Lynchburg tops lists for Best Sports Cities and Top Adventure Towns

Central Virginia’s recreation scene boasts a number of opportunities for the spectator and participant alike. Whether you want to hike a trail in the fall, watch a minor league baseball game in the spring, or ice skate year round, there is something for everyone.

The Sporting News consistently ranks Lynchburg as one of America’s “Best Sports Cities.” And in September 2007, National Geographic Adventure magazine picked Lynchburg to represent Virginia in its feature highlighting the 50 Top Adventure Towns in the U.S, citing its “ideal mix of terrain, activity and opportunity.”

For the Outdoor Adventurer

Hiking and Bike Trails

Lynchburg boasts an extensive trails system that connects midtown to the Blackwater Creek Bikeway and the Point of Honor Trail via the Kemper Station Trail. Many of the trails run through the Blackwater Creek Natural Area, a linear greenway which has over 300 acres of forested terrain right in the heart of the city. Bike rentals are available at Kemper Street Station and at Percival’s Island.

• Blackwater Creek Bike Rentals: (434) 845-4030
• Kemper Street Station Bike Rentals: (434) 455-5858
• Blackwater Creek Bikeway & Riverwalk: (434) 847-1640
• 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) 263-7015

Local and State Parks

The City of Lynchburg and several nearby counties offer varied recreation programs, using a combined 12 parks, 24 playgrounds, eight community centers, 26 baseball diamonds, dozens of tennis courts, a horseshoe pitching area, frisbee golf course, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool at Miller Park.

• Lynchburg
  • Miller Park: (434) 455-5858
  • Peaks View Park: (434) 455-5858
  • Riverside Park: (434) 455-5858
  • Jefferson Park: (434) 455-5858
  • Riverfront Skate Park: (434) 845-1888
• Appomattox County
  • Sailer’s Creek Battlefield Historic Park: (434) 392-3435
  • Holliday 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 encouraged to ride their horses at a number of farms, bed and breakfasts and parks in the Central Virginia area. Local colleges also promote horseback riding and provide stables, including Randolph College in Lynchburg, and Sweet Briar College in Amherst.

Summer Fun

• Smith Mountain Lake: Water lovers can take advantage of the short drive to Smith Mountain Lake and enjoy water skiing, jet skiing, wakeboarding, fishing and sailing. (800) 676-8203
• Putt-Putt Fun Center: Not only does Putt-Putt offer classic miniature golf, but it provides extreme fun through Go-Kart racing, bumper boats, batting cages and a large indoor game room. (434) 237-7888
• Rotary Centennial Riverfront Skatepark: Located in downtown Lynchburg and run by the Amazement Square Children’s Museum. (434) 845-5221

Skiing

Wintergreen Resort: About 40 minutes up the road from Lynchburg, Wintergreen Resort welcomes thousands of skiers each winter. (434) 325-8200

For the Indoor Opportunist

Not an outdoorsy type of person, check out the following venues and activities featuring sports under roof like ice skating, bowling, tennis, volleyball and more:

• 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

Youth Sports

Central Virginia boasts successful youth programs in baseball, soccer, football and swimming, just to name a few. In 2007, Amherst County’s community of Madison Heights was host to the Dixie Youth Baseball World Series. Lynchburg United Soccer is rallying to make its “field of dreams” a reality. The Lynchburg Regional Soccer Complex sits on 96-acres of land with two fields in use. After completion, the facility will consist of 10 full-sized soccer fields, adequate parking, restrooms and concessions.

Want to Sit Back and Watch?

If you’d rather watch sports than play, the options are plenty. Lynchburg City Stadium is home to the Carolina League Hillcats. After a recent renovation, the stadium features many amenities including plush skyboxes and updated concession areas.

Enjoy college football at Williams Stadium as Big South Champions the Liberty Flames play on new astroturf. This venue recently underwent massive improvements that include large video screens at the end zone and box seats. With six local colleges, there is always a sporting event to catch.

Other Spectator Opportunities

• Virginia Ten-Miler: Participants range from local hobbyists and marathon winners to Olympic gold medalists.
• Steeplechase: Held at Oak Ridge Estate in Nelson County, the race is sanctioned by the National Steeplechase Association and attracts top horses, riders and trainers.
• Point-to-Point Races: Bedford County is host to horse racing, competitive team jumping, stick horse riding, and Jack Russell terrier racing.
• Tour of Virginia Bike Race: Known as a top draw for up-and-coming pro and elite amateur cyclists, this race boasts scenic and challenging terrain during a six-day journey through several Virginia towns and cities.

Golf

Lynchburg has been ranked among Golf Digest’s top metro areas. Local golf clubs include:

Amherst County

• *Poplar Grove Golf Club: (434) 946-7855 - 18 holes, Par 73
• Winton Golf Course: (434) 946-5134 - 18 holes, Par 71

Bedford County

• *Ivy Hills Golf Club: (434) 525-2680 - 18 holes, Par 72
• *London Downs Golf Club: (434) 525-4653 - 18 Holes, Par 72
• *Mariners Landing Golf and Country Club: (540) 297-7888 - 18 holes, Par 72
• Poplar Forest: (434) 525-0473 - 9 Holes, Par 72
• Colonial Hills Golf Club: (434) 525-3954 - 18 holes, Par 71
• Peaks Par 3 Golf Course: (434) 528-3458

Campbell County

• Cedar Hills Golf Club: (434) 239-1512 - 9 holes, Par 68
• Hat Creek Golf Course: (434) 376-2292 - 9 holes, Par 72

Nelson County

• *Stoney Creek Golf Course at Wintergreen: (434) 325-2200 - 27 holes, Par 72
• *Wintergreen Golf Resort – Devil’s Knob: (434) 325-2200 - 18 holes, Par 70

* Chamber Members

Back to Top