From our October 22nd, 2022 walk:

We had a great four-mile walk starting in Pratt Park in Fredericksburg, following a trail that took us across the new Chatham Bridge into downtown, walking on the charming Sophia and Caroline Streets before heading back. It was a beautiful morning.

September 2022 Walks:

On September 10th we walked 3.5 miles through parts of St. Clair Brooks and Pratt Parks in Fredericksburg, with the highlight being walking around the beautiful grounds of historic Chatham Manor.

On the evening of September 19th, we went on our club’s downtown Historic Fredericksburg walk, a Year-Round Event (volksmarch) sanctioned by the American Volksmarch Association (AVA*). It was very enjoyable especially because several walkers knew the history of some of the houses and buildings we saw.

You can also find out what’s happening by joining our Fredericksburg Walking Club Facebook group. Just do a search and you’ll find us.

Walks From Spring 2022

The Fredericksburg Walking Club joined the Northern VA Volksmarchers’ sponsored walk at Vint Hill, Warrenton, VA on May 21st, 2022.

The walk started at Old Bust Head Brewing Co., 7134 Farm Station Rd., Vint Hill/Warrenton, VA.

Six of us from the Fredericksburg Walking Club met at 9:00 a.m. and walked an enjoyable 5K – despite it being a 90+ degree day. It was too hot to take on the 10K! Afterwards, we had a very nice lunch at the Cafe. The Vint Hill area is so interesting historically:

Originally rural farmland where cattle and sheep were raised, Vint Hill’s purpose changed dramatically in 1942. Farmers noticed that they were intercepting German messages on their radios and contacted the U.S. Army. It turned out that the land sits on a rare geological formation that serves as a long-range antenna, and the messages were from Berlin. The Army purchased the land and the country’s newest listening post was born. After World War II, Vint Hill Farms Station served as a training outpost for cryptanalysts and radio operators. It closed in the 1990s and today is known for great food, local beer, and entertainment. After lunch, some of us visited the Old Bust Head Brewery, the Cold War Museum, and the Vint Hill Craft Winery. All in all, a great day!

* For more information about the American Volkssport Association (AVA): https://ava.org/

More Walks From Spring ’22:

Our Dalgren Rails to Trails walk on May 1st was a success!

Over forty people joined us for a self-guided or group walk on the Dalgren Heritage Trail in King George, VA, walking 5K, 13K, or any distance they preferred. The trail is through 240 acres of preserved land and is clear because the historic railroad ties have been removed. The natural surface is even and good for walking, hiking, biking, and running. The first four miles are particularly well-used, maintained, and are suitable for strollers and children. We offered brats and hot dogs that could be topped with member Kay Shoemaker’s delicious sauerkraut, plus chips, cookies, and water. AVA/IVV credit was available for $3.00.

For more information about the Dahlgren Heritage Trail – https://www.dahlgrentrail.org/

We celebrated National Walking Week on Sunday, April 3rd by walking The First Day of Chancellorsville Battlefield Trail in Spotsylvania, VA – our new Seasonal Event. Click here for more information.

Start Point: The Spotsylvania County/First Day of Chancellorsville Visitor Center/Museum, 6159 Plank Road, Fredericksburg, VA (across from the Battlefield Country Store)

We had a great turnout on a beautiful morning! Walkers had a choice of a 5-, 8-, or 10K trail. The trail is mostly grass or gravel with a few hills, plus a short distance (paved) through a housing development. Carrying water was recommended.

For more information about The First Day of Chancellorsville Trail: https://www.battlefields.org/visit/battlefields/chancellorsville-battlefield