Battery Trail

The Battery Trail is the longest of several easy hiking trails inside Wormsloe State Historic Site.Following a mostly flat course, the trail can be walked in either direction - clockwise beginning up a closed road to the Colonial Life Area, or counterclockwise from the far edge of the parking area. For hikers looking to combine this hike with the Pine Trail hike to the Tabby Ruins, it makes sense to hike this in a counterclockwise direction.The Battery Trail follows a course of 3.2 miles. The trail is marked with orange blazes on the trail signage, however those looking to trim some distance can follow the white, blue, or yellow blazes which cut across the longleaf forest and act as shortcuts to the far end of the loop.The first area of interest the trail passes is the Colonial Life Area, a recreation of a Colonial era camp. During events, this area is lively with historical recreations of the time period. Further from the here, the trail heads through the dense forest before turning west. It soon reaches a fortified wall which helped protect the site during the Civil War era - though now that wall is not much more than a low mound overgrown with foliage and could easily be missed if not for the interpretive sign.The trail soon reaches the edge of Shipyard Creek. A picnic table sits above the salt marsh, overlooking the quiet river and marsh area.Trails weave and wind through the pine trees. There are shorter straight routes that cut back to the trailhead, however it's worth meandering on the winding trails here as they pass more scenic areas. There are no amenities of any kind along the trail. Bathrooms, water and air conditioning are all available at the Museum building.Bring insect repellant for this one!