Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Park will once again combine health and history with a new series of Fit History Hikes.
“These ranger-led hikes are designed to cover a lot of ground in addition to a lot of history, said National Park Service historian Becky Oakes.
The spring 2017 hikes range from two to six miles. All hikes begin at 10 a.m.
April 1: Chancellorsville: Chancellorsville History Trail (3.6 miles round trip)
Join historian Becky Oakes to learn about the struggles of soldiers and civilians alike in the tangled wooded landscape. Meet at the Chancellorsville Visitor Center, 9001 Plank Rd., Spotsylvania, Virginia, 22553.
April 15: Fredericksburg: Slaughter Pen Farm (2 miles round trip)
Join historian Becca Jameson to hike in the footsteps of the Union soldiers, who temporarily succeeded in breaking the Confederate line of battle. Meet at 11190 Tidewater Trail, Fredericksburg, Virginia, 22408.
April 29: Wilderness: Chewning and Tapp Farms (~4.5 miles round-trip)
Join historian Peter Maugle to discover the dynamic stories of two farm sites transformed by the fighting in May 1864. Meet at Wilderness Battlefield Stop #5, Chewning Farm (GPS coordinates: 38.293674, -77.741269).
May 13: Spotsylvania: Spotsylvania History Trail (5.7 miles round-trip)
Join historian Beth Parnicza to walk the entirety of the Spotsylvania History Trail, covering the major actions of a nearly two week battle. Meet at the Spotsylvania Exhibit Shelter (GPS coordinates: 38.219245, -77.614099).
When attending any of the Fit History Hikes, wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack a snack. Bug spray and long pants are also suggested.
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