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Work continues to move forward on the Kenbridge Connector Trail. Earlier this month, the Town of Kenbridge used previously awarded grant funds to purchase park benches and trash cans to enhance the developing trail and prevent litter along it. 

The ongoing Kenbridge Connector Trail project involves creating a paved connector trail from the existing 0.5-mile loop trail around Kenbridge Town Park’s boundaries to connect to the sidewalk at the front of the property and enhancing the areas surrounding the path for multi-purpose use. 

“I believe the town is excited about having the project progress and see the advancement of the trail,” said Kenbridge Town Manager Tony Matthews.” “This will provide a way for people to be outside and enjoy our county and the love of being out of doors.  There is a tourism aspect as well, as there is a group of avid hikers and bikers who wish to utilize these trails, bringing commerce and tourism to each town.”

The development of the Kenbridge Connector Trail benefitted from a $79,750 grant awarded by the Virginia Outdoors Foundation (VOF) in 2022 in support of larger efforts to fund programs providing grants for acquisitions, easements, rights of way, and other methods of protecting open space for farming, forestry, recreation, wildlife, water quality in Virginia. 

Future of Kenbridge Connector Trail

Several other grants have been applied for by Kenbridge and surrounding areas as part of multi-jurisdictional efforts to enhance trailways in Lunenburg County. Among those efforts is working with neighboring Victoria to connect their respective sections of the Tobacco Heritage Trail. 

“We hope to connect Kenbridge with Victoria by way of meeting at the Lunenburg Airport,” Matthews explained. 

The work along the Tobacco Heritage Trail is part of the broader Roanoke River Rails to Trails initiative. So far, Kenbridge has completed portions from the Lunenburg County Country Club to the Town Shop on E. 7 Ave. More of the trail will be connected via sidewalk access to Kenbridge Tire. Currently the land located from this point to the Lunenburg Airport is currently under land easements.