Fort Clifton Park

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Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Fort Clifton Park is a historic site located in Colonial Heights, Virginia.


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Summary

It was built in 1864 during the Civil War as a Confederate fortification to protect the Appomattox River from Union forces. Today, it is a popular recreational park with numerous amenities and activities for visitors of all ages.

There are several reasons to visit Fort Clifton Park. It offers beautiful views of the Appomattox River and has a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The park also has a playground, basketball courts, and a disc golf course. In addition, the site has historical significance and is a great place to learn about the Civil War.

Some specific points of interest to see at Fort Clifton Park include the fortifications themselves, which have been well-preserved and are open for exploration. The park also has a Confederate cemetery and a walking trail that leads to a scenic overlook.

Interesting facts about Fort Clifton Park include its use as a filming location for the movie "Lincoln," which starred Daniel Day-Lewis. The park was also a training ground for soldiers during World War II.

The best time of year to visit Fort Clifton Park is during the spring or fall when the weather is mild and the foliage is beautiful. The park is open year-round, but visitors should be aware that it can get hot and humid during the summer months.

Overall, Fort Clifton Park is a great destination for history buffs, outdoor enthusiasts, and families looking for a fun day out.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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