Park of the Month: High Bridge Trail State Park

Looking for a souvenir from High Bridge Trail? The High Bride Trail State Park Gift Shop "on- the- go" is where everyone needs to stop when visiting the majestic High Bridge

The "on-the-go" gift shop is located at the River Road access point near High Bridge

The historical and majestic High Bridge on High Bridge Trail is an experience you’ll want to remember…Make sure you take those memories with you with a souvenir from the High Bridge Trail State Park gift shop "on-the-go”.

With a record breaking year of over 200,000 visitors in 2014, we noticed how far some visitors come to view the majestic High Bridge at High Bridge Trail State Park in Central Virginia. Regardless of how near or far you travel; you’ll want to remember the time spent at High Bridge Trail. Once, an active rail line from 1853 to 2005, High Bridge Trail has been converted into a Virginia State Park. The trail is 31 miles long and includes Virginia’s longest recreational bridge enjoyed by hikers, cyclists, and equestrians.

Before you take off for your walk, or ride to the High Bridge, stop by the gift shop

Something for everyone

The "on-the-go" gift shop is located at the River Road access point is where you will find all the gifts, merchandise and souvenirs you want when visiting High Bridge Trail. It has only been operational since 2014, be one of the first to get your High Bridge Trail merchandise.

Don’t forget to stop by the Virginia’s Heartland Regional Visitor Center

The Virginia’s Heartland Regional Visitor Center is located at 121 East Third Street in downtown Farmville. They offer a wide variety of information and many souvenirs, such as original railroad spikes, historical books, High Bridge model bridge kits, High Bridge Trail State Park shoulder patches, and much more. 

You can purchase these items at the visitor center or by clicking here for the online order form. Make sure you stop by here to learn about the area and check out some of their exhibits of High Bridge Trail.

An original railroad spike from High Bridge crafted into a souvenir

Other places to visit when you hit the trail:

If you’d rather take a bike ride on the trail, head over to The Outdoor Adventure Store located at 318 North Main Street and rent a bicycle.

Stop by Merk’s Place and get a High Bridge Club Sandwich on 2106 West Third Street in Farmville, about a mile west of the Farmville Train Station, right along the trail

After enjoying your hike or bike ride on the trail treat yourself to a “Trail Club” sandwich  at Walker’s Diner, located at 307 North Main Street in Farmville, right off the trail at the Farmville Plaza area where High Bridge Trail crosses Main Street.

Since you’re so close, stop by Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park to learn the importance of High Bridge in the American Civil War as well as viewing the famous Hillsman House and battlegrounds. Here you’ll find a unique museum and gift shop with Civil War era mementoes.

TRIP SUGGESTIONS:

The parking lot closest to the bridge is at River Road. Consider these tips:

For pedestrians and hikers, the bridge is nearly a mile away.

Trailers are not allowed at the River Rd. parking lot.

Bikers might prefer parking at the Rice parking lot, which is 3.1 miles from the bridge and 8 miles from Farmville. Bikers might also wish to park at the Main Street plaza parking lot in Farmville; the bridge is 4.5 miles from that lot.

For equestrians, the designated horse trailer parking lots are at Osborne Road, which is about 2.9 miles from the bridge, and at Prospect, which is 12.4 miles to High Bridge.

HOURS: Dawn - dusk.

TRAIL MAP: Click here to view a PDF trail map.

CONTACT INFORMATION: 6888 Green Bay Rd., Green Bay, VA 23942; Phone: 434-315-0457; Email here. Visit the park's webpage here.

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.

Spring time is beautiful at High Bridge Trail State Park. Enjoy your hike or ride and stop by to pick up a souvenir and to help carry these memories with you