#rd Saturday Hike: High Bridge Trail

We met in the small hamlet of Rice, VA at the High Bridge parking just off Rices Depot Road and began our walk right at 1000 am.  It was a bright and breezy morning with a little chill in the air.  We were joined by many cyclists also enjoying the spring air.

We walked for a good 3 miles before coming upon a small campground and picnic area and took a quick break.  We continued on until we came upon the High Bridge and walked the length of it and rested at one of the picnic tables before heading back.  We stopped at the remains of earthworks that, at one point, were Camp Paradise that overlooked the river valley below.

We then headed back to the trailhead back in Rice noticing the temperature had warmed up nicely requiring us to shed a layer or two.  We arrived around 1:30pm and headed to Farmville for a nice lunch before heading home

Come join us for one of the last historic places on the route of the retreating General Lee and the Confederate Troops in the last days of the Confederacy.  It was a strategic wooden bridge that the Confederates tried to burn down but the Union, hot on their heels, put the fire out saving the old bridge.

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 park’s 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.

We’ll begin our hike this time from Rice, VA toward the old High Bridge in a nice, easy hike along the old rail-trail. We’ll meet at 10:00 A.M. at the High Bridge State Park parking lot in Rice, VA, 244 Railroad Dr. Bring a hat, plenty of water, sunscreen and comfortable shoes.  Hike will be about 3 hours and 6 miles.

We can have lunch in Farmville following the hike and walk about the town.

http://www.dcr.virginia.gov/state-parks/high-bridge-trail#general_information