What do you get when you mix a mild climate with residents who simply love to be active? You get a culture that is so imbedded in recreation that you can't help but want to be a part of the action. Settled between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the James River and just a short drive away from Smith Mountain Lake, outdoor adventures abound for Lynchburg residents and vacationers alike. Whether you fancy participating or simply spectating, Lynchburg offers something for everyone, while embracing the importance of fun and adventure.
Hiking and Biking Trails
The Lynchburg area has a host of trail systems running throughout the city, ranging in difficulty for the beginning runner or biker to a course that will challenge even the most accomplished athlete. Many of the trails run through the Blackwater Creek Natural Area, which spans over 300 acres of forested and mountainous terrain. In addition, Lynchburg offers the supplies needed for your trail running or biking excursions.
- Kemper Street Station Bike Rentals: (434) 455-5858
- Blackwater Creek Bikeway & Riverwalk: (434) 455-5858
- Liberty Mountain Trail System: (434) 582-2000
- Percival’s Island Natural Area: (434) 455-5858
- Appalachian Trail: (434) 263-7015
- Crabtree Falls: (800) 732-5821
- Wintergreen Mountain Resort Trails: (434) 325-8200
- Blue Ridge Parkway: (434) 263-7015
- Peaks of Otter: (434) 263-7105
Local and State Parks
The perfect balance between flat, open space and beautiful, mountainous terrain makes for some of the best local and state parks in Virginia. With 12 parks, 24 playgrounds, eight community centers, 26 baseball fields, numerous tennis courts, a horseshoe game area, Frisbee golf course and an Olympicsized swimming pool at Miller Park, residents will never be in search of a venue for their favorite activities.
Lynchburg
- Miller Park
- Peaks View Park
- Riverside Park
- Jefferson Park
- Riverfront Skate Park
For more information about these Parks, please call Lynchburg Parks & Recreation at (434) 455-5858.
Appomattox
- Sailor’s Creek Battlefield Historic Park: (434) 392-3435
- Holiday Lake State Park: (434) 248-6308
- Twin Lakes State Park: (434) 392-3435
Campbell County
- Staunton River Battlefield State Park: (434) 454-4312
- Staunton River State Park: (434) 572-4623
- Occoneechee State Park: (434) 374-2210
Bedford County
- Smith Mountain Lake: (800) 676-8203
- Liberty Lake Park: (540) 586-7161
Horseback Riding
Horse lovers are in luck! The Hill City is home to many public farms and parks that allow horseback riding. In addition, local colleges such as Randolph and Sweet Briar provide stables for those students and area residents who wish to share their love of horseback riding with their fellow classmates.
Sumer Lovin
Smith Mountain Lake
(800) 676-8203
Take in the natural beauty of the lake as you spend the day on the water. Boating, swimming, fishing and skiing abound at
this summer hotspot. Dry off by trying your hand at a challenging round of golf, shopping or hiking through the many nature trails.
Virginia Dare Cruise Boat
(540) 297-7100
There is no better way to see Smith Mountain Lake than while taking a two-hour cruise on the Virginia Dare. The Virginia Dare cruises most days April - December for lunch, dinner, Sunday luncheon, sightseeing, and Hawaiian and Murder Mystery Cruises.
Putt-Putt Fun Center
(434) 237-7888
This family-friendly fun center is the perfect place for a little friendly competition - tackle a round of putt-putt golf, race in single and double seat go-karts, get splashed as you master bumper boats and collect tickets for prizes at the indoor arcade.
Rotary Centennial Riverfront Skate Park
(434) 845-1888
Come shred at the new 14,000 square foot complex. The street course alone stretches 9,000 square feet and includes: multiple flat bars, a bench, pyramid, quarter pipes, concrete bank, stairs and a mini pipe. The skate park also features the only concrete bowl in the area.
James River Float Company
(434) 846-8823
Enjoy canoing, kayaking, tubing, fishing, whitewater rafting and more! Trips available to Balcony Falls, Maury River, Tye River, and of course the mighty James River.
Cold Hands, Warm Hearts
Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre
(434) 582-3539
Snowflex, Liberty University’s synthetic ski slope, is the first of its kind in the country. Sitting high atop Liberty Mountain (also known as Candlers Mountain), Snowflex implements some of the most innovative technology in the snow sports industry today to offer winter sport enthusiasts the opportunity to ski and snowboard at this year-round snowless facility.
Wintergreen Resort
(434) 325-8200
Ski, board or tube down one of Wintergreen’s 26 slopes and trails. Located a mere 40 minutes from Lynchburg, Wintergreen is a perfect weekend getaway. The 11,000 acre resort is also home to a spa, golf course and aquatic center.
Love the Indoors
If braving the great outdoors does not suit your fancy, feel free to engage in your pick of favorite indoor activities. Check out the following venues:
- LaHaye Ice Center: (434) 592-3953
- Downtown YMCA: (434) 847-5597
- Jamerson Family YMCA: (434) 582-1900
- Fort Hill Bowling Center: (434) 239-9261
- AMF Lynchburg Lanes: (434) 528-2695
- Sports Racket: (434) 385-7534
- Regal Cinemas: (434) 237-5105
FOR THE LOVE OF THE GAME
Youth sports abound in Central Virginia from baseball to soccer, football to swimming, and everything in between – both recreational and competitive. Other notable youth sports include: golf, karate, tennis, dancing, gymnastics and ice hockey.
JUST TO WATCH
Watching sports is just as fun as playing them here in Central Virginia, where spectator sports thrive. The 2009 Carolina League Champion Hillcats call Lynchburg “home” and their games are chock full of fun family-friendly events. There are also six local colleges in the area as well, providing year-round games in football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, ice hockey and more.
A TIME TO CHEER
The Virginia 10 Miler
Coming up on its 37th year, the Virginia 10 Miler challenges runners as they race against the clock. Take part in the action or watch from the sidelines as participants run over historic Langhorne Road and Rivermont Avenue.
Blue Ridge Brawl-A-Bassmaster
Held annually at Smith Mountain Lake, this four-day bass fishing tournament draws competitors from across the country. This year’s tournament is set for April 15-18.
Steeplechase Held at Oak Ridge Estate in Nelson County
Held in 12 states across the country, this is one of the oldest and most prestigious forms of horse racing. Every year the event attracts some of the top horses, riders and trainers in the nation.
