Last updated: August 5, 2026
Place
High Bridge Trail State Park
Virginia Department of Conservation & Recreatio
Quick Facts
Location:
1466 Camp Paradise Road, Rice, VA 23966
Significance:
High Bridge Trail State Park preserves a historic railroad corridor and the 1853 High Bridge crossing of the Appomattox River, a Civil War landmark now recognized as a National Recreation Trail.
Designation:
Virginia State Park; Chesapeake Gateways Network Site; National Recreation Trail
Amenities
5 listed
Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Restroom - Accessible, Wheelchair Accessible
High Bridge Trail is a 32.2-mile linear rail trail that goes through central Virginia, linking communities, landscapes, and stories tied to the Appomattox River. The trail is wide, level, and surfaced with finely crushed limestone, making it ideal for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding. Along the route, visitors travel through farmland, forests, river views, and access points in charming rural communities such as Farmville.
The park's main attraction is the majestic High Bridge stretching more than 2,400 feet and rising 125 feet above the Appomattox River. It is the longest recreational bridge in Virginia and among the longest in the United States. Recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the bridge played a significant role during the final days of the Civil War when Confederate and Union force fought to control the crossing during the Appomattox Campaign on April 6-7, 1865.
As part of the Chesapeake Gateways Network, High Bridge Trail State Park connects visitors with the waterways and landscapes of the Chesapeake Bay watershed while interpreting the transportation history and Civil War events that shaped the region. The trail’s designation as a National Recreation Trail recognizes its role in connecting people to nature, culture, and shared history.
Visitors can learn more about trail access points, history, and recreation opportunities by exploring the park’s website.
The park's main attraction is the majestic High Bridge stretching more than 2,400 feet and rising 125 feet above the Appomattox River. It is the longest recreational bridge in Virginia and among the longest in the United States. Recognized as a Virginia Historic Landmark and listed in the National Register of Historic Places, the bridge played a significant role during the final days of the Civil War when Confederate and Union force fought to control the crossing during the Appomattox Campaign on April 6-7, 1865.
As part of the Chesapeake Gateways Network, High Bridge Trail State Park connects visitors with the waterways and landscapes of the Chesapeake Bay watershed while interpreting the transportation history and Civil War events that shaped the region. The trail’s designation as a National Recreation Trail recognizes its role in connecting people to nature, culture, and shared history.
Visitors can learn more about trail access points, history, and recreation opportunities by exploring the park’s website.
This location does not accept the America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass. Entrance fees and ticket policies are set independently by the managing partner, as detailed on their website.