Capital Trail

Charles City Courthouse Phase

The Charles City Courthouse Phase of the Virginia Capital Trail travels along side highway 5 for 7 miles. It starts on its east most end near the intersection of highway 5 and highway 155, not far from the Charles City County Historic Visitor's Center and continues west until reaching the intersection of highway 5 and State Route 658. The Visitor Center is located adjacent to the 3rd oldest courthouse in the country. Four outdoor interpretive exhibits provide visitors with information about Charles Citys historic courthouse and engagements at the courthouse during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

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Chickahominy Riverfront Phase

The Chickahominy Riverfront Phase of the Virginia Capital Trail is 5 miles in length and closely follows Highway 5 on a paved path for its entire duration. On its eastern end, this section begins where Greensprings Road meets Highway 5 and continues until the Judith Stewart Dresser Bridge, which crosses the Chickahominy River. The Greensprings Plantation National Historical Site can be reached from the East end of this phase by heading northeast on highway 5 and taking the first left. The site is about 3 tenths of a mile down this road on the left. Back on the trail and heading west, you will find a number of wooden boardwalks that have been constructed to cross the sometimes uneven landscape. The trail crosses a few driveways along the way. Be sure to obey stop signs and be aware of traffic.

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Colonial Parkway Area Phase

The Colonial Parkway Area is located at the Eastern terminus of the Virginia Capital trail. It is 5 miles in length. On the north eastern end, its starts near the Colonial Williamsburg Visitor Center and continues along the Colonial National Historic Parkway until reaching Greensprings Road, near the Jamestown Settlement Living History Museum and Ships. The Colonial Parkway Area shares the road with vehicles, so use caution and be aware of traffic.

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Greensprings Phase

At 3 miles in length, the Greensprings phase is the shortest section of the Virginia Capital Trail. Starting at the southern end, this section of trail may be accessed from Jamestown Road near the Jamestown Settlement Living History Museum and Ships, and continues northwest on a paved path until reaching Highway 5. Shortly after passing route 680 on the right, heading north, the trail is flanked by large fields. Just a short distance ahead lies a junction between Greensprings and a private road. It is at this location you will find a number of historical markers that interpret a Revolutionary War battle fought on these grounds, the site of a mid-18th century church nearby, the historical significance of the road beside you and the history of ownership involving the land surrounding this area.

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New Market Heights Phase

When completed in 2013, the New Market Heights Phase will be a 12 mile section of the Virginia Capital Trail. Like most of the trail, it will closely follow Highway 5 on a paved even surface. Along the way, trail users will have access to numerous historical attractions such as the Shirley Plantation, Virginia's oldest plantation, and the Richmond National Battlefield Park. There are also facilities that interpret the areas natural resources like the Harrison Lake Fish Hatchery and the Virginia Commonwealth University's Rice Center. Rest and relaxation can also be found at a bed and breakfast like the historic Edgewood Plantation. And additional outdoor activities may be enjoyed at Deep Bottom Park.

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Richmond Riverfront Phase

The Riverfront phase will be a 3 mile section of the Virginia Capital Trail that completes the western most section of this trail. One half mile is currently complete with 2 and a half miles scheduled to be complete in the near future.

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Sherwood Forest Phase

The Sherwood Forest Phase of the Virginia Capital Trail is slated for completion in 2012. When complete, it will allow access to 13 and a half miles of paved, tree lined trail that follows along side highway 5. Along the way you will be able to encounter many historical sites, plantations and wildlife management areas. If you are traveling this area via automobile, a few gas stations can be found for refueling and purchasing convenience items along the way. The completed trail starts on its east end at the Judith Stewart Dressor Bridge and will continue west until reaching the Charles City Historic Visitor's Center.

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Varina Phase

The Varina Phase is a 7 mile section of the Virginia Capital Trail that is scheduled for completion in 2013.

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Jamestown Settlement Living History and Ships

In 1607, 13 years before the Pilgrims landed in Massachusetts, a group of 104 English men and boys began a settlement on the banks of Virginia's James River. Today at Jamestown Settlement, the story of the people who founded Jamestown and the Virginia Indians they encountered is told through film, gallery exhibits, and living history.

• Season/Hours: Year Round/9 am - 5 pm (6 pm June 15 - August 16)
• Fee: Adults: $14 Ages 6-12: $6.50
• Location:37° 13.4915, -76° 47.0459

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Belle Air Plantation

National Register of Historic Places. Built ca. 1670, this important architectural monument uniquely survives in the South. Huge timbers provide structure and interior decorative panels. Summer beams and the fine original Jacobean stair balustrade are particularly ornamental. Heirloom collections of exceptionally fine 18th century English and American antiques, including antique oriental carpets tastefully complete the decor of the first and second floors. (No rooms are roped off for this intimate tour with the owner and experienced guides.)

• Season/Hours: By appointment only. Open to public during Garden week./
• Fee: Call: (804) 829-2431
• Location:37° 20.5644, -77° 03.9091

Berkeley Plantation

National Historic Landmark, Civil War Trails site, Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail site, and Virginia Time Travelers site. Berkeley, one of Virginia's most historic plantations, is the birthplace of Benjamin Harrison V., signer of the Declaration of Independence and William Henry Harrison, ninth U.S. president. The first official Thanksgiving was held here(1619). "Taps" was composed here (1862) at the Civil War Headquarters of General McClellan. Costumed guides conduct tours of the 1726 Georgian mansion daily. Outstanding gardens overlook the James River.

