This beautiful park is a popular destination for hiking (3 miles of Canal trail), bird watching, canoeing, kayaking, and whitewater rafting. There is a fishing pier, natural shoreline, play equipment for children, a picnic shelter, and there is a gravel Canal kayak launch area. Plenty of parking.
The park includes the Appomattox Navigation canal system, built between 1795 and 1850, and connected Petersburg with the Appomattox valley farms as far as Farmville. It was constructed and operated mostly by black laborers. The canal ran into Petersburg between Commerce and Upper Appomattox Streets roughly along the present railroad line. The canal basis was located near South Street and was the center for handling tobacco and produce brought in by batteaux. The canal era ended with the expansion of the railroad systems.
Amenities
- Family Friendly
- Pet Friendly
- LGBTQ+ Friendly
Categories
- Fishing
Additional Links
Region
Last Updated: 09/08/2020
