10.9 miles
We’ve done the section of Appalachian Trail from Caledonia State Park to Ridge Road many times, but we always enjoy it—especially with the new green of May, like today.
We talked to a number of through-hikers, several of them taking a break at the well-kept Quarry Gap Shelter, and otherwise just completed a simple out-and-back hike to Ridge Road.
The highlight of this section of trail is the natural rhododendron ticket the trail passes through. The flora stretches so high that it reaches over the trail, and several hundred yards of walking passes through these “rhodo-tunnels”.
There is a steep section of trail that switchbacks up out of Caledonia, and some rock steps leading uphill through the rhododendrons, but otherwise most of the trail is easy, pleasant walking through a typical Michaux State Forest woods of mature oaks and mountain laurel.