State of the Trail Report
Agencies
Assessment by County
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General
The Fredericksburg area offers scores of historic attractions that span over three centuries of American history. Outdoor recreation opportunities abound in more than 1,000 acres of county, regional, state and national parks. Located midway between the metropolitan areas of Washington, D.C. and Richmond, Stafford County encompasses 277 square miles, 65% of which is forested.
Highlights of things to do and see include:
- George Washington's Ferry Farm. Here George Washington grew to manhood (from 1738-1752, ages 6-19).
- Fredericksburg and Spotsylvania National Military Parks. The National Park Service maintains nearly 9,000 acres of land upon which major Civil War actions took place.
- Civil War Trails. Learn about the past through Civil War walking trails and/or historian-guided walking tours.
- Historic Homes and Plantations. Chatham, Kenmore and Ellwood, all working plantations, were built in the late 18th century and later served as Union headquarters at various times throughout the Civil War.
- Lake Anna State Park offers an array of recreational opportunities. Total land area is 2058 acres with 8 1/2 miles of shoreline.
- Fredericksburg Historic Cycling Tour. See some of Fredericksburg's oldest homes, historic places, and beautiful vistas on the 3, 9 or 20-mile bicycle tours.
- Marlborough Point in the eastern part of Stafford County, is where Pocahontas was kidnapped and taken to Jamestown.
- Quantico Marine Corps Base occupies 30,527 acres in the northern end of Stafford County.
Although not directly located on the Potomac River, the City of Fredericksburg could become an important link in the PHT if trails are developed along the CSX Railroad or the Dahlgren Junction Railroad to the north and east, respectively. Approximately 1,000 acres of open land remains within the City, and the City government actively pursues new trail opportunities when new development is proposed. Acquisitions of new trail rights-of-way through private property are constrained however due to lack of funding.
Integration of this region into the PHT Corridor is highly recommended as it is the site of Ferry Farm, the second of three primary residences of George Washington. Ferry Farm is owned and managed by the George Washington's Fredericksburg Foundation and is the subject of a "special resource study" by the National Park Service. Further discussion is needed to ensure a direct link to the Potomac River. Such a link would connect other significant Washington sites in the PHT corridor such as George Washington's Memorial Birthplace, George Washington's boyhood home, Mount Vernon and the Washington Monument.
Existing Trail Segments
Virginia and Maryland have completed a cooperative designation of the Potomac River Water Trail within the tidal sections of the river along Stafford County. The Canal Park Trail is the only existing trail within the limits of the City of Fredericksburg that, although not currently connected to the PHT, would become a connecting trail if the PHT were to reach Fredericksburg. This connection could follow existing city streets to the railroad in the downtown historic district. No other existing public access trails have been identified within the PHT Corridor in Stafford County/Fredericksburg other than some restricted access trails within the Quantico Marine Corps Base.
Planned Trail Segments
Although not adopted in the plans of any of the local jurisdictions, development of a trail along the CSX Railroad right-of-way through Stafford County and the City of Fredericksburg is technically feasible. Likewise, a trail could be developed along the abandoned Dahlgren Junction Railroad eastward through Stafford and King George counties. Similarly, the City has identified the abandoned Virginia Central Railroad right-of-way for future trail development, connecting Fredericksburg with Orange, Virginia; several right-of-way segments have been acquired by various jurisdictions and the National Park Service.
Contacts
Fredericksburg Area Tourism
(800) 654-4118
(Serves the City of Fredericksburg and Counties of Spotsylvania and Stafford)
Fredericksburg Department of Planning
P.O. Box 7447
Fredericksburg, VA 22404-7447
(540) 372-1179; FAX (540) 372-1158
RADCO Planning District Commission
904 Princess Anne St.
P.O. Box 863
Fredericksburg, VA 22404
(540) 373-2890
Stafford County Department of Planning
1300 Courthouse Road,
P.O. Box 339, Stafford
Virginia 22555-0339
(540) 658-8668
Stafford County Department of Parks and Recreation
P.O. Box 339
Stafford, VA 22405
(540) 658-4871
George Washington's Fredericksburg Foundation
George Washington's Ferry Farm
Route 3 East, Fredericksburg, VA
(540) 373-3381 Ext. 28
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