Three weeks ago, we profiled the Pine Creek Rail Trail as a mini-vacation destination that's an easy drive.

Last week, we encouraged you to go see the state's elk.This week's "Easy Drive" destination is southern Pennsylvania's Caledonia State Park, located along Route 30 between Chambersburg and Gettysburg (in fact, if you're seeking a "cheap stay" while touring Gettysburg, this is it).There are two campgrounds in the park, Hosack Run (pet friendly with a playground) and Chinaquapin. Both campgrounds have both tent and RV sites (a combined 184 sites, 130 non-electric) and have bathhouses with hot showers and flush toilets. The park also has a pool, which is ADA accessible.The highlights of the park are its rich history and family-friendly (short, easy) hiking trails, said DCNR Park Ranger Wesley Foltz. Foltz, a history teacher for the Chambersburg School District, said that the park is a resource that teems with opportunities for families to get children outside, and immersed in quick history lessons."There are only about ten miles of hiking trails, but each one has a special element to it," Foltz said. "One of the trails includes about two miles of the Appalachian Trail, and this time of year you could encounter a hiker who started in Georgia and is on the way to Maine.""The Ramble Trail (2.2 miles) wanders along a gurgling stream and travels through a stand of hemlocks and white pine trees," he added. "In fact, it's one of the oldest white pine plantations in the country."Foltz said that about a quarter of the park's overnight visitors are headed to Gettysburg, and enjoy the historical features of Caledonia."Unfortunately, history has forgotten about Thaddeus Stevens, who was co-owner of the Caledonia Iron Works and also a devoted abolitionist," Foltz said."While Lincoln wavered on the issue of slavery, saying he wanted to preserve the unity of the country, Thaddeus Stevens said it was an issue of morality, morally wrong."Stevens was born in Caledonia County, Vermont, the source of the name for his Caledonia Iron Works, and later, the state park.Hikers can travel the approximately one mile Thaddeus Stevens trail, which leads to the former site of the Iron Works. Steve's foreman at the Iron Works was William Hammett, a key figure of the Underground Railroad, helping slaves escape to freedom.The Union Army reached that area before turning back to Gettysburg, and knowing Stevens's abolitionist efforts, burned an African American village and other sites in the area.Caledonia State Park has ten miles of easy trails where you can learn about the Appalachian Trail and the Underground Railroad, and also view some of the oldest White Pines in the state.Other sites to visit include the Pennsylvania Forest Fire Association Museum, located across from the park office, and a Blacksmith Shop. The Eisenhower Farm is a short drive from the park."Caledonia is one of the best parks in the state for family hiking, even for youngsters, because the trails are short and flat," Foltz said. "As an opportunity for learning our history, it's a terrific resource."