A new year and decade are here and, with that, we’re all dashing to make our resolution lists. If your resolutions include getting a little bit of extra exercise in, you’re in luck. Sticking to an exercise regimen can be challenging, especially while traveling, but Lynchburg is home to an active community and plenty of places to break a sweat!
While you’re in town, run, hike, bike or jump over to one or two of these locations to get connected with our city on a different level and experience what our community is all about.
Run Over to Riverside Runners
Riverside Runners is a go-to outfitter for running and walking gear, and an active participant in the Lynchburg Road Runners Club. There, you’ll likely find other local runners to connect with while you’re shopping and get connected with Lynchburg’s inclusive and welcoming running community. Who knows? Maybe they’ll queue you in on a few, well-loved running spots.
If you need a new pair of running shoes to get your new workout regimen off on the right foot, their store is where you want to go.
Ski Over to Snowflex
You don’t have to wait for snow to enjoy winter sports in Lynchburg. Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre is one of only three year-round snow sports slopes in the nation—offering beginner, intermediate and advanced level opportunities for skiers and snowboarders. Plus, even if you’re a skiing novice, they offer tubing and trampolining for all ages.
Trek Over to Blackwater Creek Trail
Not only will a walk along Blackwater Creek Trail give you some of the best views of Lynchburg’s downtown cityscape, but it will also give you a great opportunity to work up a sweat. This 3-mile paved trail is ideal for jogging, walking or biking, and it meanders through equal parts urban and forested terrain.
Plus, with a few stops and overlooks along the way, you’ll have the opportunity to take in the James River as well as many wildlife and plant species. Not to mention, the Blackwater Creek Trail connects to more trails that meander through the city.
Skate Over to LaHaye Ice Center
LaHaye Ice Center is perfect for seasoned ice skaters, as well as those who are learning to skate. While the ice center is located on a college campus, it’s also open and utilized often by Lynchburg locals and visitors. Stop in for their public events, which include public skating, open hockey, freestyle skating, learn-to-skate programs and even summer camps for the kids.
Climb Over to Rise Up Climbing
Rise Up Climbing is Lynchburg’s go-to rock climbing gym. Equipped with 40-foot-high rock walls and a bouldering area, this is a great place to go if you’re interested in high adventure activities. Their rock walls also have designated climbing routes (custom-made by the staff!) if you’re interested in different levels of challenge.
Hop Over to JUMP Lynchburg
If you’re looking for a workout that’s loads of fun for the whole family, then JUMP is the place to go. It’s an indoor trampoline gym that boasts over 10,000 square feet of interconnected bouncing surfaces. It also has a pit full of foam pieces that you can jump into, basketball goals, and even a dodgeball court. They have lots of weekly special events and are available for parties, too.
Peddle Over to Bikes Unlimited
Bikes Unlimited is ideal for those wanting a great workout, but who don’t want to be confined to one place. Located right in the heart of downtown Lynchburg, Bikes Unlimited offers bike rentals for those wanting to trek along the Blackwater Creek Trail, or even bike along the sidewalks and bike paths of downtown Lynchburg.
There are even child trailers and kid’s pull-behinds available for the little ones!
No matter what means of activity you choose, Lynchburg creates a stunning backdrop. And, after you’ve worked up an appetite, don’t forget to grab a delicious, healthy lunch in town.