High Bridge Trail State Park is a multi-use trail ideally suited for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Its centerpiece is the majestic High Bridge, which is more than 2,400 feet long and 125 feet above the Appomattox River. The bridge was built in 1853 as part of the South Side Railroad and played a significant role during Lee's retreat in the final days of the American Civil War. It was the site of two battles in April 1865. The new High Bridge opened in 2012 which completes the 31 miles of this park's linear trails. The High Bridge is one of the longest recreational bridges in the United States and the longest in Virginia. the bridge was reconstructed with 330,000 screws, 13,000 bolts of various sizes, and 1,065 railroad ties replaced. Visitors are strongly encouraged to be sure to bring plenty of drinking water. No drinking water is available on the trail.
Friends of High Bridge Trail State Park
Activities At This Destination: Hiking, Biking and Horseback Riding
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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Crossing the Appomattox River, High Bridge is more than 2,400 feet long and 125 feet high. The bridge was built in 1853 as part of the South Side Railroad. Work on access to High Bridge was completed in 2012. Trail users may now cross the bridge and enjoy the view from a number of sheltered benches along the way.
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Heading south from High Bridge you will begin the 3 mile section of the trail between High Bridge and Rice. After the bridge, the trail enters wooded surroundings with occasional road crossings. While you should use caution while crossing these roads, the only high traffic crossing is highway 460 which the trail crosses over by way of a fenced in bridge. The trail reaches the town of Rice shortly after this bridge. Restrooms are provided at this point.
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From the town of Rice, heading south, the trail continues for nearly 4 miles through wooded surroundings with glimpses of farm land through the trees. Be aware of farm roads that occasionally cross the trail. A picnic table area is provided about half way down this section of trail. Near the crossing of Route 606, which passes above the trail across bridge, a restroom facility is provided. In this area, you will begin to see rock outcroppings near the trail. After this point, the trail veers to the east and you will see Moran Road.
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This final section of the High Bridge Trail travels south from Moran Road and approaches the town of Burkeville. These final 3 miles of trail continues through wooded areas and crosses Route 610 shortly after Moran. As the trail veers back to the south, Route 607 crosses the trail. After this point you start down the last half of this section of trail, crossing another farm road and reaching the current terminus of High Bridge Trail.
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High Bridge Trail is 31 miles long and runs through Cumberland, Nottoway and Prince Edward counties and the towns of Burkeville, Farmville, Pamplin City, Prospect and Rice.Entrances - Parking availability: Rice near trail milepost 142, River Road near 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.
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High Bridge, which is more than 2,400 feet long and 125 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.
MAY We Help You?Jodi Williams, High Bridge Trail State Park
MAY we help you plan your next adventures, in May, that is… Have a great time exploring High Bridge Trail State Park in May 2013!
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Celebrating Our VolunteersNancy Heltman
April is National Volunteer Month and today we start a series featuring some of our very committed volunteers across the state.
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Just a Trail?Jodi Williams, High Bridge Trail State Park
“What is there to do at High Bridge Trail, it’s just a trail.” You have come to the right place, learn more about the special events at High Bridge Trail State park in April!
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It's in the StarsJodi Williams, with program descriptions by Karen Bellenir, Friends of High Bridge Trail State Park
What do Comet Hunting, Women of the Night, and a Planetary Parade have in common?
It must be in the stars! They are all astronomy programs scheduled at High Bridge Trail State Park through June this year.
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