Susan Chappell - schap1012@yahoo.com & Jim Hunt - 804 730-2364 or hikerjimhunt@hotmail.com
Five Forks is a part of the Petersburg Battlefield Park system located in Dinwiddie County not far from the Dinwiddie Courthouse. This is where one of the last battles of the Civil War took place. On April 1, 1865, Petersburg had been under siege by the Union army for more than 9 months. Confederate troops lead by General George Pickett had moved south west to defend the rail lines into Petersburg. They were confronted by the Union army lead by Generals Sheridan and Warren and were defeated leaving the rail lines undefended leading to the fall of Petersburg and the fall of Richmond, and surrender at Appomattox a week later.
The hike is about 5.5 miles. The terrain is relatively flat with some roots. We hike past and through some large boulders, and go to a beaver pond with a wildlife viewing area. Bring water and we start at 9:50
Directions--Take 95 South to Petersburg, then continue onto 85 South until you get to Exit 53 Dinwiddie exit continue right onto Route 703 (Carson Road) until the intersection with Route 1, go left onto Route 1 for a short distance, then turn right onto Courthouse Road (Route 627), follow Courthouse Road for about 5.5 miles. The Visitor Center is closed, and the gate will be locked. DO NOT STOP THERE. CONTINUE to where White Oak road, Courthouse, and Wheeler's Pond road meet (Five Forks). There is a small parking area there between Wheeler's Pond and White Oak Roads. Park here.