• Season/Hours: Open daily/10:30 - 3:30 off season hours
• Fee: Adults: $11 ; Ages 6-12: $6 ; Students Ages 13-16: $7.50
• Location:37° 19.071, -77° 10.819

Charles City County Visitor Center and Courthouse

National Register of Historic Places and Civil War Trails Site. The Visitor Center is located in the county's historic 1901 Clerk's Office adjacent to the 3rd oldest courthouse in the country. Visitor Center exhibits invite guests to experience "the story of America in one small county" and acquaint visitors with things to see and do. Four outdoor interpretive exhibits provide visitors with information about Charles City's historic courthouse and engagements at the courthouse during the Revolutionary and Civil Wars.

• Season/Hours: Open Daily/9 am - 5 pm
• Fee: Call: (804) 652-4701
• Location:37° 20.507, -77° 04.339

Colonial Capital

The Colonial Capital is located within Colonial Williamsburg. Experience life as it was in our nation's yesterdays. Explore the homes and buildings where men like Thomas Jefferson, George Washington, and Patrick Henry inspired the fight for independence.

• Season/Hours: Open Daily/9 am - 5 pm
• Fee: None for Visitor Center
• Location:37° 16.2971, -76° 41.6079

Edgewood Plantation

National Register of Historic Places. Edgewood, built ca. 1849 in the Gothic Revival Style, surprises visitors with its northern exterior and southern interior, including a double spiral staircase and 10 fireplaces. Edgewood was used to hold services for Westover Church during the Civil War.

• Season/Hours: Open daily/10:30 am - 4:30pm
• Fee: Call: (804) 829-2962
• Location:37° 19.820, -77° 11.182

Kittiewan Plantation and Visitor Center

National Register of Historic Places. Land given to Governor George Yeardly in 1617. Home of Dr. William Rickman appointed by Continental Congress, May 16, 1776, in charges of hospitals in Virginia during the Revolutionary War. Occupied by Union forces during the Civil War. Museum of Americana. Headquarters of the Archeology Society of Virginia.

• Season/Hours: --/Hours vary
• Fee: $7 per person
• Location:37° 18.353, -77° 02.903

Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park

Civil War Trails site. Lawrence Lewis, Jr. Park is a 24-acre site located on the James River and accessible from Route 5 via Wilcox Wharf Road. This is a great place for fishing, bird watching and picnicking. The park is home to eagles, blue heron and other waterfowl. Park amenities include a picnic area, comfort station, fishing and birding pier and a short swamp boardwalk leading to a wooded trail. The park has separate entrances for the upper and lower levels - don't miss half of the park.

• Season/Hours: /
• Fee:
• Location:37° 19.170, -77° 05.945

North Bend Plantation

National Register of Historic Places. Civil War Trails site. Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail site. North Bend Plantation, ca 1801, was built by John Minge for his wife Sarah Harrison, sister of William Henry Harrison, 9th U.S. president. General Sheridan and his union troops occupied the area in 1864. Heirlooms at North Bend trace the family history to previous owners of Westover, Evelynton, and Berkeley Plantations.

• Season/Hours: Open Daily/9 am - 5 pm
• Fee: Call: (804) 829-5176
• Location:37° 18.745, -77° 03.331

Richmond Battlefield National Park - Fort Harrison

The national battlefield park contains sites relating to three separate events of the Civil War: The Seven Days Campaign of 1862, The Overland Campaign of 1864, and the late-war fighting north of the James River. Fort Harrison stood in 1854 as the most powerful fort in the extensive outer defenses of Richmond. Built on high, open ground, the fort and its surrounding entrenchments were built to protect the approaches to Richmond from the South.

• Season/Hours: Open Daily/9 am to 5 pm
• Fee: Free
• Location:37° 25.700, -77° 22.391,

Sherwood Forest Plantation

National Historic Landmark. Civil War Trails site. Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail site. Sherwood Forest Plantation was the home of the 10th U.S. President John Tyler from 1842 until his death in 1862, and has been continuously occupied by his descendants since that time. Original dependencies surround the home, along with a magnificent collection of trees and landscaped grounds. Enjoy a virtual tour of the home the website: www.sherwoodforest.org.

• Season/Hours: Open Daily/Plantation grounds
• Fee: self-guided grounds tour: $10.00; 15 and under free; guided house tour: $35.00 per person
• Location:37° 20.097, -77° 01.120

Westover Plantation and Gardens

National Historic Landmark. Civil War Trails site. Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail site. Westover is one of the most elegant colonial plantations. It was built about 1730 by William Byrd II, found of Richmond and Petersburg, and is widely known for its superb proportions and the finest 18th century iron gates in this country. Self-guide grounds tour includes a walled garden, original dependencies and original site of Charles City Courthouse and Westover Parish Church and graveyard.

• Season/Hours: Open Daily/9 am to 6 pm
• Fee: Call: (804) 829-2882
• Location:37° 18.664, -77° 09.097