High Bridge

High Bridge SP https://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/high-bridge-trail https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Bridge_Trail_State_Park High Bridge Trail State Park is a rail trail in Southside Virginia converted from a rail line last belonging to Norfolk Southern. The first section of the High Bridge Trail opened in 2008 and the final section was completed in 2012. With a length of more than thirty miles, the trail is shared by bicyclists, pedestrians and equestrians — and includes a restored crossing at the Appomattox River over the historic High Bridge – from which the park derives its name. The lineal park traverses Appomattox, Nottoway, Cumberland, and Prince Edward counties as well as Pamplin City, Prospect, Farmville, Rice and Burkeville. Where the trail traverses Farmville, it directly adjoins Longwood University at the campus' satellite housing and athletic site.

WELCOME TO HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL STATE PARK. To make your visit safe and more pleasant, we ask that you observe the following: Take only pictures, leave only footprints. Park in designated areas only. Please note there is a parking fee charged year-round at all Virginia State Parks. Self-pay parking information is available at the park entrance. HOURS OF OPERATION - 8 a.m. - dusk Some special events and programs happen after normal business hours. Please check the online park events page for more information. ACCESS / PARKING - The park traverses Appomattox, Cumberland, Nottoway and Prince Edward counties and the towns of Burkeville, Farmville, Pamplin City, Prospect and Rice. There are several ways to access the trail and High Bridge. Remember to park in the following designated areas. Lock valuables in your trunk and keep your vehicle locked when unattended. • Moran: County Route 610 (Moran Road), 0.3 miles from Piney Grove Road near trail milepost 7.5E • Rice: 642 Rice’s Depot Road, 0.25 miles off U.S. 460 at Rice near trail milepost 3.5E • High Bridge Station: 1466 Camp Paradise Road, Rice; 3.2 miles off 460/Aspen Hill Road in Rice, near milepost 0.5E; horse trailer parking • River Road: 555 River Road, 3 miles off N. Main Street in Farmville • Farmville: Municipal lots where the trail intersects with Main Street • Tuggle: 4525 Hartimes 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 14W; horse trailer parking • Elam: Off U.S. 460 at Sulphur Springs Road • Pamplin: 1797 Pamplin Road, Pamplin. At trail milepost 21.9W PRESERVE - Help preserve your park. Please don’t cut or mar any plants or trees. Collecting animal or plant life is allowed only for scientific purposes by permit from the Richmond headquarters. Don’t feed any wild animals. ALCOHOL - State law permits alcohol use only in private areas or in areas designated on permits issued by the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control. Per the Code of Virginia 4.1-308, drinking alcohol in public is prohibited. PETS - Pets are permitted and must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet. Please clean up after your pet. Pet clean-up stations are available at Camp Paradise, River Road and in the Town of Farmville. Pets must be attended at all times. Pets are not allowed inside facilities; service dogs are not considered pets. DRONES AND OTHER AIRCRAFT - Drones, other unmanned aerial vehicles, including remote control aircraft, and aircraft in general may not be flown in state parks pursuant to 4VAC5-30-400. LITTER - Please help us keep the park clean by placing litter and recyclables in the proper receptacles and recycle centers or carrying out your trash. The releasing of balloons is not allowed. Decorative balloons must be deflated and disposed of as trash. In an effort to reduce the impact on landfills, we encourage the use of Leave No Trace Principles including pack it in - pack it out. FIRE - Help prevent wildfires. Fires must be confined to grills, camp stoves or designated fire rings. Fires must be attended at all times and extinguished when left. Guests may collect only downed and dead firewood. We enforce all seasonal