The Farmville Blueway Paddle Trail is a protected stream corridor maintained for recreational canoeing and kayaking. The Blueway includes portions of Wilck’s Lake, Buffalo Creek, and the Appomattox River. This four-mile water trail begins on the east end of Wilck’s Lake at the boat ramp, crosses the lake to its west side, enters Buffalo Creek, and continues down the Appomattox River to the take-out at Riverside Park.
A short portage connects Wilck’s Lake to Buffalo Creek. The trail may be paddled in its entirety or in two stages – the Upper Blueway or Lower Blueway. Paddle times range from one hour to three depending on the length of the trail and water conditions. Brochures are available at the Farmville Town Office, the Barbara Rose Johns Farmville-Prince Edward Community Library, Virginia’s Heartland Regional Visitor Center, and the Friends of the Appomattox Website. View the brochure.
Upper Blueway (Estimated paddling time 1.25 hours) Launch at the boat ramp on the east end of Wilck’s Lake, paddle past the island to the southwest corner of the lake, portage across the embankment where marked, enter Buffalo Creek, and paddle downstream to the take-out above the Third Street Bridge.
Lower Blueway (Estimated paddling time 1.50 hours) Launch on Buffalo Creek above the Third Street Bridge and paddle downstream to the boat ramp take-out at Riverside Park. There is a small dam on the Appomattox River as you approach downtown Farmville. Scout the dam before attempting to cross. The dam may be crossed on its left side if the water level is adequate. If not, you may portage through the woods around its left side. To avoid the dam entirely, turn left into the canal shortly after entering the Appomattox River. The canal is shallow so boats may need to be pulled in places. Signs are strategically located along the Blueway at the west portage to Buffalo Creek, the creek side access above the Third Street Bridge and the take-out at Riverside Park.
Directions From Camp Parsons: 25 min (16.5 miles)
- 214 Wood Haven Trail, Cumberland, VA 23040
- Head north on Wood Haven Trail - 1.1 mi
- Turn left onto VA-45 S - 13.5 mi
- Turn right onto W 3rd St - 1.9 mi
Website: https://www.farmvilleva.com/209/Farmville-Blueway
Phone: 434-392-5686
Address: West Third Street, Farmville, VA 23901
