Civil War Era Home Ruins Loop - Leesylvania State Park

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Civil War Era Home Ruins Loop - Leesylvania State Park

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(2 votes, 2 reviews)

Difficulty: Easy
Length: 2.1 miles / 3.4 km
Duration: 1 hour or less

Family Friendly • Dog Friendly

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Overview: A small civil war fort and era homes with lineage to the famous Robert E Lee!

This fort participated in the civil war, getting shots off at a passing gun boat.

The hike starts at the amphitheatre, where an old hunt club had a two story building (ruins) and various learning events are currently held.

Continuing on to the fort, we find cannon emplacements on the river with some great water views. Multiple benches at this location gives us places to eat a packed lunch.

The next leg takes us to the Henry Lee family cemetary, where the headstones have been removed for preservance.

Not far from that location we have a great view of the canyon which the railroad line passed through.

Continuing to the Henry Lee home site, we have a well spot and an overview of the home site.

The stroll back takes us along a spot where deer are frequently seen.

The last stop shows us the Fairfax home site and well. The well is brick lined and prominent. The home site still has a standing chimney and showing multiple foundations.

A huge picnic area and playground adjoin this hike.

Tips:

have lunch in the picnic area or take a packed lunch to have on the one of two benches with water views
try a longer trail along the railroad line
cold drink vending machine by bathrooms

Points of Interest

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trailhead

trailhead has a large map, this is a short 2 mile hike.

there ARE deers in the area (saw one and it ran away quickly)

do this one counterclockwise, take the amphitheatre steps to start the loop

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amphitheatre and ruins

this is an amphitheater for various presentations of the area, and remains of an old building where the "hunt club" met.

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cannons and fort!

this small fort has 2 cannon emplacements, a 32 inch gun, and did participate int he civil war!

this cannon emplacement did engage a ship passing by which can be read on the interpretive sign.

also a great water view!

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bench at the water

great view here, good lunch spot also

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flat trails

flat trails here! pretty easy going

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bench with water view

another bench with water view, another lunch spot!

view of a water railroad crossing which you will see later on crossing in your path

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flat trails!

nice flat trails here, very easygoing

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Henry Lee family cemetary

this is the Henry Lee (father of famous Robert E Lee) cemetary and his family.

the headstones were removed for protection, but a gate remains.

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view of the old railroad line

the railroad line runs right through this canyon!

the trail continues up along the railroad line ridge for quite a ways, however the track for this loop turns back to explore more ruins

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steps going up to home site

steps continuing up to homes sites

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Henry Lee home site

this is the location of the Henry Lee homesite as indicated on signs, the rail line going through here destroyed the last of the foundation.

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old well location

this is an old well location

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flat trail watch for deers

flat trail here, watch for deers along the road!

seen one here today :-)

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another old well with ruins

this is the ruins of an old well close to the fairfax home ruins

small brick well

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fairfax home ruins

this is the fairfax home ruins, containing what looks like 2 buildings in close proximity.

the chimney is still standing, and the uncut patch of grass is a second part of the foundation.

Pictures in this guide taken by: indiana_jones

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This was an enjoyable hike that included some terrific Civil War ruins (cannon battery and home sites) to add an educational element. In addition, I saw an osprey, deer and foxes while on the hike. I will be back to Leesylvania State Park to hike more trails in the future.
Visited on Jul 16, 2011

by rogercarr on Jul 23, 2011

5 stars for 2 homesite ruins and a civil war fort!
Visited on May 07, 2011

by indiana_jones on May 07, 2011