Our journey to Staunton River Battlefield was part of a long weekend of Virginia State Park visits. There are 3 within an hour of each other in Southern Virginia: Staunton River Battlefield, Staunton River, and Occoneechee State Park. Our original plan was to visit all three, but we wound up having to save Occoneechee for another trip.

March 26 Staunton River Battlefield State Park

We were happy to begin the adventure at Staunton River Battlefield State Park, thinking it would be a quick stopping point before getting our cabin at Staunton River State park less than an hour away.

We’ve been surprised by the past two battlefield visits, both Sailors Creek and Staunton River Battlefield left us surprised; we expected only fields and discovered much, much more. Staunton River Battlefield was gorgeous, particularly during our visit as spring was just beginning to show itself which meant the tree buds were popping and the forest understory was picturesque!

Walk the trails near the battlefield and read the interpretive signage to learn more about the part of the Civil War that was fought here in Southside Virginia,  click here to view a trail map.

This park has a nice long trail which shows an elevated view of the battlefield, plenty of informational signage, and crosses over a couple railroad trestles. There are also scenic side trails to explore around earthwork mounds and through the woods. 

Overall, if this park were closer to home, it would be a regular stopping point. It’s not overwhelming in its number of trails offered and it’s as beautiful and peaceful as any park we’ve been to.

About

This park is a 300-acre Civil War historic site where a ragtag group of 700 Confederate old men and young boys beat the odds and held off an assault by 5,000 Union cavalry on a bridge of strategic importance to Gen. Lee's army, then under siege in Petersburg. Visit the Confederate earthworks and walk the historic bridge trail.

If you would like to go on your own adventure to Staunton River Battlefield State Park and would like more information about this park, click here. 

Guest Bloggers Peter Radlowski, Sarah Sumoski and Mr. Rigby plan to tackle all 36 Virginia State Parks in 2016 and they invite you to come along on the adventure with them.