The High Bridge Trail State Park just got a little bit longer this past week. All 31 miles of the trail are now open to the public thanks to the completion of the 2,422-foot-long, 125-foot-tall High Bridge that crosses the Appomattox River. The abandoned railroad bridge now offers a one-of-a-kind view for trail seekers and finally connects a trail that's been six years in the making.
High Bridge Trail is a multi-use trail, meaning it is fit for biking, hiking and horseback riding. It is also a day-use trail, meaning it closes at dusk. Parking is available at some of the trail points, notably off of North Main Street in Farmville and U.S. 460 throughout the 31-mile stretch running through Cumberland, Nottoway and Prince Edward counties. The towns of Burkeville, Farmville, Pamplin City, Prospect and Rice are all connected thanks to the trail, which encompasses a 1,103 acre area.
The trail project began in 2007 when Norfolk Southern Railway Co. donated a 31-mile stretch of abandoned rail to the Commonwealth for the creation of a new state park. The line was a part of the Petersburg to Lynchburg rail. Two years later, on Aug. 22, 2008, four miles of the linear park opened for public use.
About a year later, an additional 10 miles opened. By July 3, 2010, 10 more additional miles were completed and on Sept. 4, 2010, the final six miles of the trail opened. All that was left was the bridge. That project began March 2011, and 13 months later, the bridge is now complete. However, that project was almost in jeopardy.
Nearly 146 years after the first fire during the Civil War, Farmville Fire Department responded to a small blaze on the bridge where a few railroad ties were burning. The April 6, 2011 fire is thought to have been ignited due to construction. The fire was extinguished without any considerable damage to the structure.
The original bridge was constructed in 1853 by the Southside Railroad. Nearly four million bricks completed the 20 piers. A wooden superstructure with pedestrian walkway beside the rail completed the top portion. The bridge was pivotal in Confederate General Robert E. Lee's retreat form Petersburg in the final hours of the Civil War. The Battle of High Bridge occurred there April 6-7, 1865 - 147 years ago.
The Confederate Army set the bridge ablaze to halt the Union Army. But the bridge stood, although four spans were completely destroyed. In 1914, a brand new bridge was designed and built next to the older one. The last engine crossed the bridge in July 2005.
Park Manger Eric Hougland said in a phone interview that the timing of the project "worked out beautifully." He said the bridge, the staple of the trail, provides a unique view for Central Virginia. Visitors can capture a wide view of the river basin as well as distant mountains to the north and west. "It's a pretty special spot," said Hougland.
While the rail lines changed to a gravel trail, the bridge was already there. However, as Hougland explained, more than half of the timbers were replaced. Additionally, handrails and approach work had to be completed. Three overlooks, two of which are sheltered, also were placed along the bridge.
As noted, there is more than just hiking to take in. Crossing the Appomattox River means lots of fishing opportunities. The Appomattox is home to a number of fish such as largemouth and smallmouth bass and the Kentucky spotted bass. The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation also says the river features a number of freshwater species.
High Bridge Trail State Park is not the only wildlife and nature spot in the area. In fact, Central Virginia is full of state parks and other notable conservation areas such as Twin Lakes State Park, Sailor's Creek Battlefield State Park, Bear Creek Lake State Park, Holliday Lake State Park, Sandy River Reservoir, Briery Creek Wildlife Management Area and Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest.
To celebrate the complete opening of the park, a few events have been planned. On April 13, from 7 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., WFLO radio personality Francis Wood will tell Civil War and Ghost stories along the trail to High Bridge. The walk will start from the River Road Access Parking Lot in Farmville and continue for three miles.
On April 22, from 1:30 p.m. to 4 p.m., High Bridge Trail will celebrate Earth Day with a Spring Salad edible plant identification walk. Trail volunteer and Chesterfield County Science teacher Michael Strange will head a two-mile hike pointing out a number of edible plants along the trail.
For more information on these events or the state park, call 434-315-0457 or email highbridgetrail@dcr.virginia.gov.
Children and adults alike came out to take advantage of the warm weather and give the new 2,442-foot-long High Bridge a test run after the official opening on Friday.
