Marye's Heights and Alum Spring Park
Details
Let's go for a hike in Fredericksburg at Marye's Heights, Alum Spring Park, and the Virginia Central Railway Trail!
❶ What we'll do:
- From the parking lot behind the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, we'll go for a short walk along the Stone Wall, Marye's Heights, and the National Cemetery, arriving back near the Visitor Center to pick up any late arrivals.
- From there we'll head out down Lafayette Blvd and Willis St, where we'll pick up the Virginia Central Railway Trail and follow it west to Alum Spring Park. After a loop around the park along the banks of Hazel Creek we'll retrace our steps along the Virginia Central Railway Trail to the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center.
- The total hike is about 4.5 miles and should take about 2 hours. The surface is paved and dirt trails, with a few flights of stairs and slight (~50 foot) elevation gains ascending Marye's Heights and climbing out of the Hazel Creek stream bed at Alum Spring Park. This is an easy hike.
- Google map: https://tinyurl.com/yckt4aan
❷ How to get there:
- From the I-495 Capital Beltway (either direction), take I-95 S to Plank Rd in Fredericksburg; about 41 miles. Take exit 130A onto State Route 3 (VA-3) East toward Fredericksburg. Follow VA-3 for almost 2 miles and turn left onto Lafayette Blvd. Follow Lafayette Blvd for about 0.5 miles; the visitor center will be on your left. See https://goo.gl/maps/wn3Y8G8caU7E8pSZ6
- Sorry, this is not a Metro-accessible hike.
❸ What to bring: Water, comfy shoes, and your furry friend (leashes please). Sunscreen, shades, and bug spray are recommended.
❹ Weather: The forecast is partly cloudy and a high of 80F, with light NE winds and an 8% chance of showers. Updates here: https://tinyurl.com/y8t93unj
❺ Advisory: As a reminder, this is an adult group, and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety and well-being during events. No one under 18 years of age is allowed at this event, either as members or as guests, to include babies in carriers and/or strollers.
❻ Administrative stuff: Restrooms are located at the Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, beside the book store, and in Alum Spring Park.
❼ Notes:
- Fredericksburg Battlefield Visitor Center, 1013 Lafayette Blvd, Fredericksburg, VA 22401; (540) 693-3200, http://www.nps.gov/frsp
H/T to Abby for the event photo!
Marye's Heights and Alum Spring Park