FOJG Hike on the Lower Appomattox River Trail & Historic Battersea Tour

We will hike the beautiful Lower Appomattox River Trail from William Patton Park in Petersburg 2 miles upriver and 2 miles back. We will see old dams, mills, canals, past and present railroad bridges, and beautiful rapids. The fall colors should also be great. Halfway through the hike, we will cut up through the woods to Historic Battersea and get a tour of the restored 1768 home of the first mayor of Petersburg. If interested, you can join us for lunch at either Tramonto Ristorante or Trapezium Brewery in Old Towne Petersburg around 12 pm.

Our special guide will be Richard Taylor of the Friends of the Lower Appomattox Trail (FOLAR) and Battersea board member to tell us more about the trail. John Zeugner, Battersea board member, will give us a tour of Battersea. Battersea Foundation

Meet at 9 am at Patton Park, University Blvd, Petersburg, VA 23803, USA
William Patton Park is on University Blvd. across from Virginia State University in Petersburg VA. Map of Patton Park https://www.google.com/maps/place/Patton+Park/@37.2320941,-77.419098,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m5!3m4!1s0x89b1a664bffc8c67:0x32402e649ae5fdd3!8m2!3d37.2320898!4d-77.4169093
There is no restroom or port a potty at the park but there is one at Battersea.

Here is an overview map of the Appomattox River Trail.
105844-Map-Guide_web-final.pdf (folar-va.org)

Level: Moderate

Cost: Free but donations to FOLAR and Historic Battersea are welcome.

Leaders: Shavon Peacock, Doug Couvillion and Glen Besa. Contact Shavon at [email protected] or at 804-855-8458 if you have questions.

Signup Instructions: All participants must sign a standard Sierra Club waiver form. Children under 18 must be accompanied by a parent. No pets are allowed in Battersea but can join the hike. Register and sign the electronic waiver here FOJG Hike on the Lower Appomattox River Trail & Battersea Tour (sierraclub.org) or sign up at the trailhead on the day of the hike.

Bring: Wear sturdy shoes or boots, a hat and long pants as parts of the path are grassy. Bring insect repellant, water, and snacks. In case of light rain, bring a raincoat. Also bring along a camera if you wish as we will have some scenic views of the river.

Carpool: If you wish to carpool, let Shavon know and she will connect you with other interested carpoolers.
Note: Carpool transportation is at the sole risk of the participants.

Cancellation Policy: Heavy rain cancels