areas. The Laurel Glen Trail rises and falls in elevation more than the Poplar Grove or Fern Hollow trails. From this trail one can clearly see the ridge which defines the area and creates the unique habitats that make this area a National Natural Landmark.

Blaze Color: Yellow

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Poplar Grove Trail

The Poplar Grove Trail is a .91 mile easy hiking trail that is accessible in two places from the Fern Hollow Trail and is also accessible in two places from the Laurel Glen Trail. This hike loops through the woods passing a considerable number of tall poplar trees.

Blaze Color: Blue

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Amphitheater

An outdoor amphitheater is located close to the picnic area and seats about 100 people. This facility has electrical outlets and is used primarily for park programming.

• Season/Hours: Spring, Summer, Fall/N/A
• Fee: N/A
• Location:38° 20.0333 -77° 08.7183

Smoot House Visitor Center

Visitor Center is located in what was once the home of Lewis Eggerton Smoot, which was built in 1910. Inside are displays about the local birds and wildlife, a discovery room for interpretive programs, information about the history of this lands ownership, and a small gift shop with souvenirs. Hours of operation vary by season, contact the park for more details.

• Season/Hours: Memorial Day - Labor Day/Wednesday through Sunday
• Fee: N/A
• Location:38° 20.0366 -77° 08.5816

Group Camping Area

Primitive group camping is available in the park with special permission. The group camp area is in an open area close to one of the park residences, to the west of the picnic area. This area has a water spigot and the park usually moves pit toilets nearby when groups are coming to camp.

• Season/Hours: March 1 through the 1st Monday in December/N/A
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 19.9450 -77° 08.7466

Picnic Area

The parks picnic area is located just west of the visitor center. It consists of several tables and outdoor grills, a reservable shelter, and a playground.

• Season/Hours: All Year/N/A
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:38° 20.0048 -77° 08.6721