High Bridge Trail State Park is a 32.2-mile trail that was once a railroad bed. The flat crushed limestone makes the trail easy to enjoy and traverses across Appomattox, Cumberland, Nottoway and Prince Edward Counties and the towns of Burkeville, Farmville, Pamplin City, Prospect and Rice. This park is unique in the way it brings together many communities across the Commonwealth of Virginia.

There are many ways to enjoy this park throughout the year and it might even be the place you find your next adventure. Whether it’s your first time visit or if you frequent the park, you will find that this location provides a friendly atmosphere where you can connect with nature and the community.

1. Participate in a race

High Bridge Trail State Park is perfect for running since the trail is flat and level with almost no incline. The park highlights the trail and hosts yearly events that you can participate in and even win some cool prizes.

National Trails Day is the first Saturday in June and Virginia State Parks celebrates this annual event by encouraging outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels to explore hiking, biking and equestrian trails. Parks offer guided hikes, trail maintenance workshops and volunteer opportunities to highlight trail stewardship and the importance of preserving trails for future generations. High Bridge Trail will host the National Trails Day 5K. The course is out and back across the historic half mile long High Bridge. This event is sponsored by Friends of High Bridge Trail and all proceeds support park programs.

The Adventure Series is a variety of races that are held throughout the year at several Virginia State Park locations. This year High Bridge Trail is hosting four races, The High Bridge Time Trial, Night Train, Half Marathon and a 5K.

The High Bridge Time Trial is about 19 miles total and starts and ends near Three Roads Brewery. Each entry will receive race number, timing chip and a timed race. All racers will be eligible for performance awards and random giveaways.

Night Train is an ultra-marathon that consists of three evening races where you can participate in the 5k, 50k or half marathon race. Visit the Ultra-Marathon web page for more race details and to register.

The High Bridge Trail Half Marathon and 5K at High Bridge Trail State Park are held in the fall. The 5K is and out-and-back race, sponsored by Riverside Runners and Friends of High Bridge Trail State Park. Covering a portion of the High Bridge Trail, runners enjoy a wide, semi-shaded trail of well-packed, crushed limestone with very little grade. The half marathon route includes two trips across the historic High Bridge with extensive views of the Appomattox River. 

Visit the Adventure Series website for the full list of races and registration details.

2. Trek the trail

You can hike, bike or ride horses on this trail as you traverse through several counties and small towns in Virginia. Whether you plan to explore the whole trail at once or tackle it in segments, there are numerous trailheads with parking available to begin your journey.

You can start at the western end of the trail in Pamplin, which has been recently added. This section has a wooden bench that is perfect for resting and taking photos. There is a Port-A-John located at the trailhead parking lot at 1779 Pamplin Road, and a vault toilet available at mile marker 21.9W.

The most popular place to park is High Bridge Station at 1466 Camp Paradise Road in Rice, Va. There are restrooms, and the visitor center can be found here. This location allows you to be closer to the majestic High Bridge, the park’s centerpiece, 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. High Bridge is a Virginia Historic Landmark on the National Register of Historic Places. The trail is a National Recreation Trail recognizing exemplary trails of local and regional significance, connecting people to nature, each other and our shared history and culture.

Since this park consists of a multi-use trail, be sure to follow proper trail etiquette as this is of the utmost importance for park guests.

• Ride right and pass left.
• Use vocal signals when passing.
• Maintain a safe and courteous speed.
• Be courteous and respectful of other visitors

Dogs are welcome to join you on your trek along the trail, but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. There isn’t always shade on the trail so be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for you and your furry friend on your trip.

3. Participate in a program

Have you seen a vernal pool? This is a popular program in the spring as this is the only time you can see these magic little pools that are full of life. You can find these pools under the High Bridge and there are several ranger-led programs where you can get an up-close look at what is living in these vernal pools.

The park hosts a Firefly Festival on two nights in June and tickets are required to attend. This event is very popular and provides a unique view of the fireflies from the High Bridge. There are exhibitors and staff onsite you can talk to and learn more about these fascinating creatures that light up the night sky.

Other programs include nighttime stargazing, history lessons, Kids to Park Day, Ask a Ranger and National Trails Day. Visit the park event webpage for more information.

The park offers year-round self-guided experiences as well as unique historical and environmental education programming. Call 434-315-0457 or email highbridgetrail@dcr.virginia.gov to schedule a field trip or private program for your group.

4. Volunteer at the park

Volunteering at Virginia State Parks is a great way to use your skills and donate your time to help preserve these parks for future generations. There are many opportunities to lend your skillsets at High Bridge and other park locations.

Your help is needed in inventorying plants and animals, running educational and interpretive programs, pulling invasive plants, running Discovery Centers, and much more. You can join as an individual or with a group. Visit the volunteer website for more details.

Each park is different and has exciting volunteer opportunities and most of them have Friends groups you can get involved with.

The Friends of High Bridge Trail State Park is a group of hands-on volunteers dedicated to preserving the park and supporting its mission. This group is supportive of the park and plays a major role in park events. Call 434-315-0457 or email fofhbt@gmail.com for more information.

5. Check out the visitor center

A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on April 7, 2025, in honor of the opening of the new visitor center. The center is a part of the park’s master plan and has been something that the staff and guests have been eagerly awaiting.

High Bridge Station is located at the main park entrance on Camp Paradise Road and includes the new visitor center, restrooms and staff offices. The name originates from the park’s significant railroad history and the center’s design was based on the 1914 Standard Combination Passenger and Freight Station in the Norfolk & Western Railway Company Standard Plans.

In recognition of the park’s history, the visitor center is linear to resemble a train station that would have been built in the early 1900s. The building design showcases the importance of the train station and transportation in the area and the building aesthetic represents the railroad era to provide additional insight into the original Norfolk-Southern donation. Inside the center, you can see displays that showcase the park’s railroad history.

The visitor center is situated at the eastern end of the actual High Bridge from which the park receives its namesake. High Bridge is the focal point of the park and usually has the highest level of visitation, so having this center to also include the park staff offices at a busy section of the park will be helpful for rangers interacting with guests. The building is located about 0.3 miles from High Bridge and there is an ADA accessible path to the trail.

Now that the center is open, guests have a place to rest, talk to a ranger and purchase much needed items for the trail as well as a souvenir. You will be able to talk to a ranger in a centralized location so it’s the perfect stop before your hike along the trail. You can ask about future park programs, pick up a park map or just come inside for a break from the outdoors. This building also provides shade and shelter from bad weather so guests can enjoy the park on a rainy day.

The visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. until 4 p.m.

Plan your next visit

If you are looking for an adventure longer than one day, please note that there are 5 parks within 45 minutes of each other and they are referred to as the “Farmville 5.” I wrote an itinerary blog that explains how you can make the most of the parks in this area over a 5-day period. You can stay at other nearby parks and still enjoy High Bridge during the hours it is open.

Wherever you decide to start your journey along the trail, there is an adventure waiting for you or for the whole family. Be sure to check out the High Bridge Trail State Park website for any updates and be sure to pack snacks and water for your trip.