An Outdoor Lover’s Guide to Lynchburg, VA

After arriving, settle into LYH before heading out to explore. Whether you prefer staying steps from the James River or closer to Liberty Mountain’s extensive trail system, these hotels offer convenient access to some of the city’s best outdoor recreation.

• Bella Vista Hotel & Suites offers easy access to Liberty Mountain, Liberty’s trail system, and Wards Road
• Craddock Terry Hotel: Walk to downtown restaurants, renting bikes made easy as a hotel guest, and hop directly onto the James River, the Bluffwalk, or Percival’s Island Trail

Start your weekend with a relaxing stroll or bike ride along Percival’s Island Natural Area. This flat, scenic trail stretches through the middle of the James River, offering peaceful water views, historic bridge piers, wildlife sightings, and one of LYH’s iconic LOVE sculptures. It’s the perfect introduction to the city’s outdoor spaces before dinner.

After spending the afternoon outside, refuel at one of LYH’s outdoor-friendly restaurants! Located just a few steps from Percival’s Island, the Bluffwalk, and the James River, Trailhead is a perfect stop after an evening outside. Its laid-back atmosphere, spacious patio and deck, outdoor fire pit, and steps away from trail and view of the James River make it a popular gathering spot for bikers and outdoor enthusiasts. If you’re ready to venture out of Downtown, head to Hill City Pub for laid back dining and patio seats. 

Fuel up before a day of adventure with breakfast at My Dog Duke’s Diner or Market at Main (Wards Road), both offering hearty options to start your morning.

If you’re looking for something lighter before hitting the trails, grab a locally roasted coffee from Nomad Coffee Company located at the entrance of one of LYH’s trail systems on the Blackwater Creek Trail.

LYH offers miles of trails for every skill level, whether you’re looking for a leisurely morning walk or a more challenging mountain adventure.

• Blackwater Creek Trail: One of Lynchburg’s most popular trails, Blackwater Creek offers paved and natural surface sections perfect for walking, running, or biking beneath a beautiful tree canopy.
• Liberty Mountain Trail System: With more than 75 miles of trails, Liberty Mountain is a favorite destination for hikers, trail runners, and mountain bikers. Choose from beginner-friendly routes or more technical terrain with scenic overlooks throughout the mountain.
• Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre: Looking for something different? Experience year-round skiing, snowboarding, tubing, or simply enjoy panoramic mountain views from the top of the slope.

After a busy morning, enjoy lunch surrounded by LYH’s beautiful scenery.

Stop by Magnolia Foods to pick up fresh sandwiches, snacks, charcuterie, and picnic essentials before heading to one of these scenic spots:

• Riverside Park Overlook
• Peaks View Park
• Riverfront Park
• Ivy Creek Park

Prefer to dine on a patio instead? Enjoy lunch outdoors at:

• The Farm Basket: A longtime local favorite with picnic tables and a relaxed outdoor setting overlooking woods, also located less than .2 miles away from the Blackwater creek Trail.
• Depot Grille: Enjoy lunch on the outdoor patio just steps from the James River and downtown trails.
• The Neighbor’s Place: A laid-back restaurant known for burgers, sandwiches, wings, and a welcoming atmosphere after a day outside, located almost directly across from the Poplar Forest trail entrance.

Spend the afternoon exploring another side of LYH’s outdoor recreation:

• James River: Book a kayak, canoe, tube, or paddleboard rental through James River Adventures and spend the afternoon paddling the James River. The James River offers a unique perspective of the city and is one of the best ways to experience Lynchburg during the warmer months. You can also enjoy fishing from several public access points along the river.
• Ivy Creek Park: Explore wooded trails, paddle across Ivy Creek, or simply enjoy a peaceful afternoon surrounded by nature and wildlife.
• Peaks View Park: If you’d rather stay on land, Peaks View Park offers tennis and basketball courts, walking trails, disc golf courses, playgrounds, and plenty of green space to explore.
• Hollins Mill: Head to Hollins Mill Park for public catch-and-release fishing area. It’s a peaceful place to spend the afternoon casting a line, enjoying the views, or relaxing in one of LYH’s scenic parks.
• Riverside Park: Spend the afternoon at Riverside Park. Challenge friends to a game on the pickleball, basketball, or tennis courts, cool off at the seasonal sprayground, enjoy a leisurely walk along the trails, or take in panoramic views from the Riverside Park overlook overlooking the James River.

After a full day outdoors, reward yourself with a great meal and relax on one of LYH’s patios or in a cozy neighborhood restaurant.

If you’re staying Downtown, enjoy the riverfront and Bluffwalk with dinner at one of these local favorites:

• The Water Dog: Enjoy seafood, burgers, and drinks on the spacious patio on riverfront park.
• Bootleggers: Grab burgers, sandwiches, craft cocktails, or local beer while dining outdoors just steps from the Bluffwalk.
• Hueso Loco: End the day with authentic Mexican cuisine, handcrafted margaritas, and outdoor seating right on the Bluffwalk with park and mountain views.

If your adventures have taken you beyond downtown, these local favorites are worth the drive:

• Iron & Ale: Enjoy American cuisine, craft cocktails, and a comfortable patio with a selection of outdoor games.
• Beer 88: Refuel with wings, burgers, and a large array of beer on tap at Beer 88.
• Neighbor’s Place: A laid-back restaurant known for burgers, sandwiches, wings, and a welcoming atmosphere after a day outside.

If you’re not quite ready to call it a night, unwind with a local drink or live music.

• Reserve Winery & Lounge: Sip on wine flights in an intimate downtown setting across form Riverside Park.
• No. 7 Rooftop Bar: Enjoy craft cocktails and panoramic views of downtown LYH and the surrounding Blue Ridge Mountains from one of the city’s favorite rooftop patios
• Trailhead: If you didn’t get to check this spot off your list yet, end the evening by a fire pit, budget-friendly drinks and bites on a large patio by the train tracks and Percival’s Island trail entrance.

If you’re staying on the other side of town, stop by Tori Blue for handcrafted cocktails, wine, and beer in an inviting atmosphere. It’s perfect for winding down after a day of hiking or exploring Liberty Mountain.

Before heading home, squeeze in one more outdoor experience and enjoy a slower morning exploring one of LYH’s beautiful parks or trails:

• Riverside Park Trails
• Blackwater Creek Trail
• Percival’s Island
• Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest Trail
• Liberty Mountain trails
• Peaks View Park
• Hollins Mill
• Riverfront Park

Wrap up your weekend with a well-earned brunch before heading home.

• Bentley’s on Bedford for classic brunch favorites and cocktails.
• My Dog Duke’s Diner for hearty comfort food in Downtown
• Millie’s Living Cafe (closed Sundays) for healthy, organic and fresh bowls. 
• Squared Biscuit Co. for homemade biscuits and sammies.