We’re here for all the dog friendly stuff
Fun Fact: The State’s longest pedestrian bridge, the High Bridge measures more than 2,400 feet in length.
We spent a weekend in Cumberland County and rated our impressions below.
Ratings are based on the dog friendliness of each category and we rated all categories with 5 out of 5 stars.
- Things to see & do ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Where we ate ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
- Where we stayed ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thank you Cumberland County and town of Farmville for a wonderful weekend.
Yes. That’s Farmville.
Photos from Facebook |Visit Farmville, VA
Not FarmVille.
Photos from Facebook | FarmVille
Things to See & Do
High Bridge Trail State Park
555 River Rd., 3 miles off N. Main Street in Farmville, near trail milepost 1.2W (Pay Lot)
Here’s the scoop on its history.
Built in 1853 over the Appomattox River, the original High Bridge featured two levels. Trains crossed above and wagons crossed underneath.
The High Bridge in the 1850s
The Battles at High Bridge occurred during the final days of the Civil War, April 6th and 7th, 1865. The Confederates were at a disadvantage because food supplies had run out.
At different times during the battles both Union and Confederate soldiers attempted to thwart enemy movements by burning the High Bridge.
Ultimately, the attempts damaged the bridge, but did not destroy it. Union soldiers successfully crossed the High Bridge in pursuit of the Confederate Army. This move sabatoged Confederate efforts to obtain much needed provisions in Farmville.
Today, the restored High Bridge sits on its original brick piers.
We found 2 additional Civil War historical sites in Cumberland County.
Farmville Confederate Cemetery
114 Jackson St., Farmville
This location contains the remains of hundreds of soldiers who died in the Civil War.
Cumberland Presbyterian Church
Founded in 1754
1835 Cumberland Rd., Farmville
One of the final events in the Civil War, the Battle of Cumberland Church occurred on April 7, 1865.
Union troops attacked Confederates as they headed toward Appomattox where supplies awaited. The Confederate army defended their position during the battle, but continued to be in a precarious situation without food.
When we visited, a member of the congregation told Mack that the church building was used as a hospital during the battle.
After the battle, Union General Ulysses S. Grant sent a letter from his location in Farmville to Confederate General Robert E. Lee at Cumberland Church suggesting that Lee surrender. Two days later in Appomattox, Lee did.
Here’s the scoop on hiking.
The High Bridge serves as the pièce de résistance for the High Bridge Trail State Park. To access the trail in Cumberland County, go to 555 River Road in Farmville, and bring plenty of water for the entire pack because none is available on the trail.
We were happy to walk across the bridge and then back to the car, but the trail provides over 30 miles of hiking for the more ambitious.
We used the Go Hike Virginia blog to find super helpful, detailed information about the entire trail.
Cumberland State Forest
751 Oak Hill Rd., Cumberland
We found a bunch of reasons to love the Cumberland State Forest
1 – The place is huge! Over 16,000 acres.
2 – It’s bordered by the Willis River.
map from dof.virginia.gov
3 – It has miles of dog friendly hiking trails.
4 – No kidding. It features the only tombstone in the United States with an epitaph by Charles Dickens.
We learned about this gem after our trip, so we missed out. If you have visited its location (37°29’37.0″N 78°18’52.0″W) please let us know in the comments.
Photo from FindaGrave. Photographer believed to to be Robert Edward Wagstaff, 1897-1970.
5 – & of course, there’s the kayaking
Bear Creek Lake State Park, located in the heart of the Cumberland State Forest, provided the perfect setting for me to take Jake out on the lake while Mack did a little fishing.
We found LOVE
Both of these LOVEworks are located in Farmville.
We also found some great dogs
Cumberland County Animal Control
11 Range Rd., Cumberland
Pets are available to meet by appointment. The shelter accepts drop off items such as dog food, towels, and blankets, as well as donations provided through its Amazon Wish List.
Where We Ate
North Street Press Club
127 N. St., Farmville
We liked the North Street Press Club’s expansive outdoor dog friendly seating area, its upscale vibe (at working class prices), and the tasty burger options for both vegetarians and meat eaters.
The Fishing Pig
1807 S. Main St., Farmville
The Fishing Pig lived up to our expectations—a fun place with good food. We especially liked the weatherized dog friendly seating area that kept us warm and dry on a cold, rainy evening.
Uptown Café
236 N. Main St., Farmville
Dogs are allowed inside the Uptown Café, which makes it my favorite coffee shop of all time.
Where We Stayed
The Cozy Den in Farmville
Photo from AirBnb
The entire pack felt relaxed and at home in the Cozy Den AirBnb. Plus, its fenced-in backyard and central location made this spot super easy for us.
Road Trip Reads
These books—available on Audible—are all good choices for a road trip to Cumberland County and Farmville. Author Kyle Mosier’s Zombie Farmville is a fun idea but contains adult themes that are not appropriate for younger listeners.
Roving through Virginia with Rover 
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