VCT-FH-28 E

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Richmond, VA, US

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Route Overview

Road-Tested Bike Tours, LLC

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28 mi.

723 ft.

This ride is filled with Civil War history. You will cycle through several major battlefields and cemeteries within the Richmond National Battlefield Park. There are many opportunities to explore the well-preserved Civil War earthworks, cannons, and interpretive signs. Park Rangers are available during operating hours to answer your questions at the Fort Harrison Visitor Center, Glendale National Cemetery and Fort Harrison National Cemetery.

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Route Details

# FORT HARRISON VISITOR CENTER - 28 MILES

This ride is filled with Civil War history.  You will cycle through several major battlefields and cemeteries within the Richmond National Battlefield Park.  There are many opportunities to explore the well-preserved Civil War earthworks, cannons, and interpretive signs. Park Rangers are available during operating hours to answer your questions at the Fort Harrison Visitor Center, Glendale National Cemetery and Fort Harrison National Cemetery.

Your ride starts at the @poi[Fort Harrison Visitor Center](2129993) on Battlefield Park Road, which is three miles from the Virginia Capital Trail between mile markers 45 and 46.

@slice[For the first three miles of your ride](d,0,4791.03), you’ll cycle on a @poi[quiet, forested road](2111949) through the heart of the Fort Harrison battlefield.

At mile 3 you’ll leave the Park @slice[to ride on a road that was instrumental during the Civil War](d,4791.03,11290.13).  You'll enjoy the expansive views of farmland for the next four miles.  At @point[mile 6.3](d,10187.98), you can take a one mile side-trip to visit Deep Bottom, a historic Civil War crossing on the James River.

@slice[You’ll briefly ride on the Virginia Capital Trail](d,11356.47,12050.35) before continuing on @slice[more historical roads](d,12097.13,19749.13) leading to another part of the Richmond National Battlefield Park system.  At @point[mile 12.5](d,20057.83) you’ll reach @poi[Glendale National Cemetery](2129990) where you can quietly explore the hallowed grounds and Visitors Center.

Next you’ll cycle through the @poi[Malvern Hill battlefield](2129991).  According to the National Park Service, "Malvern Hill is the best preserved Civil War battlefield in central or southern Virginia.  Nearly  unaltered in appearance since 1862, the battlefield's rural setting and extensive walking trails offer an ideal environment for visitors to study the climactic battle of the Seven Days Campaign."

You may encounter cross-country cyclists riding on @slice[Bicycle Route 76](d,19012.56,25018.04), whose eastern endpoint is Yorktown, Virginia.  @poi[Willis United Methodist Church](2094418), on Route 156/Willis Church Road, is often an overnight stop.

Take a break at @point[mile 15.6](d,25050.32) at @poi[The Fork on Five](2129995).   In addition to wonderful hospitality, they offer food and drinks for cyclists, a covered seating area with a nice long bench and a bike pump.  Check out their tee pee behind the building!

After your break @slice[you’ll cycle the Virginia Capital Trail for the next nine miles](d,25080.62,40112.76) passing through dense forests and along open fields of corn, cotton, sorghum, soybeans and wheat.

There is another rest stop at @point[mile 24.9](d,40081.6) at @poi[Ronnie’s BBQ](2094417).  During operating hours enjoy Ronnie’s BBQ famous smoked pork, chicken or brisket sandwiches and homemade French fries!  Ronnie and his crew love cyclists and have picnic benches, tree trunk seating, hand-crafted bike racks, a bike pump, and outside restrooms available.  You can watch cyclists passing by on the Virginia Capital while listening to oldies playing through Ronnie’s outside stereo system.

Visit @poi[Fort Harrison National Cemetery](2129992) at @point[mile 26.7](d,42904.68). You can stop and quietly explore the hallowed grounds and Visitor Center if you wish.

You’ll end your ride by @slice[cycling through Richmond National Battlefield Park](d,43418.43,44414.29) as you return to @poi[Fort Harrison Visitor Center](2129993).

## Cycling Adventures Along the Virginia Capital Trail

For more adventures, check out my guide book [here](https://roadtestedbiketours.com/virginia-capital-trail-guide-books/)!

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VCT-FH-28 E

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