From National Park Service
Fredericksburg & Spotsylvania National Military Park will once again combine health and history with a new series of “Fit-History” hikes this fall. These ranger-led hikes are designed to cover a lot of ground in addition to a lot of history. This season’s hikes will range from 2.5 to 5 miles, covering two to three miles per hour. All hikes begin at 10 a.m.
September 23: Fredericksburg: South Lee Drive (4.6 miles, round trip)
Join historian Frank O’Reilly to kick off the fall season with a hike along South Lee Drive. Learn about pivotal features of the Fredericksburg Battlefield, such as Confederate earthworks, the site of the Union Breakthrough, and Prospect Hill. Meet at Prospect Hill, Tour Stop #6, Fredericksburg Battlefield (GPS Coordinates: 38.248090, -77.435651).
October 7: Chancellorsville: Fairview, the Furnace and Wellford (4.5 miles, round trip)
Join historian John Hennessy for a walk along Chancellorsville’s trails, roadsides and a portion of the Jackson Trail. Stops on the way include Hazel Grove, Catharine Furnace, the Unfinished Railroad, and the Wellford House site. This is an out-and-back hike. Meet at Fairview, Tour Stop #10, Chancellorsville Battlefield (GPS Coordinates: 38.306558, -77.644142).
October 21: Spotsylvania: Farms and Home Sites (3.5 miles, round trip)
Join historian Becky Oakes for a hike on the Spotsylvania Battlefield exploring some lesser-known stories. Learn about the lives and fates of the people who called this landscape home before, during, and after the battle. Meet at the Bloody Angle, Tour Stop #3, Spotsylvania Battlfield (GPS Coordinates: 38.223558, -77.601730).
November 4: Virginia Central Trail and Idlewild (2.3 mile and 4.7 mile options) Jointly sponsored with Fredericksburg’s Department of Parks, Recreation, and Events.
Join historians John Hennessy and Becca Jameson to explore one of the Fredericksburg region’s newest trails. Hikers can choose between the 2.3-mile round trip on the trail itself, or continue on a longer 4.7 mile round trip hike to the Idlewild house site and back (this segment of the hike will pass through a modern subdivision). Meet at Alum Spring Park, 1 Greenbrier Dr, Fredericksburg, VA 22401. Note: high water in Hazel Run could force cancellation of this hike.
When attending any of our Fit-History programs, please remember to wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and pack a snack. Bug spray and long pants are also suggested.
Visit the Hiking Series page of our website at http://www.nps.gov/frsp/planyourvisit/hiking.htm for more details about each hike, or call 540-693-3200 for more information!
