10 great places to hike through Civil War history

It’s one thing to read about a Civil War battle, but it’s entirely different to step onto the actual terrain, says author David T. Gilbert. His new book Civil War Battlefields: Walking the Trails of History (Rizzoli, $50) focuses on largely undisturbed sites where visitors can literally follow in the footsteps of soldiers. “You can feel connected to the battle because the landscape hasn’t changed,” he says. “These places are hauntingly beautiful.” With the anniversary of the war’s start April 12, he shares some notable sites with Larry Bleiberg for USA TODAY.

Perryville Battlefield, Ky.

The remote Bluegrass State park is considered one of the best-preserved battlefields of the Civil War, Gilbert says. "There's great hiking and a nice little visitor center," he says. The battle was accidental. Confederate Gen. Braxton Bragg thought he was engaging in a small skirmish and instead ran into an entire Union army, ultimately forcing the South to abandon Kentucky. parks.ky.gov/parks/historicsites/perryville-battlefield

Picacho Peak, Ariz.

The westernmost battle of the Civil War involved few soldiers, but it destroyed the Confederacy’s hope to expand to the west and add New Mexico, Arizona and California. "It was a significant but very small engagement," Gilbert says. The desert state park, about 50 miles northwest of Tucson, is little changed since the 1862 action, and offers several strenuous hikes. azstateparks.com/picacho

Brandy Station, Va.

Gilbert says he drove by this battlefield for years without realizing it. "There was a state historical marker, but I never slowed down to read it." The site of the largest cavalry engagement of the Civil War, it has been preserved in recent years and includes three interpretative trails. "It's a neat little spot." brandystationfoundation.com

Port Hudson, La.

While it’s usually thought that the surrender of Vicksburg, Miss., marked the South's loss of the Mississippi River, the moment actually came a few days later when Port Hudson fell after a 48-day siege. Today visitors can hike 6 miles of trails past battery positions and earthworks. nps.gov/nr/travel/louisiana/por.htm

Pea Ridge, Garfield, Ark.

This National Military Park preserves a significant site in the Ozarks, Gilbert says. “It’s one of the few battles where the Confederates outnumbered the Union army.” But the South lost, ceding control of most of Missouri and northern Arkansas. The 4,300-acre park is considered one of the nation’s most intact battlefields, and has miles of trails for both hiking and horses. nps.gov/peri

Pickett’s Mill, Ga.

Union Gen. William Tecumseh Sherman’s march to Atlanta in 1864 met fierce Confederate resistance at this remote site, leading to thousands of causalities. “It’s one of the top preserved battlefields,” Gilbert says, with miles of trails along historic roads. “It’s off the beaten track, and there’s no subdivision nearby and not much development.” gastateparks.org/PickettsMillBattlefield

Bentonville Battlefield, N.C.

This last major conflict between Gens. Sherman and Joseph E. Johnston came shortly before the end of the Civil War. It’s one of the few battlefields in North Carolina and remains in remarkably good shape, with nearly 4 miles of trails following trenches and earthworks, Gilbert says. Johnston held his own against Sherman’s army, but a few weeks later, he would surrender. nchistoricsites.org/bentonvi

Shepherdstown, W.Va.

This little-known Potomac River conflict occurred just after the bloody battle of Antietam, Md., and may soon be incorporated into Antietam National Battlefield. Lincoln had complained that federal forces had been reluctant to pursue the retreating Confederates, and that's what they attempted here. "The land has only been preserved in the last few years," Gilbert says. civilwar.org/battlefields/shepherdstown.html

Wilson’s Creek, Republic, Mo.

The first Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi was also where the first Union general, Nathaniel Lyon, was killed in action. The Confederates, though, weren’t able to capitalize on their victory and gain ground in this crucial border state. Today visitors find 7 miles of trails across rolling hills. nps.gov/wicr/index.htm

Cedar Creek, Middletown, Va.

The Shenandoah Valley was the breadbasket of the Confederacy, and the South lost control of it in this pivotal battle. “It’s a beautiful spot. By and large the main battlefield is well preserved, and you can sit at an overlook and see across the valley,” Gilbert says. Because it’s not owned by the National Park Service, it also hosts reenactors, allowing visitors to see a battle played out on the actual site. civilwar.org/battlefields/cedar-creek.html