Recently, we decided that we'd like to educate ourselves about it. Two weekends ago we stopped at the Visitor's Center and asked for some maps with hiking trails. This weekend, we embarked on one of two major loops. The trails have several off-shoots and since the Battlefield is so vast I'm sure you can create your own variations.
We had so much fun. It was a beautiful day sandwiched in between days and days of almost incessant rain but even then, it wasn't crowded. We passed several people on their own or with dogs but at no point did their presence feel oppressive. It was very pleasant, actually. We'd be on our own and then randomly people would pass and we'd say "hello". We also stopped to pet a pair of black labrador puppies. The cutest!
Suffice it to say, we plan on doing this again and again and again. One of the best parts of the experience? Entrance to the park is FREE. When we lived in Fairfax County we used to walk around Burke Lake for free. Non-Fairfax County residents have to pay $7 (or is it $10?) per vehicle. We were looking for something like that in our neck of the woods but the Battlefield is free for EVERYONE. It's fabulous.
Along our hike we saw a majestic blue heron, a centipede (yuck!), and a corn snake. I was hoping to see some deer. Maybe next time.
It's such a great way to exercise and connect with nature at the same time. I really do hope that we'll take advantage and manage to get out there once a week.
Some iPhone pictures of our Sunday hike:
Edited to add pictures taken with our brand new camera on Monday, June 13, 2016:
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