From man-made railway trestles that played strategic roles in the Civil War, to magnificent naturally carved wonders, we have some amazing bridges for you to explore in Virginia State Parks.

Here are five unique bridges that are definitely worth your time.

1. | THE HIGH BRIDGE 

Hike, bike or walk across the crown jewel of Farmville, the High Bridge

These are the two parking lots nearest High Bridge,

Camp Paradise .3 miles from the parking lot and River Road which is nearly a mile from the lot

High Bridge Trail State Park’s centerpiece is the majestic High Bridge, which is more than 2,400 feet long and 125 feet above the Appomattox River. It is the longest recreational bridge in Virginia and among the longest in the United States, built in 1853.

Visit Farmville said "Gone are the steam trains and Civil War armies. Now it’s for hikers, bikers and history buffs, plus you can rent bikes nearby." 

Learn more about High Bridge Trail State Park here to help plan your visit.

2. | ACTIVE RAILWAY BRIDGE

Train crossing the scenic Potomac River at Leesylvania State Park

Image Source: Jenna Conner-Harris

View this active railway bridge from many of the park's hiking trails

Leesylvania is nestled along the tidal shores of the historic Potomac River. Native Americans lived on this land for thousands of years. Capt. John Smith visited the area in 1608 on his voyage of discovery. It's also the ancestral home of Virginia's legendary Lee and Fairfax families.

The park is located about 25 miles from Washington, D.C., and Fredericksburg, and provides day use access to all park amenities and programs. 

Learn more about Leesylvania State Park here to help plan your visit.

3. | HIWASSEE BRIDGE

Hiwassee Bridge is 951 feet in length at New River Trail State Park

The flat rail bed makes it ideal for riding along the New River

New River Trail is a 57-mile linear park that follows an abandoned railroad right-of-way. The park parallels the scenic and historic New River for 39 miles and passes through four counties and the city of Galax. The trail's gentle slope makes it great for visitors of all ages to hike, bike and ride horseback.

This park has three major bridges: Hiwassee - 951 feet; Ivanhoe - 670 feet; Fries Junction - 1,089 feet, plus nearly 30 smaller bridges and trestles.

Learn more about New River Trail State Park here to help plan your visit.

Be surrounded by beauty and incredible scenery on the New River

4. | BATTLEFIELD BRIDGE

Once under siege, is the Staunton River Battlefield bridge in Southside Virginia

Walk in the footsteps of history as you stroll the Battlefield Trail (self-guided) 1.24 miles

This park is a 300-acre Civil War historic site where a ragtag group of 700 Confederate old men and young boys beat the odds and held off an assault by 5,000 Union cavalry on a bridge of strategic importance to Gen. Lee's army, then under siege in Petersburg.

Visit the Confederate earthworks and walk the historic bridge trail. 

Learn more about Staunton River Battlefield State Park here to help plan your visit.

5. | THE NATURAL BRIDGE

Look behind Ranger Gretchen at Natural Bridge State Park, see the people walking under the bridge?

The trails are still being developed at this park, but so far there are 6 miles of trails

The eye-candy of this park is the impressive 215-foot tall Natural Bridge, which is a limestone gorge carved out by Cedar Creek. Natural Bridge is located at the junction of U.S. Route 11 and State Route 130, and you can drive over the bridge on U.S. 11 (but you can't see it until you walk under the bridge). There is a free shuttle to carry you down and/or back up from the bridge floor, or you can tackle the 137 steps down.

The park has 6 miles of hiking trails, including the accessible Cedar Creek Trail that leads from the bridge to the Monacan Indian Village and Lace Falls with its 30-foot cascade. Don't miss some of the unusual stops along the way like the Saltpeter Cave and Lost River.

Learn more about Natural Bridge State Park here to help plan your visit.