Civil War Historical Hike @Mt. Zion/ Gilbert's Corner parks

*this walk occurs the same day as daylight savings ends, clocks "spring forward" 1 hour, please heed caution*

In honor of America250, trek this landscape 'rifled' with Civil War (and more) history via this 3mile easy hike that has meager elevation changes and is GRASSY from meadowland terrain. Pace: 3mph. The trek traverses Mt. Zion Historic Park as well as Gilbert's Corner Regional Park, sites of a "calvary skirmish" that occurred in July, 1864.

The hike first explores the Mt. Zion Church & Cemetery, a setting situated at the crossroads (now roundabout) of the Old Carolina Road (read on) and highway US50. Mt. Zion acted as a Union field hospital, barracks, & prison during the nearby Battle of Aldie in June, 1863. Just over a year later, Confederate forces ambushed the cemetery grounds as Union troops were on the move, ensuing in a melee of many mounted soldiers, some buried directly in said cemetery. While most graves are inside a barricaded brick wall, some rest on the outside, indicating segregation since these burials were African-Americans. Though the church itself is technically closed, Park Services or Church Staff might be on-site for open visitation.

After egressing from this eternal home the trek observes an opulent overlook of the Bull Run Mountains (pictured), then proceeds along the historical OLD CAROLINA ROAD[BED] that began as an Indian trail, which was remarked in 1825 when residents extolled [the] Marquis de La Fayette and President Monroe, who were traveling on a "grand tour". During the 1930s, highway US15 was constructed for modernizing this trail. The hike encircles a meadow following this, eventually returning to the Church to learn more about this rendezvous point of rampage via interpretive signage & illustrations.

Latter of the Circuit crosses highway US50 into Gilbert's Corner park which oscillates between meadow meandering and woodland wandering-- with a gander by a garden too. Expect some unique flora & fauna here as well as a any remnants of the Old Carolina Road before concluding back at the Church.

NOTES:
1. Trail Forecast= MAP; NOVA parks YouTube Video | Wear Boots! Pack the bug repellent; possible shade advisory (sunglasses, hat).
2. Post- social @Gilbert's Corner Farmers Market.
3. This Meetup was scheduled for Spring 2026, but was postponed.
4. This walk is cross-listed/ posted, RSVP w/ only 1 Meetup.
5. This walk occurs the same day as daylight savings ends, clocks "spring forward" 1 hour, please heed caution.

Special Thanks to the Piedmont Environmental Council for updated trail conditions and signage!

A 'yes/ attending' RSVP is your digital signature that you've read, understood, & agreed to the Liability Wavier hyperlinked here.