You get an awe-inspiring experience at High Bridge Trail State Park!

Waverly Garner is the AmeriCorps volunteer for High Bridge Trail State Park.He is 18 years old and resides in Farmville, Virginia. Waverly gets to speak with park visitors, gets to know them, and tells them about High Bridge and its incredible history during the Civil War.

AmeriCorps volunteer Waverly Garner is a favorite with park visitors

Waverly admits he brought his craziness to High Bridge Trail along with his quirky interests such as butterflies. But his love for people and meeting them has been a spectacular asset to this park. After all, park visitors have lots of unanswered questions that Waverly graciously answers, such as some of these popular ones:

Where is water? Where is the beer fountain? How far is it back across the Bridge? Can I get a ride?  Can I have your bike? Why are you wearing pants in this heat? How high is the Bridge? Have you read Killing Lincoln?

I asked Waverly, what do you like about your job? He said, “I’ve met people from all over the states and all over the world, and have shared in their experiences at the Bridge. Everyone is so nice and interesting. I’m lucky to get to know them, plus it is beautiful at the Bridge. The sky opens up around you.”

A group of local school children learn about the history of High Bridge
and its role in the Civil War

Here are some quotes from park visitors who had something to say about Waverly:

“At the bridge was an AmeriCorps volunteer table with information. The young man was exceedingly informative and friendly and added greatly to my experience…”

“I had an enjoyable stop at the High Bridge and a pleasant conversation with a young man volunteering. He was knowledgeable about a Civil War display and his enthusiasm was contagious…”
“Waverly rocks- excellent, great park…”

You can start your Labor Day weekend off by joining Waverly for an enjoyable Saturday morning bike ride on High Bridge Trail.

The ride will cover 10 miles going from Farmville and across High Bridge and then returning. The ride will be held on September 1, 2012 and will leave from the Farmville Main Street Plaza at 9 a.m. Waverly will share information about the park and other recreational opportunities in the area. For more information, click here or call the park office at (434)315-0457 or by email.

Bicyclers of all ages enjoy riding on High Bridge Trail even if someone else does the peddling.

You can also meet Waverly on Labor Day when you visit High Bridge as he’ll be available to provide historical interpretations at the bridge. Click here to see upcoming park events.

Entrances- Parking availability:

• Rice's Depot Road, 1/4-mile off U.S. 460 at Rice, near trail milepost 142
• River Road, 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, off U.S. 460 and near U.S. 15 North, near trail milepost 156
• Prospect Road, off U.S. 460 at Prospect, near trail milepost 161
• Elam, off U.S. 460 at Sulpher Spring Rd., near trail milepost 164
• Heights School Rd., of U.S. Business 460 near Pamplin, near trail milepost 168