James River Hikers - Hiking With History

Near the conclusion of the Seven Days Battle in 1862 Confederate forces caught up to the retreating Union Army at this site on July 1. Had the South prevailed in this encounter, the war would have probably been over. However, having the advantage of high ground and facing a somewhat disorganized attack, the Union forces prevailed.

As with each of the other battles during the dramatic week, darkness concluded the action. Malvern Hill had demonstrated the power and efficiency of the Union artillery in particular. Confederate leaders and soldiers alike could look back on poor command and control as the principal cause of their defeat. The casualty totals were more balanced than expected for a battle in which the outcome never was in doubt. Slightly more than 5000 Confederates fell killed and wounded, while roughly 3000 Union soldiers met a similar fate.

One hundred sixty-three years later 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 will first observe the field of fire from the vantage point of the Union artillery, then move into the woods where the Confederate forces attempted to get organized for a frontal attack, and lastly emerge from the cover of the forest to retrace the ill fated charges into the teeth of the Union gunfire. It's a very sobering experience.

This is a hike of approximately three miles over woodland trails and open fields. All hikes begin at the posted time, not five or ten minutes later. If you are unfamiliar with the meet up location, add a few minutes to your travel schedule so you can find it (some say, "It's really out in the Boonies"). Use the inset map located under "How To Find Us" to get directions. This is very accurate and is probably your best chance to locate the Meet Up.

Participants should be able to maintain a pace of 2.5 miles per hour and possess the ability to negotiate rocks, roots, low hanging branches, uncertain footing on hills, steep ascents and descents, stream crossings, bridges and toxic plants in season. Parking is somewhat limited so come early, carpool or be prepared to locate roadside parking on the grass.

• What to bring

• Water bottle, clothing appropriate for the season, practical footwear, band aids, insect repellent, cap, visor or bonnet & a change of dry clothing for after hike activities
• Anticipated weather on hike day
• This is a certified dog friendly hike.
• Police Non-emergency Number --> 804-646-5100
• Restroom facilities may be scarce so plan accordingly

Unlike many of the other picturesque hikes in the Shenandoah National Park, the Bear Church Rock circuit is not nearly as well known. This hike starts along the beautiful Rapidan River, then heads up alongside Staunton River with small falls and pools, before making a steep climb to the panoramic outcropping of views at Bear Church Rock.
The hike posted here also does a short 0.6 mile out and back detour to the magnificent Jones Mountain Cabin. The cabin sits next to a stream that runs most times of the year, and is maintained and available for rent from the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club.
From the Graves Mill parking area on VA662 start up the yellow blazed Graves Mill Trail as is stays on the left of the Rapidan River for 0.5 miles to the intersection of the Staunton River Trail.
Turn left on the blue blazed Staunton River Trail, and in 0.5 miles look for a small side trail to a set of falls and pool. Continue along the Staunton River Trail another 1.7 miles to the intersection of the Jones Mountain Trail. Turn left on the steeper Jones Mountain Trail for 0.5 miles to the next junction, where the Jones Mountain Trail turns left, and the McDaniel Hollow Trail turns right.
Turn left staying on the Jones Mountain Trail as it winds around the mountain and passes through a canopy of Mountain Laurel before reaching an intersection where a side trail leads down to the Jones Mountain Cabin. The side trip to the cabin is 0.6 miles out and back, and well worth the extra distance.
After returning from the side hike to the cabin turn left uphill on the Jones Mountain Trail as it heads around the eastern side of the ridge for another 0.5 miles to the Bear Church Rock rock overlook. The Jones Mountain Trail continues past Bear Church Rock, so make sure not to miss the unmarked short side trail to Bear Church Rock on the right.
From high point of the hike retrace your steps back down Jones Mountain to the starting point and parking area.

Questions or Concerns you can reach out to Debdeb 804-920-6340 or Bill 804-840-1857