Appomattox River Trail

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Appomattox River Trail

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RIVERFRONT TRAIL

Appomattox River Trail

A developing network of riverside trails, parks and access points along the Appomattox River in the Tri-Cities region.

Region
Petersburg and the lower Appomattox River

Trail type
Connected local trail segments

Along the way
River views, parks and historic sites

Planning
Check local maps and access details before setting out

The Appomattox River Trail (ART) is best understood as a growing regional network, not one uninterrupted path. Led by the Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR) with local and regional partners, the trail plan follows the river through communities including Petersburg, Colonial Heights and Hopewell; existing sections and amenities vary by location.

For a straightforward first taste, explore a signed or mapped segment from a local park or trailhead rather than assuming the whole route is continuous. FOLAR’s river map describes trail options at places such as the Ettrick/VSU trailhead, Patton Park, Appamatuck Park and the Hopewell Riverwalk; use the current local map to confirm what is open and accessible on the day of your visit.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

Plan a trip to Appomattox River Trail

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Why visit the Appomattox River Trail?

The ART offers a way to experience the river landscape at a human pace, with different stretches passing through urban neighborhoods, parks and wooded riverbanks. Its broader vision connects recreation with river access and local history, while individual segments provide the practical starting points for a walk or ride today.

The trail also passes through a region shaped by the river’s working past. FOLAR’s guide notes visible remains of dams, locks and canals, as well as historic places and riverfront parks along the route. For visitors, that makes the trail more than a fitness path: it can be paired with a short history stop or a picnic by the water.

Start here

Choose a trailhead based on the kind of outing you want. The Ettrick/VSU trailhead map describes a short paved riverside section and a rustic explorer trail; Patton Park provides river access and a trailhead near Petersburg; and Appamatuck Park in Colonial Heights is listed as a trailhead for that city’s paved ART section.

For a more nature-focused outing, the Appomattox River Regional Park in Prince George County is promoted as part of the regional trail project, with hiking trails, a fishing pier, picnic areas and canoe or kayak access. Check the park’s current map and visitor information before traveling, as facilities and access details may change.

What to see and do

Walk a mapped trail segment

Pick one local trailhead and follow the route shown on the current FOLAR or municipal map. Segments differ in surface, length and setting, so plan for the particular section rather than the entire regional vision.

Take in river views

Several parks and trail sections meet the Appomattox shoreline. Pause at public overlooks and riverfront areas, and respect posted boundaries and private property.

Explore Ettrick and the VSU area

The FOLAR map identifies an Ettrick/VSU trailhead with a short paved riverside path and a rustic explorer trail near the old canal corridor.

Pair a walk with a park visit

Patton Park, Appamatuck Park and the Hopewell Riverwalk are among the mapped locations associated with ART sections. Check each municipality’s current information for park access and amenities.

Look for river history

The river guide describes remains of dams, locks and canals, alongside historic sites and interpretive features. Read posted signs and use designated public access points.

Consider a paddle separately

Some parks along the river also have boat launches. Paddling conditions, water levels and hazards are different from walking conditions; consult the river guide and local access information before launching.

History and significance

The Appomattox River has long shaped the settlements, transport corridors and industry of the region. FOLAR’s guide highlights visible traces of the river’s historic navigation works, including dams, locks and canals, and points out sites such as Fort Clifton and Union Fort along the lower river. These places help put the trail’s scenery in a wider historical context.

The route is also an ongoing public project. FOLAR describes a master-planning process developed with regional stakeholders and public input, including additional engagement focused on neighborhoods in Petersburg and Hopewell. Local governments continue to plan and build individual sections; for example, the Virginia Department of Transportation lists proposed trail segments and connections in Petersburg, so the planned route should not be mistaken for a fully completed continuous trail.

Planning a visit

• Check the segment, not just the trail name. The ART includes existing sections as well as planned connections. Consult FOLAR’s map and the relevant city or county trail page for the exact trailhead and route you intend to use.
• Confirm current conditions. Trail construction, closures, parking and park facilities can change. Check with the local land manager before setting out, especially if you are visiting a specific trailhead.
• Bring appropriate footwear and water. Surfaces and surroundings differ across segments; the map describes both paved and rustic trail options.
• Stay on public routes. Follow posted signs, respect private property, pack out litter and keep pets leashed where required. FOLAR’s guide also advises trail users to stay on established paths.
• Treat paddling as a separate plan. The river map warns that conditions vary by stretch and recommends checking river and weather conditions; walking access does not by itself indicate that a launch is suitable for your trip.

Nearby attractions

Petersburg, Virginia
Explore the historic city and its riverfront trail access points.

Hopewell, Virginia
Find the Hopewell Riverwalk and other public riverfront places.

Petersburg National Battlefield
Visit a major Civil War landscape near the river and Petersburg.

Pocahontas Island
Learn about a historic Petersburg community on the Appomattox.

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References

External links

• Appomattox River Trail master plan — Friends of the Lower Appomattox River
• Explore the Appomattox River map — Friends of the Lower Appomattox River and Crater Planning District Commission
• Chesterfield County trail systems
• Petersburg trail project information — Virginia Department of Transportation