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High Bridge Trail State Park
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High Bridge Trail State Park © Virginia State Parks / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Uploaded by SA. Used in blog.
High Bridge Trail State Park © Virginia State Parks / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
1857 Ed Beyer HB color
High Bridge Trail State Park © vastateparksstaff / CC BY 2.0
High Bridge Trail State Park © Virginia State Parks staff / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
A beautiful day to get outsidejlw
High Bridge Trail State Park © vastateparksstaff / CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Contest EntryHigh Bridge Trail State ParkLooking down the High Bridge Trail.
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HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL STATE PARK
HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL STATE PARK
1466 Camp Paradise Road
Rice, Virginia   23966
(lat:37.3065 lon:-78.3138) map location

Phone: 434-315-0457
High Bridge Trail is 31 miles long and ideally suited for hiking, bicycling and horseback riding. Once a rail bed, the trail is wide, level and generally flat. Its finely crushed limestone surface and dimensions make it easy to enjoy. The parks centerpiece is the majestic High Bridge, 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, a Virginia Historic Landmark, is 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, to each other, and to our shared history and culture. Bring drinking water because none is available on the trail.

High Bridge access

There are two parking lots near High Bridge.

East of the bridge 1466 Camp Paradise Road Rice, Virginia Prince Edward County

Use 1681 Aspen Hill Road Rice, Virginia 23966, to get to the entrance of Camp Paradise Roadthen travel 1.5 miles to the parking area.
High Bridge is .3 miles from the Camp Paradise parking lot. Trailers are allowed in this lot, and equestrians may access the trail from it.

West of the bridge River Road, Farmville Cumberland County

Use 555 River Road, Farmville, VA 23901, to get here. High Bridge is nearly a mile from the lot.Trailers are not allowed at this lot.
History of the Area
In December 2006, Norfolk Southern Railway Co. donated a 31-mile tract of abandoned railroad to the state for the establishment of a new state park. The rail line was part of the Petersburg to Lynchburg line. On Aug. 22, 2008, four miles of the linear park were opened to the public. On June 6, 2009, another 10 miles were opened to the public. Six more miles were opened on Nov. 14, 2009, and another four miles were opened on July 3, 2010. On Sept. 4, 2010, the trail's final six miles were opened. After 13 months of rehabilitation work, High Bridge was opened to the public on April 6, 2012. Its completion provides the final link in the 31-mile trail.



Picnicking
1. High Bridge Trail State Park offers scenic picnic spots along the 31-mile trail.
2. Picnic tables and grills are available for public use.
3. Enjoy a riverside picnic at one of many designated areas.
4. The park provides trash cans, so remember to clean up after your meal!
5. Many visitors enjoy picnicking near the historic High Bridge with its stunning views.

Bicycling
Biking is a popular activity, with 31 miles of flat trail available. Be cautious as the path can be busy.

The park's centerpiece, an old railroad bridge turned into a bike-friendly pathway, offers stunning views but requires careful navigation.

Rentals are accessible at nearby Farmville for those without their own equipment; helmets and safety gear strongly recommended.

Night biking isn't permitted due to limited visibility and potential hazards on the trail after dark.

During wet conditions or following rainfall, bikers should exercise extra caution as surfaces may become slippery.

Remember that this multi-use track also accommodates walkers and horse riders - always maintain safe speeds around other users.

Winter cycling could prove challenging because of icy patches so it's best avoided unless you're experienced in such conditions.

Always carry water during summer months when temperatures rise significantly making dehydration possible if not properly hydrated beforehand.
Birding
Birding enthusiasts can spot species like the Eastern Bluebird, American Goldfinch and Red-tailed Hawk. The park is a habitat for various songbirds, raptors and waterfowl. Birdwatchers may also see Wild Turkeys or Barred Owls in forested areas. Wetland sections attract herons and ducks while open fields are home to meadowlarks and sparrows.

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Area Fishing Related Businesses
Sleepy Oaks Farm
13111 Reed Rock Rd
Amelia Court Hse, VA
(804) 561-4764
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
High Bridge Trail traverses Cumberland, Nottoway and Prince Edward Counties and the towns of Burkeville, Farmville, Pamplin City, Prospect and Rice. The address listed above is for mail.

Entrances - Parking availability

Rice - 642 Rice's Depot Road, 1/4-mile off U.S. 460 at Rice, near trail milepost 3.5E
Camp Paradise - 1466 Camp Paradise Road, Rice 3.2 miles off 460/Aspen Hill Road in Rice, near trail milepost 0.5
River Road - 555 River Road, 3 miles off N. Main Street in Farmville, near trail milepost 1.2W
Osborne - E. Osborne Road end of the road, Farmville1/4-mile off N. Main Street in Farmville, near trail milepost 4.2W
Municipal lots in Farmville where the trail intersects with Main Streetnear trail milepost 4.7W
Tuggle- 4525 Hardtimes Road, Prospect off U.S. 460 and near U.S. 15 North, near trail milepost 10.5W
Prospect - 187 Prospect Road, off U.S. 460 at Prospect, near trail milepost 13W
Elam - Off U.S. 460 at Sulphur Springs Roadnear trail milepost 17.9W
Heights School Road, off U.S. Business 460 near Pamplin and trail milepost 21W

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