Was Abraham Lincoln just a president? Is Starbucks just a coffee shop? Is the Star Spangled Banner just a song? Is High Bridge just a bridge?
To find the answer, it’s time to hit the trail! High Bridge Trail, that is. . .
Consider a day trip to High Bridge Trail State Parkand enjoy some unique activities. There truly is something for everyone. Of course hiking, biking and horseback riding are popular—but there’s so much more, mark your calendars for these upcoming events!
Witness live cannon fire!
Experience the Second Battle for High Bridge on Sunday, April 7, 2013from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. Captain John Butler of Cumberland and the Cummings Battery of Cape Fear Light Artillery will display the use of artillery with load and fire demonstrations every half hour with an American Civil War era style cannon.
Experience load and fire demonstrations at High Bridge!
Take a walk back in time with a local historical society on Saturday, April 13, 2013.Bob Flippen, the Park's Education Specialist, teams up with members of the Prospect Historical Society to point out numerous attractions, past and present, located in this historic village such as a depot, blacksmith shop, General Store, Hotel, Masonic Lodge, and more. The walk will beginat the parking lot in Prospect.
Park visitors explore history along High Bridge Trail near Prospect
If you like hands on- then get your hands dirty making “seed bombs”. To celebrate Earth Day onSaturday, April 20, 2013trail volunteer and Chesterfield County Science teacher, Michael Stange will lead an educational morning walk and replanting program. Create wildflower "seed bombs" to help native flower and tree species recover invaded habitat. Mike will also point out some plants and animals that call the trail home and explain how this former rail bed is being reclaimed by nature.
Create Seed Bombs and discover plant life along the trail
Are you a Night Owl?
Would you like to see one? Join us for a Night Owl Walk on Saturday, April 27, 2013. Meet at the River Road parking lot at 8:00 p.m. Did you know a baby owl is called an owlet or that when owls congregate in groups it is known as a parliament? Total walk length is 3 miles.
These are just a few reasons to hit the trail at High Bridge Trail State Park. Click herefor a complete listing of events.
Facts about the park
Not just a bridge, the majestic High Bridge is more than 2,400 feet long and 125 feet above the Appomattox River. High Bridge is the longest recreational bridge in Virginia and one of the longest in the United States. High Bridge is a Virginia Historic Landmark and on the National Register of Historic Places. The original bridge was built in 1853 as part of the South Side Railroad. The current steel-tower bridge was completed in 1914.
Not just a bridge
High Bridge Trail State Park is a 31-mile rail to trail conversion and runs through Cumberland, Nottoway and Prince Edward counties and the towns of Burkeville, Farmville, Pamplin City, Prospect and Rice. Please remember to bring your own drinking water as there is none available along the trail. The park may be contacted at 434-315-0457 or by email.
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
Maybe now you will see that High Bridge is more than just a trail, we hope to see you at some of these special events soon!