Night Hike to the Cemetery

Location of Powhatan State Park in Virginia

Where

Program Location: Overflow Parking Lot (River Bend Campground)
Main Park Address: Powhatan State Park, 4616 Powhatan State Park Rd., Powhatan, VA 23139.

When

Aug. 28, 2026. 8:00 p.m. - 9:30 p.m.

Step back in time as we uncover some of the mysteries of those at rest in the park's historic cemetery. As the sunlight fades and stars appear, we will walk across the very same farm fields where those who are buried once lived and worked either as enslaved laborers as sharecroppers. Tucked away in a shady grove of forest, traditional burial plants, field stones, and graves represent the lives of loved ones long since passed.

What to Expect:
Be prepared to walk about 1 mile total. The trail is mostly open meadow, flat with a few low hills. We will move at a relaxed pace. Sunset is at 8:18 p.m., so please bring a red-light headlamp or red flashlight if you have one. If you only have a white flashlight, a ranger will provide you with red cellophane covering to preserve our night vision and minimize disruption of nocturnal wildlife.

Registration:
While registration is not required for this program, it is recommended. If you register, we will be able to contact you if the program is cancelled due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances.

You can also "Add to Calendar" via the icons below to set up an automatic reminder!

starry sky

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Registration required: No.
Children welcome: No.
Phone: 804-598-7148
Email Address: powhatan@dcr.virginia.gov