Outdoor Activities - LYH – Lynchburg Tourism

Get outside and see why Lynchburg is known for its natural beauty. Hike wooded trails, paddle the James River, or simply take in the views from one of our many parks and overlooks. Whether you’re here for adventure, discovering our 40 miles of urban trails or just some fresh air, the outdoors is always within easy reach.

Peaks of Otter

Peaks of Otter features Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill on the Blue Ridge Parkway, offering mountain views, hiking, Abbott Lake, picnic areas, campground, lodge, restaurant, shuttle access to […]

Blackwater Creek Trail & Bikeway

Blackwater Creek Trail is one of Lynchburg’s most popular outdoor destinations, offering a scenic paved pathway for walking, running, and biking along the winding Blackwater Creek. Built on a former […]

Percival’s Island Natural Area

Percival’s Island is a familiar landmark in downtown Lynchburg. Visitors may see herons, migrating waterfowl, and many native plants and animals as they follow the paved trail, which bisects the […]

Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre

Liberty Snowflex is a year-round outdoor recreation destination featuring a synthetic ski and snowboard slope designed for all-season use. Visitors can ski or snowboard on a surface that mimics snow, […]

Blue Ridge Parkway

America’s most scenic drive extends 470 miles linking Shenandoah and Great Smoky Mountains National Parks. Lynchburg is only 30 minutes from a beautiful drive to see the spectacular mountain vistas […]

The Bluffwalk

The Bluffwalk is a pedestrian walkway providing views of the James River and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the distance. Located between Jefferson and Commerce Streets, a stroll along the […]

Thomas Jefferson’s Poplar Forest

Just a 10-minute drive west of Lynchburg, Poplar Forest is Thomas Jefferson’s secluded retreat and a National Historic Landmark. Jefferson designed the distinctive octagonal house during his presidency and later […]

James River Adventures at the Upper James River Center

James River Adventures at the Upper James River Center is the premier eco-tourism and river recreation destination for the Greater Lynchburg area. Located at Riveredge Park in Madison Heights, this […]

LOVEworks in LYH

Discover Lynchburg’s LOVEworks as part of Virginia’s “LOVE” tourism campaign, featuring colorful, oversized “LOVE” sculptures placed throughout the community. These public art installations celebrate the city’s culture, history, and outdoor […]

Historic District Self-Guided Tour

Lynchburg’s seven historic districts tell the story of the city’s growth from a small river town into one of the nation’s wealthiest communities of its size during the 19th century. […]

Monument Terrace

Monument Terrace is a 132-step limestone staircase in downtown Lynchburg. It serves as a multi-tiered memorial honoring local citizens who died in American military conflicts. Each landing features plaques and […]

Lynchburg Community Market

The Lynchburg Community Market, at the corner of 12th and Main, has operated continuously since 1783 and is one of the oldest public markets in the country. It includes indoor […]