High Bridge Trail State Park – Offers a dramatic hike or bike ride 125 feet above the Appomattox River. You can rent bikes at the Outdoor Adventure Store in downtown Farmville, 318 N. Main St., then just jump on the trail (a former rail line) a block away and embark on your 4.5 mile ride to the bridge, a must-see attraction! For the High Bridge Trail State Park Trail Guide, click here.
Wilck’s Lake – A 150-acre natural area, including a 55-acre lake, managed and owned by the Town of Farmville. Enjoy a leisurely stroll along the two-mile hiking/walking trail that circumnavigates the lake and provides abundant opportunities for birding and wildlife watching. Over half of the trail is under a canopy of trees and passes through various marsh, swamp and river habitats. Playground, picnic shelters and restroom facilities available.
Twin Lakes State Park – Six miles of hiking trails through hardwood forests and along the lakes. For the Twin Lakes State Park Trail Guide, click here.
Bear Creek Lake State Park – Surrounded by the Cumberland State Forest. All trails within the park allow only hiking. The park also provides access to the Willis River Trail, a 16-mile trail winding through Cumberland State Forest. Also, the 15.8-mile Cumberland Multi-use Trail is available for bicycles, horses and hikers. For the Bear Creek Lake State Park Trail Guide, click here.
Holliday Lake State Park – Deep in the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest, Holliday Lake is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. The park has several hiking trails, including a connector trail to the 10.2-mile Carter Taylor Multi-use Trail for hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders. For the Holliday Lake State Park Trail Guide, click here.
Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historical State Park – There are three hiking trails with interpretive signage commemorating the Civil War battles that took place here. The Kershaw Trail (.8 miles) leads to Sailor’s Creek, where the Union army traversed the battlefield to assault the Confederate position. The .8-mile Custis Lee Trail allows hikers to see where Gen. Custis Lee counter-attacked Union forces. At Marshall’s Crossroads, signs on the .2-mile Pickett Trail describe the final fighting at Sailor’s Creek. For the park’s Trail Guide, click here.
Prince Edward-Gallion State Forest – This 6,496-acre state forest, located 15 miles southeast of Farmville, features an 8-mile, non-loop multi-use trail open to hikers, bikers and horses. Visit the website for seasonal information.
Cumberland State Forest – 16,233 acres that includes 30.5 miles of trails, including two self-guided trails that are open for walking, hiking, horses, and mountain bikes. The Cumberland Multi-Use Trail is 14-mile loop trail weaves through the State Forest and Bear Creek Lake State Park. Willis River Hiking Trail is a 16-mile loop trail that follows the Willis River that borders the Forest. Look for oak-hickory forests, stands of Loblolly Pine, white-tailed deer, wild turkey and bobcats.
Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest – The Carter Taylor Trail is open for walking, hiking, horses and mountain bikes. The forest also has various gated trails and forest roads that can be used. Wildlife abounds in the ever-changing oak-hickory and pine forest. Deer, turkey, and even black bear make their homes in these woods. Click here for the Appomattox-Buckingham State Forest Recreation and Trails Map.