Outdoor Adventure Weekend in Lynchburg, Virginia
Before heading out on your adventure, check out How to Get Around Lynchburg for parking info, trail access, and transportation routes.
From river paddles to mountaintop hikes, Lynchburg is the perfect place for outdoor lovers to spend a weekend exploring. With four seasons of adventure — from kayaking and mountain biking to skiing and scenic hikes — there’s something here for every level of adventurer.
Day One – On the Water and On the Move
Just across the river from downtown, James River Adventures offers kayak and canoe rentals, guided paddles, and one-of-a-kind experiences aboard their historic batteau boat. Choose a short paddle break or make a full day of it — the nine-mile stretch from downtown Lynchburg to the Joshua Falls Takeout Point offers peaceful views of riverbanks, wildlife, and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.
Pack a lunch and enjoy sandy stops along the way, or sign up for a guided experience to learn about the ecology and history of this beautiful river.
📞 (434) 847-1090 | James River Adventures
Need gear? Stop by Tale Tellers Fly Shop downtown for supplies, expert fishing advice, or to book a guided fly-fishing tour.
Lynchburg’s James River Heritage Trail System covers 40 miles of paved and earthen trails through lush urban forests and scenic river corridors. Rent a bike from Bikes Unlimited downtown and start along the Blackwater Creek Trail or cross the RiverWalk bridge to Percival’s Island, once a refueling stop for old rail lines.
Each path offers gentle grades and beautiful scenery — perfect for beginners or seasoned cyclists alike.
Head toward Candlers Mountain to ride the Liberty Mountain Trail System, spanning over 50 miles of single and double-track trails across 5,000 acres. The routes range from cross-country loops to gravity-fed downhill trails. Open daily during daylight hours, it’s one of the best ways to experience Central Virginia’s terrain up close.
After your day outdoors, grab dinner on Jefferson Street or the Bluffwalk at a local favorite like Bootleggers, The Water Dog, or Fratelli — each offering outdoor seating and mountain or river views.
Stay overnight at The Virginian Hotel or The Craddock Terry Hotel for easy access to downtown and early morning adventures.
Day Two – Elevate Your Adventure
Experience skiing and snowboarding year-round at Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, the first of its kind in North America. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you can ski, tube, or snowboard on the turf-like “snowflex” surface. Warm up with cocoa at the lodge café when you’re done.
📞 (434) 582-3539 | Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre
Drive out to the Blue Ridge Parkway for a morning hike with unbeatable views. Start near the James River at Snowden for access to the Appalachian Trail, or venture farther to the Apple Orchard Falls Trail (milepost 78.4). This moderate hike leads to one of Virginia’s tallest waterfalls and offers spectacular overlooks at Sunset Field.
For something more challenging, try Sharp Top Trail at the Peaks of Otter — a 1.5-mile climb that rewards hikers with panoramic fall and spring views.
If indoor adventure is more your speed, test your limits at Rise Up Climbing Gym downtown. Founded by two nationally recognized climbing instructors, this facility offers over 6,000 square feet of climbing walls, bouldering spaces, and lead routes for all skill levels.
📞 (434) 845-7625 | Rise Up Climbing
Grab your fishing gear — or rent from Tale Tellers Fly Shop — and explore the James River’s many fishing spots. Within an hour’s drive, you’ll find trout, bass, catfish, musky, and more. For beginners, the warm-water stretch near downtown offers easy wading access.
Owner and expert Ethan Harris offers guided trips and fly-tying workshops for those eager to learn or level up their skills.
End your weekend surrounded by nature at James River State Park, about 45 miles from Lynchburg. The park features 15 miles of trails, riverside camping spots, and cozy cabins with mountain views. Spend the evening around the fire or take one last paddle before sunset.
📞 (800) 933-7275 | James River State Park
Bonus: Signature Outdoor Events in LYH
- Virginia 10 Miler (September) – A 50-year Lynchburg tradition challenging runners on a scenic city course.
- Storming of Thunder Ridge (May) – A cycling event through rolling hills and Blue Ridge vistas.
- Day at the Point Fall Festival (October) – Celebrate autumn at historic Point of Honor with food, music, and family fun.
Plan Your Stay
After your adventures, relax at one of LYH’s Places to Stay — from boutique hotels downtown to cozy cabins near the mountains. Reconnect with nature, enjoy local dining, and plan your next return to Lynchburg’s great outdoors.
