Outdoor Recreation

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’re looking for a high-energy afternoon or a quiet morning in nature, the area is packed with “budget-zero” adventures. 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, or you can bike or hike over the James River to Percival’s Island, where flat, accessible paths wind through lush woodlands and wetlands. Families with energetic kids will love Peaks View Park’s new bicycle Pump Track and mountain bike trails ranging from beginner to expert, while the Claytor Nature Center — a free, 491-acre University of Lynchburg hub at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains — offers hiking trails along the Big Otter River and “Otter Space,” a natural play area perfect for younger children to get their hands dirty. In neighboring Bedford and Campbell County, low-cost family adventures also 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, while Smith Mountain Lake State Park in Bedford County offers exceptional boating, beach access, and miles of wooded trails for those seeking a waterfront escape.

You don’t have to venture far from the region’s urban core to find peace, either — Lynchburg Parks and Recreation boasts 850 acres of parkland, with Riverside Park and Peaks View Park standing as the city’s two largest facilities, offering extensive trail systems, athletic fields, and scenic overlooks. For more, explore county parks directly through the Parks and Recreation Departments of Bedford County, Appomattox County, Amherst County, and Campbell County.