Horseback Riding at High Bridge Trail State Park

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High Bridge Trail

High Bridge Trail is nearly 30 miles long (all 30 miles are currently open to the public, the bridge itself is not open)and runs through Cumberland, Nottoway and Prince Edward counties and the towns of Burkeville, Farmville, Pamplin City, Prospect and Rice.Entrances - Parking availability: River Road near trail milepost 146, Osborne Road near milepost 149, municipal lots in Farmville near milepost 150, Tuggle Road near milepost 156, Prospect near milepost 161, Elam near milepost 164, Heights School Road near milepost 168.

Usage:

View Video Tour | Download Trail Map

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Pamplin City to Elam

From Pamplin City to Elam is about a 3 mile, easy section of the High Bridge Trail that begins near an old Kyanite Mineral storage building just off of Heights School Road and about a mile east of Pamplin City. Pamplin City was once the home of the largest clay pipe factory in the world and is now on the registry of National Landmarks. Parking may be found just off of Heights School Road and you will also find picnic tables and bathrooms on your travels. Along this section of the trail you'll travel along tall Virginia Pines and may even spot deer and red fox along the way. Be aware of private driveways and crossings.

Usage:

View Video Tour | Download Trail Map

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Elam to Prospect

From Elam to Prospect is a 3.5 mile, easy section of the High Bridge Trail with parking and picnic benches available. This section of the trail also contains an interpretive sign that describes a school bus and train accident in 1951 which took the lives of 5 school children. When traveling on this section of the trail you'll go by green pastures, ponds, and grape vines, that not only provide great views, but also provide great resources for birds and other animals. Traveling east on the trail you may see concrete mile markers which were used by train conductors to gauge how far they were from Norfolk.

Usage:

View Video Tour | Download Trail Map

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Prospect to Tuggle

From Prospect to Tuggle is about a 4 mile, easy section of the High Bridge Trail that offers parking, bathrooms, and a picnic area just off of Prospect Road. Access to a gas station is available for those needing food or drink. While traveling along the trail you may have the opportunity to see ground hogs and their network of tunnels. Prospect Road loops around to intersect the trail. Take caution as the road has moderate traffic. As you continue on the trail you may spot Christmas Ferns, which stay green all year.

Usage:

View Video Tour | Download Trail Map

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Tuggle to Farmville

From Tuggle to Farmville is about a 5.4 mile, easy section of the High Bridge Trail that offers bathrooms, parking and picnic tables just off of the intersection of Tuggle and Hard Times Roads. Be aware of steep drop offs on either side of the trail and take note that there are no guard rails. As you travel on this section of the trail you will pass under Dry Bridge Road and US 460. Be on the lookout for passion flowers that bloom in the spring as you make your way along shale rock formations. You will travel over West Third Street as you make your way into the Town of Farmville.

Usage:

View Video Tour | Download Trail Map

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Farmville to High Bridge

From Farmville to High Bridge is about a 3.5 mile, easy section of the High Bridge Trail with access to parking, picnic tables, and restaurants. Take care while traveling on this section of the trail as the sides steepen and there are no guard rails. The trail takes you through historic Farmville so be aware of traffic. You'll travel over River Road Bridge, which will give you a view of the Appomattox River. Horse dismount blocks are available for your convenience. Look for Firepinks blooming in late spring as you approach High Bridge. High Bridge played a significant role in Civil War history and will be made available for travel at some point in the future.

Usage:

View Video Tour | Download Trail Map

High Bridge

High Bridge, which is more than 2,400 feet long and 160 feet above the Appomattox River, was built in 1853 as part of the South Side Railroad. The High Bridge played a significant role during Lee's retreat in the final days of the American Civil War, and was the site of two battles in April 1865.

• Season/Hours: Call Park (434) 315-0457/Call Park (434) 315-0457
• Fee: Park Fees
• Location:37° 18.4117 -78° 23.2288