Paddle, hike, bike, and explore—your next great adventure starts right here in the Hill City.
Before heading out on your adventure, check out How to Get Around Lynchburg for parking info, trail access, and transportation routes.
From river paddles to mountaintop hikes, Lynchburg is the perfect place for outdoor lovers to spend a weekend exploring. With four seasons of adventure — from kayaking and mountain biking to skiing and scenic hikes — there’s something here for every level of adventurer.
Just across the river from downtown, James River Adventures offers kayak and canoe rentals, guided paddles, and one-of-a-kind experiences aboard their historic batteau boat. Choose a short paddle break or make a full day of it — the nine-mile stretch from downtown Lynchburg to the Joshua Falls Takeout Point offers peaceful views of riverbanks, wildlife, and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance.
Pack a lunch and enjoy sandy stops along the way, or sign up for a guided experience to learn about the ecology and history of this beautiful river.
📞 (434) 847-1090 | James River Adventures
Need gear? Stop by Tale Tellers Fly Shop downtown for supplies, expert fishing advice, or to book a guided fly-fishing tour.
Lynchburg’s James River Heritage Trail System covers 40 miles of paved and earthen trails through lush urban forests and scenic river corridors. Rent a bike from Bikes Unlimited downtown and start along the Blackwater Creek Trail or cross the RiverWalk bridge to Percival’s Island, once a refueling stop for old rail lines.
Each path offers gentle grades and beautiful scenery — perfect for beginners or seasoned cyclists alike.
Head toward Candlers Mountain to ride the Liberty Mountain Trail System, spanning over 50 miles of single and double-track trails across 5,000 acres. The routes range from cross-country loops to gravity-fed downhill trails. Open daily during daylight hours, it’s one of the best ways to experience Central Virginia’s terrain up close.
After your day outdoors, grab dinner on Jefferson Street or the Bluffwalk at a local favorite like Bootleggers, The Water Dog, or Fratelli — each offering outdoor seating and mountain or river views.
Stay overnight at The Virginian Hotel or The Craddock Terry Hotel for easy access to downtown and early morning adventures.
Experience skiing and snowboarding year-round at Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, the first of its kind in North America. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, you can ski, tube, or snowboard on the turf-like “snowflex” surface. Warm up with cocoa at the lodge café when you’re done.
📞 (434) 582-3539 | Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre
Drive out to the Blue Ridge Parkway for a morning hike with unbeatable views. Start near the James River at Snowden for access to the Appalachian Trail, or venture farther to the Apple Orchard Falls Trail (milepost 78.4). This moderate hike leads to one of Virginia’s tallest waterfalls and offers spectacular overlooks at Sunset Field.
For something more challenging, try Sharp Top Trail at the Peaks of Otter — a 1.5-mile climb that rewards hikers with panoramic fall and spring views.
If indoor adventure is more your speed, test your limits at Rise Up Climbing Gym downtown. Founded by two nationally recognized climbing instructors, this facility offers over 6,000 square feet of climbing walls, bouldering spaces, and lead routes for all skill levels.
📞 (434) 845-7625 | Rise Up Climbing
Grab your fishing gear — or rent from Tale Tellers Fly Shop — and explore the James River’s many fishing spots. Within an hour’s drive, you’ll find trout, bass, catfish, musky, and more. For beginners, the warm-water stretch near downtown offers easy wading access.
Owner and expert Ethan Harris offers guided trips and fly-tying workshops for those eager to learn or level up their skills.
End your weekend surrounded by nature at James River State Park, about 45 miles from Lynchburg. The park features 15 miles of trails, riverside camping spots, and cozy cabins with mountain views. Spend the evening around the fire or take one last paddle before sunset.
📞 (800) 933-7275 | James River State Park
- Virginia 10 Miler (September) – A 50-year Lynchburg tradition challenging runners on a scenic city course.
- Storming of Thunder Ridge (May) – A cycling event through rolling hills and Blue Ridge vistas.
- Day at the Point Fall Festival (October) – Celebrate autumn at historic Point of Honor with food, music, and family fun.
Plan Your Stay
After your adventures, relax at one of LYH’s Places to Stay — from boutique hotels downtown to cozy cabins near the mountains. Reconnect with nature, enjoy local dining, and plan your next return to Lynchburg’s great outdoors.
