At Cold Harbor Battlefield, three connected loops offer a concrete starting point for hiking: the Blue Trail is 1 mile long, the White Trail adds 1.5 miles, and the Yellow Loop adds another 0.9 miles. The region’s history can also be explored on trails—for example, at North Anna Battlefield Park, which reveals a different site and other traces of history.
Battlefield History, Trails and Nature
North Anna Battlefield Park preserves the site of the Battle of North Anna from May 1864 and covers 172 acres. More than 6 miles of trails pass historic markers and interpretive signs, along with trenches and rifle pits. Keep this in mind when choosing a route: hiking the Blue Trail is strenuous because of its steep climbs and uneven terrain. The details on the individual Cold Harbor loops and the longer selection of trails at North Anna provide different reference points for planning.
Nature and wildlife are also part of the experience. Lake Hanover Nature Trail has a nesting area for ducks, swans, cranes, geese and coots. Another trail option is the Ashland Trolley Line Trail, which is 0.5 miles long; this greenway has a natural surface. It is part of the historic Ashland-Richmond Trolley Line. A 4.8-mile section of the Fall Line Trail in Hanover connects the Ashland Trolley Line Trail through Hanover County to Woodman Road in Henrico County.
Access to the water is another part of finding your way around the county: South Anna Ramp offers access to the South Anna River at West Patrick Henry Road. Hanover County’s boat ramps are best suited to smaller boats such as canoes or kayaks. The outings described here therefore differ not only in length but also in focus—from historic trails to river access and a nesting area for waterfowl.
Local Architecture and History
Hanover County Courthouse was built around 1737 to 1742 and has been in continuous use ever since. Cold Harbor Battlefield Park offers another connection to the past, surrounding the historically significant Garthright House. Along with the markers and signs at North Anna Battlefield Park, history takes different forms here: as a building still in use, as a house in a historic park, and as information provided along trails.
At Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown, a self-guided tour of the grounds offers information about the site’s history and architecture on your mobile phone. Paid, 45-minute tours of the house are also available during operating hours. At the Hanover Museum of History and Culture, exhibits developed in collaboration with community members share the diverse history of Hanover County. For museum tours, visitors and groups are asked to schedule an appointment in advance by email or phone.
Wine, Regional Cuisine and Events
James River Cellars Winery offers guided tastings of eight selected wines. A visit to Hanover Tavern provides another opportunity to experience local culture: Hanover Tavern Restaurant & Pub serves food daily, and Virginia Repertory Theatre presents live performances at Hanover Tavern.
Regional products and events also shape what the area has to offer. Hanover County produces, among other things, the distinctive Hanover Tomato. The Hanover Tomato Festival features tastings and dishes made with Hanover Tomatoes, as well as booths run by agricultural, craft and artisan vendors; offerings may vary from one festival to the next. The Sounds at Sunset concert series runs from April through September and features live bands, food trucks, a beer garden and games open for everyone to use. Since the seasonal program may change, check event dates in advance. At Freckled Flower Farm, guests can pick flowers right in the garden during workshops and market events—the opportunity is limited to these events.
Explore more destinations: Mechanicsville, Doswell, Campbell, Alleghany County, Dickenson County, Isle Of Wight County, Rappahannock County, Henry County.
Go to the main travel overview: Virginia.
