MOUNTAIN BIKING: 3rd Battle Of Winchester Trail

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Description

This 10ft gravel path goes through the historic fields and forests were the 3rd Battle of Winchester took place providing an enjoyable venue for family bike exploration and a key connectivity link between the Elementary and High School campus and residential areas to the north. The main path is 3 miles and consists mostly of gravel, with a short asphalt section near the steep ascent/decent to the Red Bud Run bridge.

The scenery is an enjoyable mix of open field and woodland with views across the Shenandoah Valley. Historic interpretative signs along the path provide context for the pivotal Civil War battle fought on the grounds in September, 1864. A side spur loop, approximately .5 miles in distance, on the south west part of the property takes riders down the trace of Hackwood Lane, shaded with a natural arbor of local fence line trees. Throughout the property visitors will notice the Shenandoah Valley Battlefields Foundation (SVBF) has commenced restoration and other activities intended to create a model for significant battlefield sites outside of the National Park System.

Formerly, single track trails were open for MTB use, however after consultation with state and federal land use agencies, the property owner (SVBF) has designated these single-track trails for hiker (pedestrian) use only as of January 1, 2014. Bicycles are encouraged on the 3 miles of 10' gravel paths on the property.

For more information including development plans for the property, visit the SVBF website at: http://www.shenandoahatwar.org/Make-a-Difference/Help-Preserve-Third-Winchester

Directions

Start at I-81 in Winchester and head east on Route 7. Around one mile OR about 3 to 4 stop lights you will see a Honda Motorcycle shop on your right. There is a left up an exit just past the cycle shop. You will cross across Route 7 west. The road you are turning on to is Route 656(Morgan HIll?) Travel about 2 miles and turn left on Red Bud Road (661). Now travel about 3 to 4 miles and you will see a paved parking area on your left. Once you park you will see the gravel bike trail and as you ride that gravel loop keep your eyes peeled for mtb. trail loops that are marked with either red or orange flags.