6888 Green Bay RoadGreen Bay, VA 23942
Latitude: 37.304488
Longitude: -78.390938
High Bridge Trail State Park is a multi-use trail ideally suited for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Its centerpiece is the majestic High Bridge, which is more than 2,400 feet long and 160 feet above the Appomattox River. The bridge was built in 1853 as part of the South Side Railroad. The High Bridge played a significant role during Lee’s retreat in the final days of the American Civil War, and was the site of two battles in April 1865. Except for High Bridge itself, all 30 miles of this linear park’s trails are open. Work on access to the bridge continues, but the bridge can be seen from certain sections of the trail. The bridge is slated to be open to the public in late 2011. Visitors are strongly encouraged to be sure to bring plenty of drinking water. No drinking water is available on the trail.
Friends of High Bridge Trail State Park
Virginia State Parks Calendar
High Bridge Trail
High Bridge Trail is nearly 30 miles long (all 30 miles are currently open to the public, the bridge itself is not open)and runs through Cumberland, Nottoway and Prince Edward counties and the towns of Burkeville, Farmville, Pamplin City, Prospect and Rice.Entrances – Parking availability: River Road near trail milepost 146, Osborne Road near milepost 149, municipal lots in Farmville near milepost 150, Tuggle Road near milepost 156, Prospect near milepost 161, Elam near milepost 164, Heights School Road near milepost 168.
- Length: 30
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Packed Stone
Pamplin City to Elam
From Pamplin City to Elam is about a 3 mile, easy section of the High Bridge Trail that begins near an old Kyanite Mineral storage building just off of Heights School Road and about a mile east of Pamplin City. Pamplin City was once the home of the largest clay pipe factory in the world and is now on the registry of National Landmarks. Parking may be found just off of Heights School Road and you will also find picnic tables and bathrooms on your travels. Along this section of the trail you’ll travel along tall Virginia Pines and may even spot deer and red fox along the way. Be aware of private driveways and crossings.
- Length: 3
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Packed Stone
Elam to Prospect
From Elam to Prospect is a 3.5 mile, easy section of the High Bridge Trail with parking and picnic benches available. This section of the trail also contains an interpretive sign that describes a school bus and train accident in 1951 which took the lives of 5 school children. When traveling on this section of the trail you’ll go by green pastures, ponds, and grape vines, that not only provide great views, but also provide great resources for birds and other animals. Traveling east on the trail you may see concrete mile markers which were used by train conductors to gauge how far they were from Norfolk.
- Length: 3.5
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Packed Stone
Prospect to Tuggle
From Prospect to Tuggle is about a 4 mile, easy section of the High Bridge Trail that offers parking, bathrooms, and a picnic area just off of Prospect Road. Access to a gas station is available for those needing food or drink. While traveling along the trail you may have the opportunity to see ground hogs and their network of tunnels. Prospect Road loops around to intersect the trail. Take caution as the road has moderate traffic. As you continue on the trail you may spot Christmas Ferns, which stay green all year.
- Length: 3.9
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Packed Stone
Tuggle to Farmville
From Tuggle to Farmville is about a 5.4 mile, easy section of the High Bridge Trail that offers bathrooms, parking and picnic tables just off of the intersection of Tuggle and Hard Times Roads. Be aware of steep drop offs on either side of the trail and take note that there are no guard rails. As you travel on this section of the trail you will pass under Dry Bridge Road and US 460. Be on the lookout for passion flowers that bloom in the spring as you make your way along shale rock formations. You will travel over West Third Street as you make your way into the Town of Farmville.
- Length: 5.4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Packed Stone
Farmville to High Bridge
From Farmville to High Bridge is about a 3.5 mile, easy section of the High Bridge Trail with access to parking, picnic tables, and restaurants. Take care while traveling on this section of the trail as the sides steepen and there are no guard rails. The trail takes you through historic Farmville so be aware of traffic. You’ll travel over River Road Bridge, which will give you a view of the Appomattox River. Horse dismount blocks are available for your convenience. Look for Firepinks blooming in late spring as you approach High Bridge. High Bridge played a significant role in Civil War history and will be made available for travel at some point in the future.
- Length: 3.4
- Difficulty: Easy
- Surface: Packed Stone
High Bridge
High Bridge, which is more than 2,400 feet long and 160 feet above the Appomattox River, was built in 1853 as part of the South Side Railroad. The High Bridge played a significant role during Lee’s retreat in the final days of the American Civil War, and was the site of two battles in April 1865.
- Season/Hours: Call Park (434) 315-0457/Call Park (434) 315-0457
- Fee: Park Fees
- Location:37° 18.4117 -78° 23.2288