Cross the Appomattox River, not-so-lazy when I was there, and you’re in the country. The transformation is immediate, tranquil and reaffirming. I found the trail of crushed stone well maintained and fairly easy to navigate. A mountain bike or hybrid might have proved an easier ride, but my old granny street-bike handled it just fine. Given the amount of precipitation of late, the trail was amazingly dry and firm. Spotless portable restrooms were placed at convenient intervals; road crossings were well marked; signs warned equestrians to dismount and walk horses over trestles; and, best of all, the trail was litter free. On my 10- to 12-mile ride, I only saw three other users, a long-distance runner, a group of three young men wearing reflector vests over their dark suits, white shirts and ties—Mormon missionaries enjoying a beautiful day—and a couple of middle-aged women attired in long dresses associated with the Amish or Mennonite faith, finished off with sneakers. There was no water, so don’t forget a bottle or two.

The first four-mile stretch of the park opened on August 22, 2008, with an additional 12-mile section unveiled on June 6, 2009, then six more miles added before Christmas, on November 14, 2009. This makes 22 linear miles of the new state park open, from the west end of the High Bridge to Pamplin. For a map, information on parking, entrances and more, see the park’s website. Completion of the entire trail was forecast for summer of 2009, but I saw no evidence of construction underway to retrofit the pièce de résistance—the High Bridge —with the necessary side rails and decking.

Originally constructed of wood on stone piers in 1854, the High Bridge was the integral link in the South Side Railroad, providing transportation services between Burkeville and Pamplin. It was also the site of a pivotal Civil War battle on April 6 and 7, 1865 as Lee’s army retreated from Petersburg. On April 6, the Confederates defended the bridge from being destroyed by Union forces in fierce hand-to-hand combat. Confederate soldiers then began marching westward toward Farmville, with orders for the rear to torch the bridge to prevent Union troops from using it to follow. But the next day, mixed signals plus advancing Union forces prevented the Southern troops from completely burning the structure behind them. The fire was also slow to ignite due to the bridge’s hard green wood. Failure to completely burn the bridge was yet another element resulting in Lee’s surrender at Appomattox Court House two days later.

According to a January 13, 2010 report in the Appomattox Times Virginian, High Bridge Trail State Park recorded 45,000 visitors in 2009, its first calendar year in operation. Imagine the visitation once the High Bridge is opened and one can ride bike or horse or even walk the 34 miles from Burkeville off Route 360 to Pamplin. Yes, Gov. Kaine, you should be very proud.

By the way, High Bridge Trail State Park is also located near Twin Lakes State Park and Sailor’s Creek Battlefield State Park.