Outdoor Recreation

Adventure waits around every corner in the Lynchburg region, where the Blue Ridge Mountains meet winding rivers and serene lakes. Whether you’re a hardcore hiker or a casual sunset-chaser, this area is a natural playground designed for exploration.

In Bedford, you can cruise to Smith Mountain Lake for boating and fishing or hike the Peaks of Otter for iconic Blue Ridge vistas. Seeking a scenic drive? Amherst offers the Blue Ridge Parkway’s breathtaking heights and Sweet Briar’s rolling countryside for horseback riding.

If you’re looking for family fun, Appomattox County is home to Holliday Lake State Park which offers camping and paddling adventures —  plus trails where Civil War history meets nature. In Campbell County, tackle a rugged section of the Appalachian Trail or enjoy trout fishing at Clemmons Lake in Ivy Creek Park. And in the City of Lynchburg, find opportunities for a relaxing bike ride or kayaking adventure along the James River at Percival’s Island and Riverside Park.

Whether you’re chasing waterfalls or casting lines, there is always another trail to explore in the Lynchburg region.

In the Lynchburg region, you don’t have to pay a dime to have a blast across our region’s acres of lakes and forests. Whether you are looking for a high-energy afternoon or a quiet morning in nature, the area is packed with “budget-zero” adventures.

• Downtown & Beyond: Lynchburg’s walkable downtown serves as the gateway to the Blackwater Creek Trail, a popular 3-mile paved path built on an abandoned railway bed. For a change of scenery, you can bike or hike over the James River to Percival’s Island trails, where flat, accessible paths wind through lush woodlands and wetlands.
• Peaks View Park: Have kids with energy to burn? Check out the new bicycle Pump Track, where riders of all ages can lap the course. More experienced riders can also tackle mountain bike trails ranging from beginner to expert.
• Claytor Nature Center: Nestled at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, this 491-acre University of Lynchburg hub is free to the public. It features the Big Otter River, hiking trails, and “Otter Space,” a natural play area perfect for younger children to get their hands dirty.
• Agritourism: In neighboring Bedford and Campbell County, low-cost family adventures await at local farms, petting zoos, and orchards.

From scenic farmers markets to mountain vistas, the region proves that the best memories usually don’t come with a price tag.

Finding the best recreation in the Lynchburg region is easy with miles of dense forests, sparkling lakes and soaring mountains and hills. In Appomattox County, Holliday Lake State Park is a premier destination for fishing, swimming and hiking. For those seeking a waterfront escape, Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Bedford County provides exceptional boating, beach access and miles of wooded trails.

You don’t have to venture far from the region’s urban core to find peace, either. Parks and recreation in Lynchburg, VA boasts 850 acres of parkland, ensuring green space is always within reach. Riverside Park and Peaks View Park stand as the city’s two largest facilities, offering extensive trail systems, athletic fields and scenic overlooks.

Explore more information on county parks:

• Bedford County Parks & Rec
• Appomattox County Parks & Recreation
• Amherst County Parks
• Campbell County Parks