![]() NPS The "Morning Attack Trails" consist of three individual trails, when combined total 1.7 miles in length.The trails cover an area where part of a surprise Confederate attack during the Battle of Cedar Creek occurred on the morning of October 19, 1864. The "Morning Attack Trails" consists of the following three trails, which can be hiked individually or in various combinations:
The 8th Vermont monument, one of only three veteran placed monuments on the battlefield, commemorates one of the most famous incidents related to battle.Belonging to Col. Stephen Thomas's brigade of approximately 1,000 men, the regiment sacrificed itself against a Confederate onslaught four times its size.Nearly twenty years later, a simple monument was erected to honor the sacrifices of the regiment. The Thomas Brigade Loop Trail, and the Hayes-Ramseur Loop Trail, cover the area where additional Confederate attacks that morning overran other parts of the Union defenses, including troops commanded by Col. (and future President) Rutherford B. Hayes.All of the trails are located on land owned by the National Park Service.A free 8-page trail brochure is available on site, or at the National Park Service Visitor Contact Station (7712 Main Street, Middletown).The brochure narrative corresponds to the numbered stops that are marked on the trails. Visitors are encouraged to hike these trails to order to learn about the critical history which occurred on the property, or simply for recreation and leisure.Pets are allowed, but must remain on a lease at all times.The main trail head is located along U.S. Route 11, south of Middletown.The site (8739 Valley Pike, Middletown) is located immediately adjacent to the National Park Service Headquarters, and is marked by signage that reads "8th Vermont Monument."Future plans include additional signage and a larger visitor parking lot.
You can pick up the tour brochure at the trail head, the NPS Visitor Contact Station or find it here. Ticks on the Trails Here are some good practices that the Sierra Club, The National Capital Lyme & Tick-Borne Disease Association, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services recommend for anyone visiting parks in the region.
There are several symptoms that people should be concerned about after visiting wooded areas that may expose them to ticks. If you experience any of the following warning symptoms, you should see a doctor as soon as possible and get treatment: |
Last updated: June 9, 2018