Spotsylvania Battlefield

If you're a history buff, then the trails at the Spotsylvania Battlefield would be a furtastic path for you and your cuddly canine to check out. These historic trails are located in Spotsylvania, Virginia and feature both paved and natural sections to explore. Because together the trails form a loop, you will start and end in the same spot, which is on Grant Drive and Brock Road at the Exhibit Shelter.

Start along the 5.7 mile Spotsvylvania History Trail at a special memorial where the three walls of the exhibit are available to the public, including your pooch. The walls are covered with informational displays and summaries of what went on here in the Spotsylvania Battle. At about mile one, on Grant Drive, you can follow a dirt path to Dole’s Salient on Upton’s Road. This is a replica of the battle of Upton’s charge and has several markers and informational displays. 

Keep going along the fields where you can continue the Spotsylvania History Trail loop, or take a side journey along the 1.2 mile Bloody Angle Trail, where you can see the monuments to the most violent and intense fighting of the Civil War. Get back on the History Trail to see the wayside markers of the McCoull House and the Landram House, which were two families whose homes were taken over by the soldiers during the war. The last stop on this historical trail is the rebuilt earthworks at Lee’s Final Line. This is where Robert E. Lee and what was left of his troops surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant after a full day and night of fighting. 

While walking on this trail, be sure to pick up after your pooch and keep them on a leash the whole time. You will probably see many people walking the trail if it is during the peak season of May through September. If you want to have more seclusion, try going on a weekday before noon. 

There will be a lot of critters along the trail such as chipmunks, squirrels, rabbits, and even some deer, so keep your eyes peeled for them. During the spring and summer, you will also see plenty of wildflowers and mature trees to provide you with shade. So, grab a leash, some water, and your dog, and go check out this historic wonderland today.