Open fires are prohibited throughout the park from midnight to 4 p.m. through April 30 per the 4 p.m. Burning Law. This includes wood and charcoal. Gas is permissible. Campground fires are allowed during the restricted time if a camp host is on duty and signage to that effect is posted in the campground. Failure to observe the 4 p.m. Burning Law can result in a fine. Contact the Park Office for additional information.

Vernal Pool Exploration with Virginia Master Naturalists

Location of High Bridge Trail State Park in Virginia

Where

High Bridge Trail State Park, (Mailing address) 6888 Green Bay Rd., Green Bay, VA 23942.
Camp Paradise - 1466 Camp Paradise Road, Rice, VA 23966

When

April 29, 2024. 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.

Witness the amphibian life cycle and see aquatic invertebrates up-close when you join us in this partnership program with our local Central Piedmont Chapter of the Virginia Master Naturalists (CPVMN). Participants will hike with members of the CPVMN below High Bridge to a few of our abundant vernal pools along the Appomattox River floodplain. In the cool late winter and early spring days, frogs and salamanders make their way to these temporary bodies of water in the wooded low ground to lay their eggs. You might even see fairy shrimp and scuds swimming in these fish-free environments. The land below High Bridge has an abundance of these pools because of borrow pits and clay mining from brick production in the 1800s.

Visitors will need to be prepared for cold, damp conditions and bring footwear that can get muddy and wet. Access to the site is a round trip hike of about a mile, starting from the Camp Paradise parking area. Park staff and volunteers possess the proper permits and training to collect and briefly handle wildlife.

photo of two adult spotted salamanders

Other details

Standard parking or admission fee applies: Yes.
Extra fee: No.
Children welcome: Yes.
Phone: 434-315-0457
Email Address: highbridgetrail@dcr.virginia.gov