Bicycling is a popular activity in Lynchburg, and for good reason. With many parts of the City located so close together, it’s a great way to get around town. Lynchburg also has several excellent trail networks where cyclists can hit the path for some fast-moving fun. If you’re looking for an opportunity to get your tires spinning and your blood pumping during and after this time of social distancing, we recommend trying out some of these favorite trails. Didn’t bring a bike? No worries, you can rent one at Bikes Unlimited and hop on the Riverwalk Trail right nearby!
Blackwater Creek Trail
This trail is a favorite for much of the Lynchburg community. A peaceful and lovely green area that runs along the Blackwater Creek toward the James River, this flat, winding pathway is great for a casual biking experience. A three-mile length of pavement built along the path of an abandoned railway bed, it passes through wooded landscape and an old railway tunnel. It also runs along or near several historic areas in the city, such as Hollins Mill, Point of Honor and the Downtown riverside area, and convenient mile markers every quarter mile help with tracking your progress. If you ride near the Ed Page entrance on the western side of the trail, don’t forget to pay a visit to the Awareness Garden!
Point of Honor Trail
This short but sweet 1.5 mile trail is attached on both ends to the Blackwater Creek Trail, providing a convenient loop for any cyclist who wants to begin and end their trip in the same place. Running by its historic namesake Point of Honor and intersecting with Hollins Mill Park, Point of Honor Trail also provides great views of Lynchburg’s famous rolling hills and the waterfall created by the Hollins Mill Dam.
Peaks View Park
One of the most popular destinations for park and recreation activities in the Lynchburg area, Peaks View Park also boasts extensive biking accessibility. The Ivy Creek Greenway runs a 1.75 mile distance through the park along a level, paved stretch of land that’s great for a leisurely ride. For those who want to kick it up a gear, however, Peaks View also has several mountain bike trails amid the trees where avid cyclists can test the limits of their rides. All of this runs through a beautiful, well-maintained natural area that allows a breath of fresh air for anyone looking to get a few miles under their tires.
Liberty Mountain Trail System
For any mountain biker who wants the thrill of riding along the side of a mountain on dirt trails, the Liberty Mountain Trail System is for you! With a full network of twisting, turning, up and down trails complete with bridges, jumps and more, this 50-mile stretch of forested nature paths accommodates all levels of cycling skill from beginner to expert.
Riverwalk Trail
Extending from where the Blackwater Creek Trail ends, The Riverwalk Trail takes the cyclist along a short tour of the southwestern bank of the James River, then crosses the historic Percival’s Island Bridge to the Percival’s Island Natural Area, a lush and quiet stretch of land right in the middle of the James River. From there, the trail crosses over to the northeastern bank of the James and into the Madison Heights area. In total, this trail lasts about 3 ¼ miles, perfect for a biker who wants to practice on a flat and easy stretch of pavement and enjoy peaceful wooded scenery along the way. The Percival’s Island Bridge is currently under construction, but it should reopen in a few weeks.
We hope that even in the midst of social distancing, you can still find a way to get outdoors or plan an outdoor adventure on these bicycle paths. If you do manage to hop on your bike, we wish you a fun riding experience. Remember to wear your helmet and wave to people on the trail!