A park visitor shares memories of days at the park, and what the park and being outdoors is all about - being with family, and friends, and strangers - enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. We are very fortunate to have High Bridge State Park in our back yard.  

A lesson in Virginia history and wildlife at High Bridge

Arthur is Sarah's uncle and was passing through town. He is a Civil War History buff, and this was a beautiful day in October 2014. Being from Long Island, we don't see him very often, and this was a chance weekend visit as something else had brought him to Virginia, so he managed to take the 2 hour detour to visit. We decided the weather couldn't be any better and headed over to High Bridge. 

My uncle and my daughter talked about the history of the battles at high bridge, enjoyed the fall colors, and admired the shadow of the bridge on the trees below and talked about photography and focal points.  

As you can see, I'm in a Steelers shirt, and that sparked conversations with many on the bridge - also Steelers fans, some visiting from PA that day and out to enjoy the bridge before returning to family members homes to watch that afternoon's game.

 On our return walk to the parking area, I stepped right over a copperhead - didn't notice it as we were talking, but my uncle thought he saw something move out of the corner of his eye, we looked back, and I said "Oh, that is a copperhead, we're going to keep moving - really glad I stepped over it."

 When we got to the parking lot, Chief Ranger Craig Gutherie (also a friend) was there and we told him about the snake and talked about a really beautiful snake he had seen the night before on the trail just before sunset. He also asked me why I didn't take a picture! In retrospect, I should have I guess.

My uncle and Craig then talked about the trail, the history, and a little bit about Coney Island with some other visitors to the trail. My uncle said it was one of the best days he had had in a very long time and it made for some memories for me with him, but also for he and my daughter. And now, I tend to look down more when on the trail!

First Day Hike Unexpected Fun

Under the Bridge on January 1, 2016 Kathryn and Elizabeth McElfresh

We went to the First Day Hike at High Bridge State Park. It was the first day of a new access point to the trail. A much shorter walk to the bridge. We were a little late in getting there, and there were already over 150 people on the trail listening to the introductions.

We enjoyed the walk to the newly discovered slave cemetery, and then over to the redoubt that made up Camp Paradise. Then the real treat that was unknown to us ahead of time, was a trek down a new trail. Since the Appomattox River had flooded in town, there were some high spots of water along the new trail, and with all the rain it was a little muddy. Definitely not a trail for those accustomed to the nice flat trail of the park, but beautiful nonetheless. By this point 220 of us winded our way down the trail through the woods, helping each other over muddy spots and we ended up under the bridge. It was incredible to see the bridge from this view point and learn more about the construction of the bridge.

The guided presentation was great, and no matter how many times we hear this particular ranger speak about the bridge...we always come away with something new. 

Under the bridge was also a time to more easily interact and see who all had come out that day. It was a great day to catch up with members of the community and kick off the New Year. 

My children who are in the photo were particularly excited about the hike. They love the park, and were looking forward of to another walk - we had done various parts of the trail the previous week. One having received a Fitbit for Christmas was enjoying adding on the steps. They were excited to be "that close" to the river, and looking at the pillars up close, and looking up at the overlooks.

They were excited to see friends and explore under the bridge. 

They were even excited to be together! Not always true of sisters who have been home on Christmas break and spending a lot of time together. Then we took the other newly opened trail from under the bridge back up to the main trail. This one is more defined, shorter, but is a steeper climb, according to the Fitbit, it was the equivalent of 8 flights of stairs. Since the trail was wider and steeper, everyone walked at different rates and we were able to talk to different people we had not met before. Once returning to the trail, we visited with the members of the Friends of High Bridge and drank hot chocolate.

These two stories may not be anything out of the ordinary - no engagements, no wedding or birthday celebrations - but they are memories of days at the park, and that is what the park and being outdoors is all about - being with family, and friends, and strangers - enjoying the beauty of the outdoors. We are very fortunate to have High Bridge in our back yard.  

-Sarah McElfresh

Thanks for the memories...