Old Ashland Trolley Line Bridge - North Run Henrico, VA 23228

"Note: The Creekside Manor Apartments is by far the best point of access. The Dump parking lot is not advisable. Very easy access as it sits yards from the apartment complex, which has guest parking next to the small apartment playground. The bridge itself, viewed at creek level, is quite nice. However, the immediate surroundings and top area are not picturesque. The creek running under the bridge is very pretty and the remnants of a dam, just before the bridge, makes for that rich sound of rushing water. The dam was a hydroelectric plant that fed electricity to the trolley itself. Nice little nugget I thought. Unfortunately that is as good as it gets. Apartment complex just yards to one side and a golf course on the other. Huge power lines run directly overhead, along what looks to be the original trolley line track itself. The golf course prohibits access to the other side of the creek from the apartments. But it is still physically accessible should you choose to ignore a “No Trespassing” sign heading over the top of the bridge itself. The sign is not posted well, letters missing, half covered with vegetation, and isn’t very visible. There is quite a bit of trash strewn all along the banks on both sides. Including a full size discarded tire and an old rusting smaller refrigerator or ice box. I’m not educated on old appliances though so I’m not 100% sure what it is. Anyway, it’s a shame there is so much litter scattered about… for obvious reasons. In general, I find historical landmarks extremely interesting and enjoy visiting them. I did take a few moments to appreciate this landmark. But the immediate surroundings negatively impacted my experience a great deal. I also prefer these type of historical landmarks, in varying degrees decay and off the beaten path, to include some form of a hike in (or even just walk in). So don’t expect any nature walk or exercise. Hopefully my pictures and videos will help in understanding my description of the immediate area. By the way, this is one of two Old Ashland Trolley Line bridges within 0.2 miles of each other (straight line, not walking or driving distance). This is the North Branch location, and the second being the Upham Brook location. I have also posted a review for Upham Brook."

"Beautiful old bridge that is accessible from the Creekside Manor Apartments. We parked in their visitor parking and walked behind the pool building to reach a small concrete area that has a great view of the bridge. We also walked up on top where the power lines are. Great little spot :) We tried to follow the other reviewers directions to park at the park and go behind the Dump but it was basically inaccessible from that angle."

"This bridge has remnants of a dam on the other side that held a generator to provided electric power for the trolley"

"So the only way to get here is by parking at Brook Road Park and walking through the back of the Dump and then brute forcing your way through ~100 feet of just pure thorns. Definitely worth it when you get there though."