Appomattox River Heritage Trail
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Region
Lower Appomattox River · Tri-Cities
Route
Planned 25-mile greenway and blueway
Communities
Six cities and counties
Best starting point
Choose a specific park or trail segment
The Appomattox River Heritage Trail—also known as the Appomattox River Trail, or ART—is a regional network in development, not one continuous finished path. Its vision follows the lower Appomattox from the Brasfield Dam area to the river’s meeting with the James at Hopewell, crossing the Tri-Cities landscape from the Piedmont over the Fall Line toward the coastal plain. The planned network combines land trails with river routes and connects communities in Chesterfield, Dinwiddie and Prince George counties and Colonial Heights, Hopewell and Petersburg.[1]
For visitors, the appeal is the variety: a short riverside stroll, a park visit, or a closer look at the region’s industrial, transportation and Civil War landscapes. Since the trail is made up of separate existing and planned segments, check the current map and the rules or conditions for your chosen access point before setting out.[2]
Plan a trip to Appomattox River Heritage Trail
Why visit the Appomattox River Heritage Trail?
The river is both the route and the subject. Along its banks, visitors can move between green space, waterfront views and places tied to the region’s history. The trail plan is intended to connect recreation and nature with historic sites, local destinations and community services, giving a visit more context than a simple walk along the water.[3]
It is also a flexible outing. Pick one accessible park or riverside segment rather than assuming the full planned route is open or connected. For a longer day, use the trail map to combine suitable stops, and remember that river access and land-trail conditions vary by site.
Start here
Begin with the interactive trail map maintained by Friends of the Lower Appomattox River (FOLAR), which can help identify current parks, trails and river access points. Its printable trail brochure is another useful planning aid. The network’s master plan describes a coordinated trail and signage system across six local jurisdictions, but the vision is being implemented in segments.[4]
For a simple riverside walk in Hopewell, the city’s Riverwalk follows the Appomattox shoreline from City Park and offers views toward historic City Point. In the Petersburg area, Ferndale Park—also called Appomattox Riverside Park—has walking trails and a section of the Appomattox River Trail, as well as river and canal access. Confirm current conditions and site-specific rules with the relevant local authority before visiting.[5][6]
What to see and do
Walk the Hopewell Riverwalk
Follow the wooden boardwalk along the Appomattox from City Park. The city describes sweeping views toward historic City Point; check the city’s current guidance for access, rules and conditions.
Explore Ferndale Park
Near Petersburg, this park includes a section of the trail, a canal-side walking route, picnic areas and river access. The city also identifies canoeing, kayaking, fishing and bird-watching among the activities available here.
Use the trail map to plan a segment
FOLAR’s interactive map and printable brochure help locate parks, trails and water access across the wider river corridor. Treat the route as a network of separate sites, not a continuous open trail.
Experience the river by water
The ART is planned as a blueway as well as a greenway. Check local launch information, river conditions and the suitability of a route before paddling; water access and hazards differ by location.
Add a history stop
The corridor connects with a region shaped by river commerce and the Civil War. Nearby, Petersburg National Battlefield interprets the Siege of Petersburg, while the NPS describes Hopewell’s City Point waterfront as a major Union supply point during the siege.
History and significance
The lower Appomattox has long linked communities and working landscapes. The modern trail project builds on that geography, aiming to connect public access to the river with parks, neighborhoods and historic places. FOLAR’s master plan sets out a shared-use route and coordinated signage across Chesterfield, Dinwiddie and Prince George counties and the cities of Colonial Heights, Hopewell and Petersburg.[7]
The river corridor also provides a setting for understanding the Civil War in the region. The National Park Service notes that the Hopewell River Walk connects with larger trail systems and highlights City Point’s role during the Siege of Petersburg, when its wharf helped supply Union forces. This makes the trail a useful complement to visits to nearby battlefield and historic sites, rather than a substitute for their interpretive programs.[8]
Planning a visit
- **Choose a segment first.** The planned 25-mile route is a regional network with completed and planned pieces. Use FOLAR’s current map to select an open site and avoid assuming there is a continuous trail between stops.[9]
- **Check access and construction updates.** Trailheads, parking areas and river access can change. FOLAR posts project and access notes for Appomattox River Regional Park; follow posted signs and do not enter work areas.[10]
- **Follow site-specific rules.** Hopewell’s Riverwalk asks visitors to leash pets, dismount bicycles on the boardwalk and fish only in designated areas. Other parks may have different rules; verify details with the managing locality.[11]
- **Plan carefully for paddling.** River conditions, water levels and hazards vary. Check current local guidance before launching, and choose a route suited to your experience and equipment.
- **Bring a map and allow time for separate stops.** The river corridor spans several jurisdictions, so driving between trailheads may be necessary. Confirm directions and facilities with each park or city before departure.
Nearby attractions
Petersburg, Virginia
Explore a historic city along the Appomattox and use it as a base for nearby river parks and battlefield sites.
Hopewell, Virginia
Visit the waterfront Riverwalk and the historic City Point area near the Appomattox–James confluence.
Petersburg National Battlefield
Explore preserved Civil War landscapes and interpretive sites associated with the Siege of Petersburg.
Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Visit the historic village associated with the 1865 surrender that ended major Confederate resistance in the Civil War.
Books and useful gear: Browse related travel books and outdoor gear on Amazon
References
- ↑ Maps – The Appomattox River Trail & Park System, Friends of the Lower Appomattox River, FOLAR. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Vision & Master Plan, Friends of the Lower Appomattox River, FOLAR. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Vision & Master Plan, Friends of the Lower Appomattox River, FOLAR. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Maps – The Appomattox River Trail & Park System, Friends of the Lower Appomattox River, FOLAR. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Hopewell Riverwalk, City of Hopewell, City of Hopewell, Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Ferndale Park, City of Petersburg, City of Petersburg, Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Vision & Master Plan, Friends of the Lower Appomattox River, FOLAR. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Outdoor Activities, National Park Service, U.S. Department of the Interior. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Maps – The Appomattox River Trail & Park System, Friends of the Lower Appomattox River, FOLAR. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Maps – The Appomattox River Trail & Park System, Friends of the Lower Appomattox River, FOLAR. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
- ↑ Hopewell Riverwalk, City of Hopewell, City of Hopewell, Virginia. Retrieved October 22, 2026.
External links
- Appomattox River Trail map and access information — Friends of the Lower Appomattox River
- Appomattox River Trail vision and master plan — Friends of the Lower Appomattox River
- Hopewell Riverwalk — City of Hopewell
- Ferndale Park — City of Petersburg
- Outdoor activities at Petersburg National Battlefield — National Park Service