Hanover County: Trails, History, and Regional Experiences

In Hanover County, trails at historic sites, regional culture, and seasonal events are among the destination’s many different facets. At Cold Harbor Battlefield and North Anna Battlefield Park, the landscape is intertwined with Civil War history; elsewhere, a nesting area, historic buildings, and regional products take center stage.

Trails and Nature

At Cold Harbor Battlefield, three connected loops form a trail network: the Blue Trail is 1 mile long, the White Trail adds 1.5 miles, and the Yellow Loop adds another 0.9 miles. At North Anna Battlefield Park, the landscape preserves the site of the Battle of North Anna in May 1864. The park covers 172 acres and has more than 6 miles of trails with historic markers and interpretive signs about trenches and rifle pits.

The condition of the Blue Trail at North Anna Battlefield Park is an important consideration when choosing a route: steep climbs and uneven terrain make it strenuous to hike. Another option is the 4.8-mile section of the Fall Line Trail in Hanover. It connects the Ashland Trolley Line Trail through Hanover County to Woodman Road in Henrico County.

The Ashland Trolley Line Trail is a 0.5-mile-long trail with a natural surface, maintained as a greenway, and is part of the historic Ashland-Richmond Trolley Line. Compared with the 4.8-mile section of the Fall Line Trail, it is considerably shorter; it also differs in its natural surface and greenway designation. Lake Hanover Nature Trail is home to a nesting area for ducks, swans, cranes, geese, and coots.

Access to the water is also part of finding your way around the county: South Anna Ramp provides access to the South Anna River at West Patrick Henry Road. The boat ramps in Hanover County are best suited to smaller boats such as canoes or kayaks.

History and Culture

Hanover County Courthouse was built sometime between about 1737 and 1742 and has been in continuous use ever since. Cold Harbor Battlefield Park surrounds the historically significant Garthright House. The region’s legal history also includes Parson’s Cause, a case argued by Patrick Henry in 1763.

At Patrick Henry’s Scotchtown, a self-guided tour using your own mobile phone provides information about the site’s history and architecture. Paid, 45-minute house tours are also available during operating hours. The Hanover Museum of History and Culture preserves and shares Hanover County’s diverse history through exhibitions developed in collaboration with community members. Visitors and groups can arrange museum tours by email or phone.

Hanover Tavern also brings together different visitor experiences: the Hanover Tavern Restaurant & Pub serves food daily, while Virginia Repertory Theatre offers live performances at Hanover Tavern.

Regional Products and Events

Hanover produces, among other things, the distinctive Hanover Tomato. The Hanover Tomato Festival features tastings and dishes made with Hanover Tomatoes, as well as vendors offering agricultural products, crafts, and handmade goods. Offerings may vary from one edition to another. James River Cellars Winery offers guided tastings of eight selected wines.

The Sounds at Sunset concert series runs from April to September and features live bands, food trucks, a beer garden, and games available for everyone to use. The seasonal program may change. If you’re planning your trip around the series, check the dates for the relevant edition. At Freckled Flower Farm, guests can pick flowers directly from the garden during workshops and market events; this option is available only in connection with those events.

Discover more destinations: Mechanicsville, Doswell, Pulaski County, Colonial Heights, Accomack County, Montgomery, Caroline County, Falls Church

For the full travel overview: Virginia.