and emergency bans on open fires. FISHING - A Virginia freshwater fishing license is required. There is limited fishing access along Camp Paradise Trail on the Appomattox River. GROUP EVENTS - A Special Use Permit is required for weddings and all group events that involve amplified sound, catering, equipment rentals and vendor deliveries. Please contact the Park Office for more information. TRAIL INFORMATION DIFFICULTY SCALE EASY From .5 to 1 mile; grades are short, typically fewer than 100 feet and less than 10 percent of the trail length; easily accomplished by all users, including the elderly and those with physical or mental disabilities, with little risk of injury or fatigue. MODERATE From 1 to 5 miles; steepness and grade lengths vary; at least 60 percent of the length is fairly flat; healthy people can accomplish the trail with little risk of injury or fatigue. DIFFICULT Trail length is greater than 5 miles; more than 70 percent of the trail is on a grade; experienced hikers only or groups of three to five people recommended; there is a risk of overexertion or injury to those not conditioned. TRAIL ETIQUETTE - High Bridge Trail is designed for hiking, biking and horseback riding. Trail etiquette is of the utmost importance for park guests. • Ride right and pass left. • Use vocal signals when passing. • Maintain a safe and courteous speed. • Be courteous and respectful of other visitors. PARK ACCESSIBILITY - We strive to make each park as barrier-free as possible. Universally accessible facilities are available throughout Virginia State Parks. Please check the park’s website for details. The park offers accessibility tours to High Bridge. Call the park office for details. FOR A MORE DETAILED VERSION OF TH

CENTRAL VIRGINIA Quirk Hotel—Richmond PERFORM The show must go on at the renovated Academy Center of the Arts in Lynchburg! Embracing the culture and diversity of the community, the Academy highlights the rich history of the 1905 theatre along with modern-day amenities. With live performances, films, concerts and more, you’ll not only feel good about supporting a local treasure, but get an authentic experience at one of the 20th century’s most prominent and well-attended theatres in Central Virginia. Afterwards, grab a drink and take in the sweeping city views at the Skyline Grill, located on the rooftop of the beautiful Virginian Hotel. CENTRAL VIRGINIA R O B E RT R U S S A M O T O N M U S E U M ( FA R M V I L L E ) : M I K E M E R G E N / V E RT I A S V I N E YA R D ( A F T O N ) : S A R A H H A U S E R CRAFT 98 TO D D W R I G H T Located right in the heart of the state, CENTRAL VIRGINIA is an easy drive from beaches, mountains and Washington, D.C. From vibrant small towns to the bustling state capital, this region teems with creative energy, passionate makers, local love and rich history. And as the landscape transitions from urban riverfronts to rolling hills to mountain-top vistas, you’ll also find a wide array of outdoor experiences and a diverse abundance of locally sourced cuisine. Crafting is no longer limited to painting and papier-mâché. Pair beautiful views with craft beverages along the Nelson 29 Craft Beverage Trail. The trail features a barrel house, four wineries and a distillery in the heart of Virginia’s most refreshing retreat. With additional dining and unique lodging options, like Orchard House Bed & Breakfast, craft beverage lovers can enjoy an ideal getaway with family and friends on the sunrise side of the Blue Ridge. Or, hop aboard a Crozet Trolley Tour to explore 13 wineries, breweries and cideries along the nearby Nelson 151 Trail. REDISCOVER Some of Virginia’s most iconic sites are telling a more comprehensive story, bringing to light the lives and experiences of their enslaved communities. Discover Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello from a new perspective – along Mulberry Row, the hub of Jefferson’s plantation, and in the exhibit The Life of Sally Hemings; Hemings not only bore several of Jefferson’s children but negotiated their freedom as well. Nearby is James Monroe’s Highland, where you can tour the restored