Civil War Battlefield(s) Hike(s) (Rating: C/B)

You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.

This is a 6 mile "figure-8" hike with about 400' elevation gain around the Spotsylvania Courthouse Battlefield (one of the best preserved in Northern Virginia), and for those that need a better reason to drive down to Spotsylvania, we will then drive 9 miles up the road to do a 4-mile loop around the Chancellorsville Battlefield. Hence the C/B Rating.

We will start from the Spotsylvania Battlefield Visitor Center (9550 West Grant Dr, Spotsylvania, VA 22553). Please be there by 8:45, so we can be hiking by 9am.

At the conclusion to the first hike we will drive 9 miles up the road (and a year back in history) to the Chancellorsville Battlefield Visitor Center (9001 Plank Rd, Spotsylvania, VA 22553).

After Grant took command of Union forces his first battles with Lee were at the Wilderness Battlefield (just up from our hike location) on 5-6 May 1864, and the battlefields we will be touring saw clashes starting in the following day. This marked the beginning of almost 11 months of near-continuous battle, passing south and around Richmond, culminating in the Confederate surrender at Appomattox Courthouse in April 1865.

For those that continue on to the second leg of our hike, again we will move back a year in time to May 1863, and the second Union attempt to capture Fredericksburg, and control of the main route to Richmond. It was the last major battle before Gettysburg.

I am not a historian but will do my best to convey my knowledge of these battlefields. History buffs are encouraged to participate and correct any factual errors this yankee may make.

I hike at a moderate pace of 2-2.5 mph when moving, with stops at all photo points, and trail intersections, and for this hike there will be ample historical interjections.

Dogs are permitted on this hike in accordance with the NVHC Dog Policy. https://tinyurl.com/nvhcdogpolicy

Leader: Dale Johnson (540-454-5592)

RSVPs will close at 9pm the night before, so if you need to make a last minute change text me at 540-454-5592 so we are not waiting for you.