Fried Chicken Festival, History, Hike & BBQ in Orange/Dog Friendly/6 easy miles Yoa nad freinds can carpool/caravan from Chalottesville Pantops, about 28 miles north on Rt. 20 to Montpelier's DuPont train depot, that should be your first stop. Across the road is the start of the 1+ mile loop trail to the Confederate winter camp, and cabin home of freed slave George Gilmore.
From there, you could proceed to nearby Montpelier's visitor center parking lot. Start with an inside pit stop 8;8-), and then begin the 5 mile hike through a variety of landscapes: quiet groves of old growth oak and tulip trees; across meadows and pastures, and along the race course, to the slave cemetery and Madison family burial ground. The loop will take you approximate 90 minutes to complete.
If you feel hungry afterwards drive to the Exchange BBQ in Gordonsville for late lunch, where there are plenty of vegetarian options too. Check out the menu!Brochure and trail maps could be picked up at the Montpelier Visitors Center.
Recommended Gear: Birding Book, Binoculars, Camera