slave quarters, experiencing the stories of the home through the voices of many. And James Madison’s Montpelier is home to the emotional and proactive exhibition The Mere Distinction of Colour, featuring artifacts, artwork and stories told by living descendants of the enslaved. Robert Russa Moton Museum—Farmville Veritas Vineyard—Afton EXPERIENCE In Richmond, our state’s capital, visitors seeking arts and culture need look no further than the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Peruse 35,000 pieces of art from around the world, including the new “Rumors of War,” a powerful monumental sculpture designed by Kehinde Wiley. Plus, enjoy curated food and spirits in their onsite restaurant, Amuse, or take a class in design or photography. Virginia Commonwealth University’s Institute of Contemporary Art also features rotating exhibitions of interactive art to get your creative fix. Afterwards, stroll the Fan and other neighborhoods for gorgeous murals by local artists. As a hub for entertainment, Richmond also hosts a multitude of live musical talent, from local bands to award-winning and world-renowned visiting artists. CELEBRATE Explore the stories of those who blazed the trail for Civil Rights in education and beyond. Begin at the Robert Russa Moton Museum in Farmville, where a student strike in 1951 led to the hallmark Brown v. Board of Education decision in 1954. In nearby Lynchburg, the Legacy Museum of African American History celebrates the African American experience in the region, including historic impacts on education. Then head to Richmond to view the Virginia Civil Rights Memorial on Capitol Square, featuring 16-yearold Barbara Rose Johns, leader of the Moton High School walkout. While you’re near, visit the Maggie Walker National Historic Site, which honors the first female bank president in America, and the Black History Museum and Cultural Center in Jackson Ward, once the “Harlem of the South.” VIRGINIA .ORG 99 q u O F F E R S A C C E S S F O R P E O P L E W H O A R E B L I N D O R H AV E L O W V I S I O N b BUSES/GROUP S WELCOME c P E T - F R I E N D LY FA C I L I T Y $ D P R O V I D E S P R I N T E D M AT E R I A L I N B R A I L L E PROVIDES DES CRIPTIONS BY A TRAINED AUDIO DES CRIBER P R O V I D E S A D E V I C E U S E D F O R C O M M U N I C AT I O N W I T H A N D B E T W E E N H E A R I N G I M PA I R E D ADMISSION REQUIRED I s W PROVIDES SIGN LANGUAGE PROVIDES ASSISTIVE LISTENING SYSTEMS ADA-COMPLIANT ARRINGTON Madison Fitzgerald Farms 4850 Tye Brook Hwy., 434-277-8047; fitzgeraldfarms.com. PickYour-Own Pumpkins during the season.

Programs & Education Discounts Families, schools, scouts, groups and individuals are encouraged to come learn more about their world. Virginia State Parks offer premier educational sites and programming to promote lifelong learning and appreciation of the outdoors. Learn the essentials of archery. Tour a cave or design a hiking stick. Enjoy a ranger-led hike, eagle tour or owl prowl. Challenge yourself to get outdoors and discover more parks by participating in the Trail Quest or Paddle Quest programs or improve outdoor skills with the help of the Let’s Go Adventures series. Up-to-the minute, comprehensive information is available at www. virginiastateparks.gov. Virginia State Parks are affordable every day, but annual passes can save you money on parking, boat launching and swimming. The Customer Loyalty Program lets you earn points that can be redeemed for free or discounted overnight stays. Park Accessibility Virginia State Parks strive to make each park as barrier-free as possible. Contact the Customer Service Center at 800-933-7275 or individual parks for more information before your trip. History & Culture Pets Immerse yourself in Colonial times, the Civil War or the Underground Railroad. Discover the impact of the Civilian Conservation Corps on the development of several parks and the Civil Rights Movement in reshaping the parks system towards racial equality. From museums and historic homes to visitor centers and state-of-the-art exhibits, Virginia State Parks offer a glimpse into the past and celebrate