Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
Earlier this year, the updated High Bridge Trail State Park Master Plan was approved and adopted reaffirming the long-term vision that will guide future development, trail enhancements and public access improvements along the 32-mile rail-trail.
The 2026 update establishes a long-term vision for the park and outlines a phased approach to future development. This updated plan replaces the original master plan adopted in 2007 and the 2012 revision.
The master plan for a state park serves as a guide for how park facilities will be improved and developed to accommodate visitors’ needs while protecting its natural, historic and cultural resources. High Bridge Trail State Park’s plan has been reviewed and updated by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to reflect the multitude of improvements implemented since the previous revision. This update follows the requirements of the Code of Virginia, which calls for every park’s master plan to be reviewed and updated at least once every ten years.
High Bridge Station
The 2012 update emphasized completing the trail, strengthening connections to regional destinations, expanding partnerships with surrounding communities and advancing development on newly acquired properties. It recommended creating a visitor center at the location now known as High Bridge Station, adding both day use and overnight facilities at Rochelle and Piney Grove as well as developing maintenance and service infrastructure for the trail’s eastern and western segments. The proposals were integrated with previously planned upgrades to the existing right-of-way, such as improved trail surfacing, new access roads and side trails, expanded trailhead parking and added decking and railings on High Bridge to ensure safe, accessible public use.
The 2026 update evaluates changes in and around the park today to ensure the park continues to fit into the local community, region, and Virginia’s state park system well into the future. It also includes updated recommendations for future improvements over the next 30 years, helping High Bridge Trail State Park continue to serve visitors and protect its wealth of cultural and natural resources.
Additional updates and& park development will continue through a phased approach as funding becomes available.
The first phase centers on completing the Burkeville extension of High Bridge Trail and upgrading key areas at High Bridge and High Bridge Station. A central feature of the update is the planned acquisition and connection of High Bridge Trail eastward to the Town of Burkeville. This important milestone will extend the final mile of the trail along the former right-of-way of the historic Southside railroad, which is currently owned by Norfolk Southern.
Aerial view of High Bridge
This phase also introduces major improvements to elevate the visitor experience such as replacing the High Bridge deck and railings with more durable materials and increasing visibility along the bridge. The plan seeks to add new amenities at High Bridge Station, including a new picnic shelter and additional restrooms with a hydration station.
Altogether, these efforts aim to enhance safety, durability and the visitor experience.
Phase 2 of the plan focuses on enhancing lighting, expanding recreational amenities, and improving trailheads and facilities along the High Bridge Trail. It includes accent lighting on the High Bridge and pedestrian lighting along the trail near the visitor center to support night events. Additional amenities include constructing a second picnic shelter at High Bridge Station and adding a contact station on Camp Paradise Road to manage increasing traffic.
High Bridge Trail at sunset
At River Road, the trailhead will receive a new picnic area, shelter and upgraded restrooms with a hydration station. The Piney Grove area will gain a new parking trailhead along with hiking and mountain biking trails. Improvements at the Rice trailhead include removing an existing building to expand and pave the parking lot and building a new maintenance and storage facility with public restrooms and a hydration station.
Pamplin extension
Prospect and Pamplin trailheads will each receive picnic shelters designed to resemble historic train depots, along with upgraded restroom facilities. The Pamplin trailhead will also feature a caboose and handcar exhibit installed on the remaining section of track.
Together, these improvements elevate the trail’s functionality, accessibility, and overall visitor enjoyment.
Phase 3 encompasses long-range enhancements intended to accommodate growing visitation and strengthen the park’s long-term sustainability. A key focus in this phase is a coordinated effort with the Town of Farmville to establish new trail connections linking the High Bridge Trail to the park’s property boundary. These connections are envisioned as foundational segments that will support future extensions to Wilck’s Lake Park, Grove Street Park, and Riverside Park, ultimately creating a more cohesive and accessible regional trail network.
Farmville trailhead
Additionally, the park plans to introduce a small railcar exhibit at the Prospect trailhead. This feature will be situated on a restored portion of historic railroad track, providing interpretive value and enriching the visitor experience through a tangible connection to the site’s rail history.
The total cost to bring High Bridge Trail State Park to its desired future condition is $17.5 million across a 30-year time frame.
To read the master plan in full, visit: www.dcr.virginia.gov/recreational-planning/document/mp4hbexecsum.pdf
Learn more about High Bridge Trail State Park.
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Recreation Planning | State Parks
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state parks
