There’s a new must-see destination for lovers of nature and history, and it’s just a short drive from Northern Virginia. Culpeper Battlefields State Park, Virginia’s newly designated state park, opened this month with 263 acres and big expansion plans. This is the 43rd state park in Virginia.
The park in Brandy Station will encompass 2,200 acres of historic battlefield land, after a series of property transfers set to take place through December 2027. This land includes the sites of four Civil War battles fought in Culpeper County: Brandy Station, Cedar Mountain, Kelly’s Ford, and Rappahannock Station.
“Culpeper Battlefields State Park connects us to our past and inspires us as we march together into our future. Visitors from all over will be able to appreciate the beauty of nature and reflect on the enduring spirit of resilience and unity that defines us,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin.
The Virginia General Assembly and Youngkin approved the park’s creation in 2022 with a biennial budget that would allow 1,700 acres of land — already protected by the American Battlefield Trust and Brandy Station Foundation — to be donated to the state. Additional appropriations will allow Virginia to acquire up to 800 additional acres.
“The addition of this property to Virginia’s State Parks will ensure this land will remain available to the public and protected for future generations,” said Virginia Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Travis Voyles.
The 263 acres that Youngkin designated in early June are at Fleetwood Hill at Brandy Station Battlefield, the site of the largest cavalry battle in North America.
Visitors can enjoy walking and equestrian trails with interpretive signs at the park. In the future, recreational activities may include boating, camping, and public programming.
The park off of U.S. 15 in Culpeper is open from sunrise to sunset and the following hiking trails are available, according to Virginia State Parks:
- Brandy Station – Fleetwood Hill Trailhead (0.26-mile hike with 10 interpretive signs)
- Brandy Station – Buford’s Knoll Trailhead (2.52-mile hike with 7 interpretive signs)
- Brandy Station – St. James Church Trailhead (0.75-mile hike with 4 interpretive signs)
- Cedar Mountain – Visitor Center and Trailhead (1.25-mile hike with 10 interpretive signs)
Guided tours are available to learn about the history of these battlefields.
Feature image courtesy Virginia State Parks
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