the regions’ history and culture. Step back in time and uncover mysteries of those at rest in a park’s historic cemetery or join a canoe tour and learn the history of an old mining “boomtown” that now lies below the lake’s surface. Witness a floating piece of history as replica wooden batteaux drift down a river like they would have in the 1700s. With events and festivals as diverse as the parks, you’ll find music, arts and crafts, local food and beverage, and more. Pets are welcome but must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet or in an enclosed area at all times. Cabin guests are charged $10 plus tax per night per pet. No pet fee is charged for camping Nature & Environment All parks have trails, many with signs explaining the environment. Wander trails at First Landing through cypress swamps or hike Caledon’s trails along ridges and ravines through rare old-growth forest. Overlooks at Hungry Mother, Grayson Highlands and Natural Tunnel offer a glimpse of powerful geological forces that shaped the land. See how rivers shaped some parks, such as Belle Isle, James River, Natural Bridge, Powhatan and Westmoreland. www.virginiastateparks.gov | 800-933-PARK (7275) www.virginiastateparks.gov | 800-933-PARK (7275) CT • CT • B/E/H • B/E/H/U 540-862-8100 540-291-1326 540-297-6066 T • B/H • • FP • • • • • • FP B/E/H H • • B/H NORTHERN VIRGINIA Culpeper Battlefields Lake Anna Leesylvania Mason Neck Sweet Run Widewater • 540-854-5503 703-730-8205 703-339-2385 540-668-6230 540-288-1400 • E/H • • • • • FP • H/U CT • • • B/H/U • • • • CT • B/E/H/U E/H • UD • FP • B/E/H/U • • B/H CHESAPEAKE BAY Belle Isle Caledon Machicomoco Westmoreland 804-462-5030 540-663-3861 804-642-2419 804-493-8821 • • • CT • • B/H • FP • B/H/U • • B/E/H/U COASTAL Chippokes False Cape­­­­ First Landing York River 757-294-3728 757-426-7128 757-412-2300 757-566-3036 • • B/H • • • • • B/H/U • • • FP 757-331-2267 • • • FP • • H/U/B 804-492-4410 434-315-0457 434-248-6308 434-933-4355 804-796-4255 804-598-7148 804-561-7510 434-392-3435 434-767-2398 T • • • • B/E/H T • • • • B/E/H P B/E/H/U B/E/H/U EASTERN SHORE Kiptopeke Claytor Lake Grayson Highlands Hungry Mother (Hemlock Haven Conference Center) New River Trail Shot Tower 540-643-2500 276-579-7092 276-781-7400 276-781-7425 276-699-6778 276-699-6778 • • • FP • • • T • • • CT • • • • B/H/U B/E/H • B/H/U Many parks offer overnight facilities suitable for reunions, weddings and special events. Some parks even have equestrian campsites. B/E/H/U • SOUTHERN VIRGINIA Fairy Stone Occoneechee Staunton River Battlefield Staunton River 276-930-2424 434-374-2210 434-454-4312 434-572-4623 T • • • 276-865-4413 276-254-5487 276-940-2674 276-940-2696 276-523-1322 276-445-3065 T • • • • • • • B/E/H/U B/E/H • B/H/U • • • • stay. B/E/H HEART OF APPALACHIA Breaks Interstate* Clinch River Natural Tunnel (Cove Ridge Conference Center) Southwest Virginia Museum Wilderness Road TABLE LEGEND­­­: B Biking CT Car-top Boat Launch E Equestrian FP Fishing Pier H Hiking P Pool Swimming T Electric Motors Only U Universally Accessible UD Under Development CT • • • • P B/E/H Shenandoah River Sky Meadows Douthat Smith Mountain Lake Lake Anna Leesylvania Belle Isle Caledon Machicomoco Westmoreland Chippokes False Cape­­­­ First Landing Kiptopeke Bear Creek Lake­ Holli

Hotel Weyanoke—Farmville Small Towns, Local charm, cozy curios and open arms make these small towns in Virginia worth exploring. Character WRITTEN BY MARY & BILL BURNHAM T KYLE LAFERRIERE 10 he phrase “small town” evokes nostalgia, authenticity and heartfeltwarmth in many of us. What’s not to love? They are authentic, accessible, friendly and stocked with locally-owned businesses. These are communities where you can get off the crowded highway, park the car and walk, ride a bike or even kayak through downtown. Small, family-run businesses offer one-of- a-kind handmade items, from jewelry and art to craft beers and wine. Farmers markets offer locally-grown produce and seafood spring through fall. With almost 200 incorporated towns, dozens more villages and hamlets, plus nearly 30 designated Virginia Main Street