Explore the outdoors in your own backyard

By ANDREW ARENAS

Every season has its perks, but none of them compare to spring. After a very confusing winter, spring is finally here. Although spring often comes with rain showers, there is a lot to enjoy as the cold temperatures begin to rise. One of my favorite things to do in the spring is go hiking, and luckily there is no shortage of hiking trails in Fredericksburg.

Rappahannock River Trail:

This trail has a great mixture of paved and unpaved areas. It is an eight mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near the Fredericksburg area. There are beautiful views of the river on the Southside of the bridge where its current is much stronger. Be aware that there are quite a few cyclists and the trail can get narrow at times. This is an easy way to get far away from it all, without having the long journey to get there.

Motts Run Reservoir Trails:

This is a 4.6 mile lightly trafficked looped trail that is located around Fredericksburg. It is for more experienced hikers and is specifically set up for running with many scenic areas and large hardwoods. It also offers a good variety of uphill and flatter areas with nice views of the lake. Generally, the noise level is low during the weekdays if you are looking for some peace and quiet. It has facilities such as vending machines, canoes and a fishing pier.

Heritage Trail and Canal Path Loop:

With its nicely paved path, this 3.2-mile trail is lightly trafficked loop that is good for any hiking skill level. It is great for walking to enjoy the nice scenery and great history. Be aware that this is a trail for bikers and runners that frequently use this trail. 

Spotsylvania Courthouse Battlefield Trails

If you are willing to stray a little far from campus, this 4.5-mile loop trail is easy to follow and offers a lot to see. This trail offers a lot of history, as it was once the sight of the most vicious fighting during the Overland Campaign of 1864. There are open fields scattered throughout the park that allow hikers to see how the land was shaped by battle.