Shared by Elise Fegler, District 4 Marketing Intern, as Guest Blogger.

High Bridge Trail State Park is filled to the brim with rich history and overflowing with outdoor opportunities for the whole family.

Brick pillars of the 1854 bridge can still be seen from the trail

1. See the brick pillars that supported the bridge

Originally, twenty brick pillars held up High Bridge and nearly four million bricks were used in their construction. Today, the renovated bridge uses an iron support system built in 1914, but you can still see the huge brick pillars that were built by the South Side Rail Road in 1854.

Views from the bridge of the bright blue sky in Cumberland County

2. Admire the view

The view of Central Virginia from High Bridge is nothing short of spectacular and on a clear day, the sky feels so big and brilliant blue, and you can see farmland for miles. The lack of development in the area makes it an impressive sight, and it isn’t difficult to envision so much history happening right here.

Visitors can rest along the shore of the Appomattox River during
a guided tour under High Bridge

3. Stick your feet in the Appomattox River

It’s a great place to relax, cool off, and admire the great architectural feat soaring 125 feet above your head. The river played a pivotal role in our nation’s history, and was fundamental in outcome of the American Civil War when the Confederate Army failed to properly burn the bridges across. The park offers guided tours to the bases of the brick pillars at the Appomattox, the next guided tour takes place on September 20 at 2:00 p.m., for more information click here. 

Wildflowers like the Black-Eyed Susan are found along the trail

4. Find some wildflowers

There are lots of flowers and plants to be found in the area, but Black-Eyed Susan are especially prominent around High Bridge during this time of year. Find them scattered around below the bridge during a guided tour.

Bikers enjoy a leisurely ride on High Bridge

5. Ride your bike to the bridge

Some riders start their ride in Farmville’s Main Plaza, and ride the 4.5 miles from the parking lot to the bridge. The trail is mostly flat, wide, and level, and restrooms and picnic tables are available on the trail. After your ride, you’ll be rewarded with the great view at High Bridge.

High Bridge Trail State Park traverses Cumberland, Nottoway and Prince Edward counties and the towns of Burkeville, Farmville, Pamplin City, Prospect and Rice.

Entrances - Parking availability:

• Rice's Depot Road, Pay Lot, 1/4-mile off U.S. 460 at Rice, near trail milepost 142
• River Road, Pay Lot, three miles off N. Main St. in Farmville, near trail milepost 146
• Osborne Road, 1/4-mile off N. Main St. in Farmville, near trail milepost 149
• Municipal lots in Farmville where the trail intersects with Main St. near trail milepost 150
• Tuggle Road, Pay Lot, off U.S. 460 and near U.S. 15 North, near trail milepost 156
• Prospect Road, Pay Lot, off U.S. 460 at Prospect, near trail milepost 161
• Elam, Pay Lot, off U.S. 460 at Sulpher Spring Rd., near trail milepost 164
• Heights School Rd., off U.S. Business 460 near Pamplin and trail milepost 168

For a list of family friendly events at High Bridge Trail State Park, click here.