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Trail Planning Has Begun and is in Full Swing!

Southside Virginia is now planning the development of the Tobacco Heritage Trail. This project will encompass many local trails efforts under the umbrella of the Tobacco Heritage Trail - envisioned to connect western counties to the Virginia Beach Pipeline Trail, perhaps beginning, as did the Appalachian Trail, with some on-road segments. The off-road trail is intended to be non-motorized and multi-use - for hiking, bicycling, and horseback riding, with handicap accessible portions as well. The trail and bike route network will link historic sites and other points of interest, natural and recreational areas, and many Southside localities. The overall trail will link together Mecklenburg, Brunswick, Charlotte, Lunenburg, Halifax and Dinwiddie Counties. The Roanoke River Rails to Trails, teamed with the Town of Lawrenceville and the Southside Planning District Commission is on their way with Phase I trail design almost completed and the Tobacco Heritage Trail Overall Master Plan underway.

Phase 1 consists of two segments; one in Mecklenburg County and one in Brunswick County. One section is designed within the Town of Lawrenceville; the other section will upgrade the currently active Tobacco Heritage Trail, connecting the towns of La Crosse and Brodnax.

The complete Tobacco Heritage Trail, envisioned within six counties, with connections beyond, will include portions of trail using utility and private land easements obtained through a process of negotiation with local landowners.

There are over 150 miles of abandoned rail road utlizing three former railroads in the Southside Region. All rail segments are not connected which will require on road trail connections. There are other challenges as part of the project including; at least three crossings of four-lane highways, many missing and damaged bridges over streams and major waterways and the project is only partially funded.

The overall master planning and phase I planning are being funded in part through combined grants from the TEA-21 Federal Transportation Enhancement Program, the USDA Rural Development Program and Tobacco Indemnification and Community Revitalization Program.