Monday

Virginia's High Bridge Rail Trail State Park

Built in 1853 as part of the South Side Railroad, the High Bridge spanned the Appomattox River on the line running from Petersburg to Lynchburg. At the time, it was one of the biggest bridges in the world with a span of 2,400 feet looming 125 feet above the river. It was the site of a Civil War battle and guided trains along its rails until 2004. In 2006, Norfolk Western donated the Bridge and 31 miles of railway to the Commonwealth for a state park. The High Bridge was opened this spring and it is the "jewel" of a magnificent rail trail.

Sunday we set out to ride the Trail from Farmville east across the High Bridge with Jenny and Jeff. It was a grand day for riding in the seventies with low humidity, but first we had to have brunch at Charley's Waterfront Cafe. Gretchen and I had rode the Trail from Pamplin to the bridge site before but were eager to ride the rest of the Trail now that the High Bridge is open. We all thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon ride and were absolutely impressed with the High Bridge. The State has done a super job developing the trail and the facilities in the Park. All cyclists interested in rail trails need to put the High Bridge Trail on their agendas. It's a great Trail for riders of all ability levels; from a less than 2 mile out and back ride from the nearest parking lot to the High Bridge to a 62 mile metric century out and back ride of the entire trail!

Great riding with you Jenny and Jeff. Gretchen and I were so glad we could share our virgin trip across the High Bridge with you guys!

 

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