Madison Heights brings together activities on the James River and local school history as two distinct aspects of a stay. Riveredge Park offers cycling, paddling, boat access, and fishing; Madison Heights School represents an educational and social history perspective. You can tailor your trip to your interests without giving equal weight to both themes.
Riveredge Park: Paddling, Cycling, and Fishing
At Riveredge Park on the James River, you’ll find bike trails, kayak and canoe rentals, and access for boating and fishing. James River Adventures is located in the park and rents canoes, kayaks, and stand-up paddleboards by the hour. For rentals, bookings and waivers must be completed online 24 hours in advance.
James River Adventures also describes a one-hour guided paddle tour as a round trip from Riveredge Park for up to 15 participants. No dates are currently listed for this tour. It differs from the hourly rentals in that it is a guided round trip with a specified duration. If you’re interested in the tour, check the dates in advance; the 24-hour online booking deadline applies to rentals.
The James River Heritage Trail
The James River Heritage Trail is a paved walking and biking trail. One access point to the trail in Amherst County is in Madison Heights at the end of Fertilizer Road; access is via Central Virginia Training School. Its profile as a paved walking and biking trail distinguishes it from the bike trails in the park and the water activities. This lets you choose between a route for walking and biking and the activities on the river.
Madison Heights School: Building and Educational History
Madison Heights School is an example of educational development during the Progressive Era. The Madison Heights Elementary School building was designed by W. Irving Dixon in the Georgian Revival style in 1939. The first high school building at Madison Heights School was built around 1924–1925; additions followed in 1930, 1934, and 1937. The first building is therefore dated approximately, while each of the three additions is associated with a specific year.
The Georgian Revival style places the building designed in 1939 in an architectural context; the Progressive Era situates the school in an educational history context. These are two different perspectives on the school’s history. During segregation, Madison Heights School served white students; during the subsequent desegregation period, it became a “Freedom of Choice” school. The county closed the school in 1991. Its history thus encompasses both the building’s development and the school’s role during segregation and desegregation.
The local attractions offer different kinds of activities: Riveredge Park has bike trails and water activities, the Heritage Trail is described as a paved walking and biking trail, and the school’s history adds a historical focus to your stay. You can decide which of these aspects is most important for your trip.
Discover more destinations: 3, Big Island
See the broader travel overview: Amherst County.
