Hiking Trails

Map of the hiking trails at Appomattox Court House NHP

NPS

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park offers 11 hiking trails ranging in length from 0.3 to 2.4 miles with additional distances by connecting mulitple trails. Pick up a trail map at the Visitor Center or view the trail descriptions below

These trails lead visitors through landscapes shaped by history, many tracing the movements of Federal and Confederate forces during the Battle of Appomattox Court House. Along the way, hikers can follow the approach of the United States Colored Troops, explore the epicenter of fighting near the former Coleman Farm, and visit the Sweeney Prizery—the oldest building on park grounds—as well as the Charles Sweeney cabin, where visitors can learn about the origins of the five-string banjo and the musically influential Sweeney family of the region.

Beyond their historical significance, the trails also offer opportunities to enjoy the park’s natural beauty. A variety of tree and plant species line the paths, and visitors may spot amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals that call the park home.

Pick up a trail map at the Visitor Center or view the trail descriptions below.

 

Trail Descriptions

Coleman House Trail

0.6 mile (one way)- Easy

Take a hike to the epicenter of the Appomattox Court House Battlefield, including the Coleman House site where Hannah Reynolds, an enslaved woman and the only civilian causality, received her mortal wound. This wooded out and back trail hike has a wide gentle grade and the tread is generally even but watch for some roots and rocks. The trail begins and ends along Gordon Drive. Parking is available along Gordon Drive and the Confederate Cemetery parking lot.

Conner-Sweeney Cabin Trail

0.5 mile (one way)- Easy

This trail passes through forest and fields and provides a view of the Conner-Sweeney Cabin. A 0.8-mile loop is possible with the north end of the Sweeney Trail. The trail has a gentle grade and the tread is generally even. The trail passes through fields managed for native pollinator habitat and grassland birds.

Ferguson Wildlife Trail

0.9 mile (loop)- Easy

This interpretive loop trail identifies wildlife habitat types that can be found in the park. The trail starts at the Sweeney Cemetery and follows along the outer edge of the Ferguson field, which is managed for native pollinator habitat and grassland birds. The trail has some gentle slopes and the tread can be uneven in some areas. The trail is open with little shade in mid-day.

Grant’s Approach Trail

1.4 miles (loop)- Easy

Starting at the North Carolina Monument parking lot, this loop trail accesses the North Carolina Monument and Raine Monument. It also intersects with the USCT Approach and Southside Connector trails. A portion of the trail follows the historic Sears Lane which General Grant traveled on his way to meet with General Lee. Trail tread is generally even and wide with a gentle grade. The trail is mostly wooded.

Lee’s Headquarters Trail

0.3 mile (loop)- Easy

This short hike provides access to the marker denoting the location of Lee’s Headquarters. The trail is wooded and somewhat narrow. Tread is generally even but watch for some roots and rocks.

Southside Connector Trail

2.4 miles (one way)- Moderate

This trail links Grant’s Approach Trail and Tobacco Prizery Nature trail. Sections of trail can be rocky with uneven tread. Rolling hills along the trail have cumulative elevation change of approximately 350 feet. The trail crosses over River Ridge Road (vehicles have the right of way.) Sections of trail may be flooded during high water events. Do not attempt to cross any section of trail when flooded. The trail is wooded.

Stage Road Trail

0.9 mile (one way)- Easy

This trail is the historic Lynchburg-Richmond Stage Road running from the Confederate Cemetery to the Appomattox River and passing through the historic village. Trail surface is even and wide. There is a long slope with 100 feet elevation change between the Salute Site and the Appomattox River. The trail is generally open with little shade. A 2.2-mile loop hike can be made with the Tibbs Trail.

Sweeney Trail

1 mile (one way)- Easy

Traversing mostly open fields, this trail links the Artillery Park, Charles Sweeney Cabin, Sweeney Cemetery and Conner House site. There is a long, gentle slope on the north end and tread is wide and even. Trail has little shade.

Tibbs Trail

1.3 miles (one way)- Easy

Starting at the Confederate Cemetery, this trail follows through field and forest to the Appomattox Wayside. A 2.2-mile loop can be made with the Stage Road Trail. The trail has gentle slopes and the tread is generally even. The trail passes through fields managed for native pollinator habitat and grassland birds. About half of the trail is open with little shade.

Tobacco Prizery Nature Trail

1.2 mile (loop)- Easy

This interpretive loop trail identifies trees and tells the story of the changing land. Trail tread is generally level and wide with a gentle grade. A short section of trail is uneven and has two short sets of stairs with no handrails. The trail intersects with the Southside Connector Trail near the Appomattox River. The trail is mostly wooded but one quarter-mile section crosses an open field.

USCT Approach Trail

1.2 mile (loop)- Easy

On April 9, 1865, 5,000 United States Colored Troops (USCT) were part of the United States forces that blocked the Army of Northern of Virginia’s escape route. Trace their journey crossing these open-fields. Starting and ending at the Grant’s Headquarters parking lot, this loop trail offers a short cut option along with a connection to Grant’s Approach Trail.