The scenic natural beauty of the park, its historical past punctuated by the awe inspiring former railroad, High Bridge awakens visitors’ sense of wonder and amazement.

The centerpiece of the park is its majestic High Bridge, an example of the historical transportation evolution in Southside Virginia

This month we are highlighting one of our newest state parks, High Bridge Trail. Since its opening it has become a significant part of the community by connecting its visitors to the past and present. The park helps connect our visitors to nature, and to our shared histories and cultures. It reflects the central role Southside Railroad played in the historic and cultural heritage of Virginia’s Heartland. 

High Bridge as it appeared in 1853

High Bridge was reconstruction in 1914 to repair the 1853 bridge and to continue as a transportation gateway

The centerpiece of the park is its majestic High Bridge, an example of the historical transportation evolution in Southside Virginia. The construction of the High Bridge which began in 1853 provided the Town of Farmville with a rail line and transportation gateway for greater commerce in other parts of Virginia.

The vest lands that surround the trail provide an abundance of flora and fauna

The Appomattox River as seen from the bridge flows below like a ribbon as it makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean

Visitors to the bridge can view vistas of the region from the wooden decking that replace the well traveled rails and ties of old. If you dare to look down you can see the Appomattox River that flows below like a ribbon as it makes its way to the Atlantic Ocean. The vest lands that surround the trail provide an abundance of flora and fauna for visitors to enjoy as the seasons change in the Heartland of Virginia.

High Bridge Trail is a great place for families to reconnect and have fun

The park offers opportunities for the enjoyment of multi-use recreational activities that encourage a healthy lifestyle

High Bridge Trail is easily accessible from various points like this trail head in Downtown Farmville

Due to High Bridge Trail easy accessibility from various points, the park offers opportunities for the enjoyment of multi-use recreational activities that encourage a healthy lifestyle and a stronger connection with nature and history. The trail is perfect for horseback riding, biking and walking.

Offering a variety of educational programs the Astronomy program is one of the most popular

On March 29, 2015 the park will commemorate the Sesquicentennial anniversary of the Civil War Battles at High Bridge (mark your calendars for this special event)

Not only can park visitors enjoy recreational activities while at the park but they can learn about the environmental, historical and cultural features of Southside Virginia by attending the many educational programming offered by park staff and Friends group members.

On March 29, 2015 the park will commemorate the Sesquicentennial anniversary of the Civil War Battles at High Bridge. Tours of High Bridge’s long hidden by time and nature earthen forts will offer the visitor the unique experience of being in a space in time long past. Multiple guided Civil War tours will be offered throughout the day to help the visitor explore the significant and often over looked role the High Bridge rail crossings played at the end of the bloodiest period of time in American history.

High Bridge is a Virginia Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. High Bridge Trail is designated a National Recreation Trail recognizing exemplary trails of local and regional significance, connecting people to nature, to each other, and to our shared histories and cultures.

Once you visit High Bridge it’s clear to see why the park was named “One of the Top 20 Destinations for Stunning Parks in the USA.”