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The doors have opened, the lights are turned on and travelers from all over the region can officially stop off now at the new High Bridge Trail State Park visitor center, also known as High Bridge Station. State officials and lawmakers from around the region took part in the ribbon cutting ceremony on Monday, April 7. 

The center is located at the High Bridge Station entrance on Camp Paradise Road and houses displays featuring the history of the park and park offices as well as merchandise for guests to purchase.   

The visitor center will serve as the new centerpiece of the park, highlighting the recreational, cultural and historical significance of the trail and resources in the surrounding area.  

“High Bridge Station furthers our efforts at High Bridge Trail State Park to protect the site’s natural and cultural resources and provide the best-in-class outdoor recreation opportunities,” said Secretary of Natural and Historic Resources Stefanie Taillon. “This is the park system’s first brand new visitor center to open in years, and we could not be more proud of this accomplishment.” 

High Bridge Trail traverses Appomattox, Cumberland, Nottoway and Prince Edward Counties and the towns of Burkeville, Farmville, Pamplin City, Prospect and Rice. This project reflects the many efforts of communities coming together.  

“Projects like this directly result from the many partnerships created within the communities along the trail,” said DCR Director Matt Wells. “Thank you to the Friends of High Bridge Trail State Park, local citizens, business owners and park staff who all worked together to make this one of the premier rail-trail parks in the country.”      

Detailing the park’s history 

High Bridge Trail State Park’s railroad history is significant as it consists of 32.2 miles along an old rail bed. The new building is linear and resembles a train station that would have been built for Norfolk and Western Railroad in the early 1900s. It is situated at the eastern end of the actual High Bridge from which the park receives its namesake and is the most popular section of the trail.    

“High Bridge Station is a nod to the park’s railroad history,” said Director of Virginia State Parks Dr. Melissa Baker. “The building aesthetic represents the railroad era to provide additional insight into the original Norfolk-Southern donation. The new center is a place that enhances the visitor experience as they bike, hike or ride horseback along the trail.”  

High Bridge Station a ‘critical part’ of park

Other officials who took part in the ribbon cutting said this was flagged as a critical part of the park’s first phase. 

“The visitor center project was highlighted as a critical need in the first phase of the executed Master Plan for High Bridge Trail State Park,” said DCR Director of Planning and Recreation Resources Kelly McClary. “As far as the next steps/projects for the park, the master plan is under review at this time for its 10-year cycle.”  

High Bridge Station includes restrooms and also houses new offices for the staff.  

“I love that our offices are now in a location that allows the rangers to be more accessible to guests,” said High Bridge Trail State Park Manager Daniel Jordan. “The new visitor center will have a major positive impact on the park system and the local communities.”  

The visitor center is open 9 a.m. until 4 p.m. daily.