Communities, the hard part is deciding which Virginia towns to visit. VIRGINIA .ORG 11 Here are some of our favorites, d ending starting in southwest Virginia, an metown with a shameless plug for our ho on the Eastern Shore. High Bridge Trail State Park—Farmville Harrisonburg Big Stone Gap 12 Farmville HIGH BRIDGE TRAIL STATE PARK (FARMVILLE): ALI ZAMAN / SOUTHWEST VIRGINIA MUSEUM (BIG STONE GAP): JASON BARNETTE June Tolliver House and Art Folk Center—Big Stone Gap Southwest Virginia Museum—Big Stone Gap JUNE TOLLIVER HOUSE (BIG STONE GAP): TIM COX Southwest Virginia’s coal-mining history comes to life in the “Trail of the Lonesome Pine,” Virginia’s longest-running outdoor drama, performed Thursday through Saturday nights, late June through August. Before you go, be sure to read the Big Stone Gap novels by Adriana Trigiani, or watch the Hollywood film by the same name starring Ashley Judd and Whoopi Goldberg. Upon arrival, you can visit places featured in the film, such as Mutual Pharmacy, the Book Mobile, the Farmers Market, as well as the outdoor drama. Fine, well-preserved period homes house The John Fox Jr. Museum, the Southwest Virginia Museum and the June Tolliver House. Cozy B&Bs, cafes and a variety of antique and curio shops round out this small town gem. Fun Festival: 100th annual Tri State Singing Convention, June This formerly industrial town has been reinvented for recreation, craft beverage and shopping lovers. The Appomattox River that once carried tobacco barges is now a designated Scenic River carrying paddlers in search of whitewater or the calmer four-mile Farmville Blueway. The railroad that once carried coal now carries hikers, bikers and equestrians on the 30-mile-long High Bridge Trail State Park. Repurposed tobacco packing houses and lumber warehouses are reincarnated to house Appomattox River Company, Green Front Furniture and the Third Street Brewing Company, serving up local beer, live music, games for the kids and a pet-friendly beer garden. Together with the Virginia Tasting Cellar and the soon-to-open second location of James River Brewing, Farmville is fast becoming a destination for craft beverage lovers. Fun Festival: Heart of Virginia Festival, May Set amidst the vast playground of the idyllic Shenandoah Valley, Harrisonburg has been called “one of the best mountain bike towns in America” by National Geographic. Forward-thinking entrepreneurs and artisans have blended the past with the present to create a lively melting pot that is distinctive to this college town. Named Virginia’s first Culinary District in 2014, Harrisonburg’s cultural diversity serves up fare from around the world, while taking advantage of locallysourced farm-to-table ingredients. Food. Bar.Food features “global comfort food,” while a mother-daughter team creates soulsoothing pastries at Heritage Bakery & Café. The arts scene is equally diverse, epitomized by the Agora Downtown Market, a community of small businesses under one roof in an historic building. Named for James Madison, fourth president and the “Father of the Constitution,” are the stunning Hotel Madison and James Madison University (JMU), where nearly 20,000 students lend a youthful vitality to this historic town. Fun Festival: Harrisonburg International Festival, September VIRGINIA .ORG 13 Within Virginia’s larger cities, find pockets of uniqueness that make you feel like you’re in a small town! ROANOKE’S HISTORIC GRANDIN VILLAGE This walkable urban village is eclectic and family-friendly at the same time. Spend Saturday morning at the Community Market, dine on an outdoor patio, shop independentlyowned boutiques and take in a first-run or classic film at the 1930s Grandin Theatre. RICHMOND’S SCOTT’S ADDITION One of the hottest, newly revitalized neighborhoods in the state capital. Warehouses converted to breweries, cideries and distilleries, bold street murals, a cinema and a retro bowling alley make this a happening night scene. Immerse yourself in Virginia’s Lake Country at Virginia’s only lakeside town. Buggs Island Lake, also known as Kerr Reservoir, draws anglers to dozens of fishing tournaments yearl