Appomattox River Park

Description

Appomattox River Park is part of the Lower Appomattox River Trail System and the Appomattox River is a designated Virginia State Scenic River. Spectacular views of the river are obtainable from the trails that begin at the old visitor’s center where there are 1.5 miles of trails. Wheelchair accessible trails are available on the top trail along the old canal. There is access to the river for boating, but no formal launch/landing facility available.

The mosaic of habitats should be attractive to wildlife during any season. Look for mallards and other waterfowl, great blue heron, bald eagle and osprey all hunting and feeding along the river. American sycamore is the dominant tree species in the riparian zone. Shrubby vegetation along the banks provides both shelter and food for birds such as northern cardinal, Carolina wren, eastern towhee and yellow-rumped warbler. Various warblers may be observed during spring and fall migrations. A maintained power line cut is heavily vegetated with warm season grasses, broad-leaf herbs and small shrubs. The sustained grassland habitat attracts many types of birds, such as sparrows feeding on seed heads, especially in the fall. Return to the parking lot and explore the mixed woodlands where pine warblers can be heard making their presence known to prospective mates. Woodpeckers, including pileated, downy, and red-bellied, work the woods in search of hidden insect larvae. Also look for tufted titmouse, Carolina chickadee, American crow, fish crow, and ruby-crowned kinglet.

Directions

Physical Address: Ferndale Avenue, Petersburg, VA 23803

From the Previous Site on the Appomattox Loop of the VBWT:

From the John J. Radcliff Appomattox River Conservation Area, return on Chesdin Road 0.9 miles to River Road. Proceed east on SR 36/River Road approximately 2.0 miles to Pickett Avenue. Turn right and continue 0.5 miles to the park on the right. Enter the park and stop at the old visitor’s center parking lot.