Appomattox Court House National Historical Park ⓘ

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park contains over 1,700 acres with a diversity of natural resources including various plant and animal communities, streams, wetlands, forests and agricultural lands. Although these lands were acquired to protect the battlefield and vistas, they are a part of the National Park Service’s mission to preserve and enhance the natural resources. Natural resource management at the park has three major objectives: protect and promote biological diversity and habitat health; protect and promote soil and water quality; and protect and enhance the cultural landscape. To meet these objectives, inventory and monitoring programs are conducted on water quality; bird, mammal, reptile, amphibian and fish populations; vegetation communities; and forest health. Research is also conducted to understand past land uses and their impacts on the natural resources and the landscape today. Finally, all of this information is used to develop goals and strategies that guide natural resource management.

Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, situated in the Piedmont Province of central Virginia, has gently rolling hills with elevations between 640 and 830 feet above sea level. The landscape is a mosaic of mature and maturing forests of oak, hickory, poplar and pine, agricultural fields, pasturelands, small streams, and pockets of wetlands. Approximately 70% of the park is forested. The climate is temperate with generally hot and humid summers and mild winters. Annual precipitation averages 43 inches a year.

The park contains eight miles of streams. All of the tributaries drain into the Appomattox River which bisects the park. Approximately 98 acres of wetlands are found within the park.

Biological inventories conducted in the park have documented 498 species of vascular plants, 99 bird species, 22 mammal species, 13 reptile species, 17 amphibian species and 37 species of fish.

Twelve distinct plant communities comprise the 1,100 acres of forest in Appomattox Court House NHP. These plant communities include mature upland oak and hickory forests, young successional forests of Virginia pine and yellow popular, riparian forests along the Appomattox River, and unique wetlands. Most of the forests in the park are less than 50 years old, but several mature oak stands probably date back to 1865.

Over 590 acres of open lands are maintained in the park to reflect the historic agrarian landscape of 1865, with most of the non-forested land leased for agriculture. Lands dedicated to agricultural use (hay and cattle pastures) and residential areas are typically vegetated in turf grasses, such as fescues. Some open lands are managed as "old fields" which are made up of native, warm-season grasses, wildflowers (forbs) and shrubs which provide wildlife habitat. Around the historic village, the fields are managed in turf grasses for hay, and native, warm-season grasses to reflect the agricultural use of the land in 1865.

Forest and field communities with the greatest diversity of plants are the healthiest communities and support the greatest amount of wildlife. Monocultures, such as hayfields, provide little habitat for wildlife because of the lack of food and shelter. Management actions taken in the park, such as invasive plant control and prescribed fire, are taken to increase the natural diversity of plants and improve the health of the plant communities.

Map of the hiking trails at Appomattox Court House NHP NPS Appomattox Court House National Historical Park offers 11 hiking trails ranging in length from 0.3 to 2.4 miles with additional distances by connecting mulitple trails. Pick up a trail map at the Visitor Center or view the trail descriptions below These trails lead visitors through landscapes shaped by history, many tracing the movements of Federal and Confederate forces during the Battle of Appomattox Court House. Along the way, hikers can follow the approach of the United States Colored Troops, explore the epicenter of fighting near the former Coleman Farm, and visit the Sweeney Prizery—the oldest building on park grounds—as well as the Charles Sweeney cabin, where visitors can learn about the origins of the five-string banjo and the musically influential Sweeney family of the region. Beyond their historical significance, the trails also offer opportunities to enjoy the park’s natural beauty. A variety of tree and plant species line the paths, and visitors may spot amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals that call the park home.

Trail Descriptions Coleman House Trail 0.6 mile (one way)- Easy Take a hike to the epicenter of the Appomattox Court House Battlefield, including the Coleman House site where Hannah Reynolds, an enslaved woman and the only civilian causality, received her mortal wound. This wooded out and back trail hike has a wide gentle grade and the tread is generally even but watch for some roots and rocks. The trail begins and ends along Gordon Drive. Parking is available along Gordon Drive and the Confederate Cemetery parking lot. Conner-Sweeney Cabin Trail 0.5 mile (one way)- Easy

This trail passes through forest and fields and provides a view of the Conner-Sweeney Cabin. A 0.8-mile loop is possible with the north end of the Sweeney Trail. The trail has a gentle grade and the tread is generally even. The trail passes through fields managed for native pollinator habitat and grassland birds. Ferguson Wildlife Trail 0.9 mile (loop)- Easy

This interpretive loop trail identifies wildlife habitat types that can be found in the park. The trail starts at the Sweeney Cemetery and follows along the outer edge of the Ferguson field, which is managed for native pollinator habitat and grassland birds. The trail has some gentle slopes and the tread can be uneven in some areas. The trail is open with little shade in mid-day. Grant’s Approach Trail 1.4 miles (loop)- Easy

Starting at the North Carolina Monument parking lot, this loop trail accesses the North Carolina Monument and Raine Monument. It also intersects with the USCT Approach and Southside Connector trails. A portion of the trail follows the historic Sears Lane which General Grant traveled on his way to meet with General Lee. Trail tread is generally even and wide with a gentle grade. The trail is mostly wooded. Lee’s Headquarters Trail 0.3 mile (loop)- Easy

This short hike provides access to the marker denoting the location of Lee’s Headquarters. The trail is wooded and somewhat narrow. Tread is generally even but watch for some roots and rocks. Southside Connector Trail 2.4 miles (one way)- Moderate

This trail links Grant’s Approach Trail and Tobacco Prizery Nature trail. Sections of trail can be rocky with uneven tread. Rolling hills along the trail have cumulative elevation change of approximately 350 feet. The trail crosses over River Ridge Road (vehicles have the right of way.) Sections of trail may be flooded during high water events. Do not attempt to cross any section of trail when flooded. The trail is wooded. Stage Road Trail 0.9 mile (one way)- Easy

This trail is the historic Lynchburg-Richmond Stage Road running from the Confederate Cemetery to the Appomattox River and passing through the historic village. Trail surface is even and wide. There is a long slope with 100 feet elevation change between the Salute Site and the Appomattox River. The trail is generally open with little shade. A 2.2-mile loop hike can be made with the Tibbs Trail. Sweeney Trail 1 mile (one way)- Easy

Traversing mostly open fields, this trail links the Artillery Park, Charles Sweeney Cabin, Sweeney Cemetery and Conner House site. There is a long, gentle slope on the north end and tread is wide and even. Trail has little shade. Tibbs Trail 1.3 miles (one way)- Easy

Starting at the Confederate Cemetery, this trail follows through field and forest to the Appomattox Wayside. A 2.2-mile loop can be made with the Stage Road Trail. The trail has gentle slopes and the tread is generally even. The trail passes through fields managed for native pollinator habitat and grassland birds. About half of the trail is open with little shade. Tobacco Prizery Nature Trail 1.2 mile (loop)- Easy

This interpretive loop trail identifies trees and tells the story of the changing land. Trail tread is generally level and wide with a gentle grade. A short section of trail is uneven and has two short sets of stairs with no handrails. The trail intersects with the Southside Connector Trail near the Appomattox River. The trail is mostly wooded but one quarter-mile section crosses an open field. USCT Approach Trail 1.2 mile (loop)- Easy

Beyond their historical significance, the trails also offer opportunities to enjoy the park’s natural beauty. A variety of tree and plant species line the paths, and visitors may spot amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals that call the park home. Pick up a trail map at the Visitor Center or view the trail descriptions below.