Getting up and at ‘em early isn’t always the easiest thing to do. The idea of sleeping in for a bit when you can is sometimes too hard to pass up. But when you’ve got the opportunity to head to a gorgeous park and take in the sunrise from an extremely unique vantage point, the benefits of rolling out of bed before the sun comes up are pretty sweet. And you can do just that (and much more!) from the High Bridge Trail State Park in Farmville.
Opened to the public in 2012, High Bridge Trail State Park is 1,206 acres and features a 31-mile trail with opportunities for walking, bicycling, and horseback riding. It is listed as one of the over 1,300 National Recreation Trails in the United States.
Stephanie A/Trip Advisor
But the pièce de resistance is the actual High Bridge itself. A former rail bed, it runs over 2,400 feet in length and sits 160 feet above the 157-mile-long Appomattox River.
CrankingChick/Trip Advisor It is the very longest recreational bridge in the state and in the top ten in all the US. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a Virginia Historic Landmark.
The park is open from dawn until dusk, making it a great spot to see both the sunrise and sunset. Just note that the River Road and Camp Paradise parking lots do not open until 8 a.m.
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Be sure to make a stop (or several) along your way to take in the views from the bridge.
Lorleila B/Trip Advisor
The original high bridge was built in 1854 and served as a connector over the river from Petersburg to Lynchburg. It even played a role in the Civil War, with an attempt to destroy it made by Confederate soldiers who had Union troops in pursuit in 1865. Much of it was destroyed during the Battle of High Bridge, but it was quickly rebuilt.
suepbird/Trip Advisor
In 2004, the last train crossed over the bridge here.
While the views from High Bridge are the focal point, you’ll also find mile markers, telegraph poles from the 1900s, grand oak trees, and even some leftover railroad relics.
Stan_39440/Trip Advisor
Aside from the bridge itself, which is made of wood planks, the rest of the trails are wide, mostly flat, and made of finely crushed limestone, making it an easy trek for most anyone. You can access three connector trails from the bridge: Smyth, Camp Paradise, and Spur Line.
mjrgnsn/Trip Advisor You can also horseback ride or fish in the river from the Camp Paradise trail (freshwater fishing license required).
For bikers, you’ve got three single-tracks, Deering, Burnside, and Early, that total 5.5 miles. The Smyth connector also allows for bikes.
Lorleila B/Trip Advisor
There is also a visitor center and gift shop on site, open seasonally on the weekends.
newtbob/Trip Advisor Grab a few souvenirs of your excursion, like medallions and t-shirts, before you head home or to your next destination!
Stephanie A/Trip Advisor
CrankingChick/Trip Advisor
It is the very longest recreational bridge in the state and in the top ten in all the US. It’s listed on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a Virginia Historic Landmark.
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Lorleila B/Trip Advisor
suepbird/Trip Advisor
Stan_39440/Trip Advisor
mjrgnsn/Trip Advisor
You can also horseback ride or fish in the river from the Camp Paradise trail (freshwater fishing license required).
newtbob/Trip Advisor
Grab a few souvenirs of your excursion, like medallions and t-shirts, before you head home or to your next destination!
Check the website for High Bridge Trail State Park for more information about visiting and what educational and nature programs might be offered.
What’s your favorite spot in VA to watch the sun rise or set? Tell us in the comments!
Looking for more ways to enjoy the outdoors? Check out these other awesome hikes in VA.
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Address: High Bridge Trail State Park, N Main St, Farmville, VA 23901, USA
