Name: PB&J 5k Loop
Rating: 5.0

“A short 5k loop option on the Petersburg Battlefield Trails.”

— Omar Delgado

GPX File

Features Birding · Fall Colors · River/Creek · Wildlife

Park is open from dawn to dusk.

Overview

A tough 5k loop with some elevation gains.

Need to Know

There are two road crossing (tour road), but traffic is almost zero. During heavy rains, the lower sections of Waterline Trail might flood, to include the intersection of Birney Trail and Friend Trail.

Runner Notes

Trail is open to horseback riding and bikers as well, so keep an eye and an ear out, and be sure to yield appropriately.

Description

From the parking lot, head out from the trailhead onto Waterline Trail making a right on Birney Trail which becomes Friend Trail and continues into Battery 7 Trail and Meade Station Trail and looping back to Prince George Courthouse Trail to finish up the loop.

This short loop can be taken in either direction. There are few intersections to pay close attention. The longer Friend Trail has you running next to a creek and offers a great section to take in the beauty of the park. Keep an eye out for the Fork Tree as this is the indicator of the ascent portion of the trail. If you reverse the featured run, you'll encounter the ascent on the Waterline Trail which is a more difficult and longer portion.

Flora & Fauna

Pines, squirrels, birds, snakes and deer.

History & Background

Petersburg National Battlefield is a National Park Service Park that continues to preserve the site related to the American Civil War Siege of Petersburg.