Description

The most effective way of exploring the site is to take the foot trail that begins across the street from the visitor’s center and works its way through the forest. This allows visitors the best access to the habitat and the wildlife. The trail crosses the loop drive at Bloody Run and continues to the field behind the visitor’s center. Woodpeckers, like the red-bellied, are attracted to the dead timber along Bloody Run, the small stream that runs through the site.

The loop road through the battlefield, which passes several different habitat types, can be walked or driven. The east side of the road is burned periodically for management purposes to maintain the open understory and promote the growth of pines. The west side is more densely vegetated. The terrain begins to slope downward, getting wetter and giving rise to bottomland that is dominated by a shrub layer of American holly. This is the most wildlife-rich part of the park, due to the thicker vegetation.

Cold Harbor Battlefield is one of the more sensitive battlefield sites on the trail. Trench warfare was born here, and many of the trenches are still visible and in very good condition. However, they are susceptible to human disturbance and should not be entered for any reason. Please respect this piece of military history.

Directions

From Previous Site on the Richmond Loop of VBWT:

From the Gaine’s Mill Battlefield, return to intersection of Rt. 718 and SR 156/Cold Harbor Road. Turn right on SR 156/Cold Harbor Road and proceed 0.2 miles to Anderson Wright Drive. Turn left into Cold Harbor Battlefield. Enter the site and park at the visitor’s center. The staff member on duty can give you information about the site prior to going out and exploring.