July is a superb time to get outdoors and explore! In fact, July is National Parks and Recreation Month. And what better way to kick off the celebrations than by visiting some of the beautiful parks nestled underneath the Blue Ridge Mountains in Lynchburg, Virginia! Here are a few scenic parks that are sure to please the nature, activity and history lovers alike.
Riverfront Park
Riverfront Park opened in 2010 on Jefferson Street. This wide open park is positioned perfectly between the historic James River and the stunning, 19th century architecture cityscape. It’s a favorite among local downtown residents for a nice afternoon walk or for some fetch time with their four-legged friends. It’s also a favorite among parents as the zero-depth fountain allows children to cool off with some water fun! During the weekends, the Riverfront Park often serves as a gathering place for numerous festival and events where locals and travelers alike can hear great music, taste mouth watering cuisine from local eateries and drink the best brews made here in Central Virginia.
Things To Do:
- Go to a festival/event
- Zero-depth fountain
- Walk
- Bike
- Picnic
Address:
1100 Jefferson Street
Lynchburg, VA 24504
Riverside Park
Just a few miles from downtown stands the Rivermont neighborhood, a turn-of-the-century gem filled with striking, ornate victorian era homes. It’s there that you will find Riverside Park. Originally built in the 1920’s, the park serves as a serene oasis with plenty of sites and activities for all. For parents and children, there is a playground at the park’s entrance. However if you venture into the park further, you will find a 1,900 square-foot sprayground, a great, free afternoon activity during the summer months. For the nature lover, there is a variety of secluded trails and breathtaking views of the James River waiting to be explored. For the history lover, there are an abundance of historical artifacts and sites to see…it’s as if you were walking through an outdoor museum! While walking throughout the park’s 49 acres, you can find a preserved early 20th century steam engine, the remains of the packet boat, Marshall, which carried the body of Stonewall Jackson to Lexington and the Miller-Claytor House, a late 1700’s town house said to have been visited by Thomas Jefferson.
Things To Do:
- Walk/Jog
- Hike
- 1,900 square-foot sprayground
- Playground
- Packet boat Marshall
- Miller Claytor House
- Early 20th century steam engine
Address:
2238 Rivermont Avenue
Lynchburg, VA 24503
Blackwater Creek Athletic Area
Located close to Lynchburg College, Blackwater Creek Athletic Area is a great place for afternoon activities year round. When you first arrive, the first thing you will see is a large multi-purpose field that can be used for a variety of sports like football, baseball, soccer or kickball. The park is also a frequented destination for trail blazers, hikers and bikers as it connects to the creekside trail, a 5 mile stretch along Blackwater Creek. Lastly, there’s something for Fido as well! The athletic area is home to the Lynchburg Dog Park, a fenced in, off-leash park where your dog can run and play with other dogs.
Things To Do:
- Dog park
- Multi-purpose field
- Creekside Trail
- Hike
- Walk/ Jog
- Bike
Address:
515 Monticello Ave
Lynchburg, VA 24501
Peaks View Park
Opened in 1983, Peaks View Park is Lynchburg’s second largest park. Here the athletic lovers can use one of the three tennis courts, seven multi-purpose fields, basketball court, disc golf course or volleyball field. The park also has multiple picnic shelters, which serves a great reunion spot for friend and family gatherings with a playground for the kids a short distance away.
Things To Do:
- Lighted tennis courts
- Multi-purpose fields
- Basketball court
- Disc golf course
- Volleyball field
- Picnic shelters/grill
- Trails
- Playground
Address:
170 Ivy Creek Lane
Lynchburg VA, 24502
Miller Park
Originally called City Park, the midtown park was renamed to Miller Park to honor Samuel Miller, who donated the 18 acres of land to Lynchburg in 1862. Today, the park features two picnic shelters, the historic Aviary, which is rented for weddings and events and the Miller Park Pool, an olympic-sized pool with an attached children’s area with a mushroom waterfall and water slide. Additionally, there is a food truck roundup that takes place every Thursday. Stop by for a delicious assortment of local flavor and entrees.
Things To Do:
- Picnic shelters/grill
- Walk
- Miller Park Pool
- Water slide
- Mushroom waterfall
- The Aviary
Address:
400 Grove Street
Lynchburg, VA 24501
Ivy Creek Park
Located in the Lynchpin Industrial Park, Ivy Creek is an ideal location for avid nature adventurers. One of the park’s biggest attraction is Clemmons Lake, a perfect spot for canoeing and kayaking or fishing. But if hiking or biking is more your fare, take to their scenic multi-use trails. If you’re looking to spend some family time, along with the park’s picnic and play areas there is the Nature Zone, an auxiliary site filled with aquatic reptiles and amphibians.
Things To Do:
- Canoeing
- Kayaking
- Fishing
- Nature Zone
- Picnic area
- Play area
- Multi-use trails
- Biking
- walk/jog
- Hiking
Address:
118 Clemmons Lake Place
Lynchburg, VA 24501
Don’t forget that while you visit these picturesque, scenic parks, be sure to be mindful of them too. Put trash in the designated trash cans, clean up after your party, be respectful of the animals that call the park home. When we all work together to keep our parks beautiful, we can preserve it for future families to enjoy! So this July, get out and enjoy some of our great parks as well as the stunning, natural sites surrounding Lynchburg.