Located in Petersburg, VA, Virginia State University’s campus is in close proximity to the Appomattox River and the serene sights of its’ winding trail. After many generations, the river continues to support the university by providing a retreat from collegiate duties and a place to encourage community engagement. Throughout the history of the illustrious HBCU the Appomattox River has become a silent witness to the greater that happens here.
As the university grows larger, so does the amount of students visiting the Appomattox.
For many, the river is the backdrop behind some of their most treasured memories from college. Friends come and go, and seasons change, however, the river is always there, watching as people stroll past its’ vast raging waters.
The Appomattox River is the first place a majority of incoming students visit. It furthers the feeling of new-found freedom in young college students leaving the homes of their parents for the first time. There are truly no limits when it comes to the river and that is why many students have the most memorable experiences on the trail.
“In the Spring, the river comes alive with the burst of ocean-bound fish, drawing eagles, hawks, and a symphony of wildlife,” Hardy, head of Virginia State Reel Masters said. “Baby ducks wander the banks, while every tree blooms in a vibrant celebration of life.”
The river has the ability to bring students together to decompress after some of college’s most stressful moments. Students often walk the trail to find comfort in the peaceful nature of the river. The Appomattox River is the perfect place to ground yourself during life’s trials and tribulations. There is so much to learn from visiting.
Students from all over the nation explore the river together, creating memories that none of them will ever forget. As they walk, they discover the complexities of nature and begin to understand that the first-world problems students face daily are minuscule compared to the beauty of the larger-than-life world surrounding them.
Those with curious minds are eager to explore the trail beyond its set path. They venture to the rocks, observing the wildlife patterns surrounding them, while discovering new sights along the trail. The stories that stem from the trail are endless.
The cold weather brings in somber attitudes thankfully with the Appomattox River being just a walk away students can remind themselves to be grateful for the beauties that mother nature holds.
“One of my most memorable moments is walking the trail during the warmer seasons—it’s FULL of life. Animals, beautiful foliage, and flowers. I love taking pictures when I’m down there, it’s gorgeous,” Thorpe said.
The warmer months provide a different environment that most students prefer. As State grounds begin to heat up, the students begin to defrost, flocking to the river as a means of togetherness. Large friend groups walk the trail as they bask in the sun, getting the Vitamin D that the human body craves after a long gloomy winter.
