This Quiet Virginia City Is Hiding In Plain Sight
Amid the vast network of interstates, parking lots, and bustling urban areas, cities like Lynchburg, Virginia, are a refreshing sight. Built on a hill that slopes down toward the James River, the city has earned the nickname “Hill City.” Today, there are many green spaces, thoughtfully spread throughout, that reflect the community’s deep appreciation for nature. In fact, you will likely find that you are never far from a park during your visit! To top it all off, the city of 80,000 residents is just a short drive away from renowned destinations like the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail, making it the ultimate destination for a trip outdoors.
Lynchburg’s Green Spaces
With 850 acres of parkland and 40 miles of urban trails, narrowing down the recreational opportunities in Lynchburg is quite the challenge. One of the city’s most popular trail systems, the Trails of Blackwater Creek, contains both earthen and paved paths that wind through the scenic Blackwater Creek Natural Area. The best-known trail here is perhaps the Blackwater Creek Trail, which follows the creek along an old railway bed for three miles through urban forest, perfect for walkers, bikers, and joggers.
Hollins Mill Park also lies along Blackwater Creek and is a fantastic spot for a picnic, with both the picnic tables and grilling area being accessible to people with disabilities. This park offers wonderful views of both the creek and of the historic Hollins Mill Dam, with water cascading over the edge of the dam. The park also offers access to the Blackwater Creek Trail & Bikeway and some excellent fishing spots.
For a truly unique sight, visitors to Lynchburg will love spending an afternoon on Percival’s Island, a one and a half mile long island in the James River that has been converted into a natural area. A former railroad bed now crosses the island, forming a popular hiking and biking trail, while the island itself serves as a haven for wildlife. Keep your eye out for herons, migrating waterfowl, and other native plant and animal species as you explore this area!
Downtown Along the James
On top of all of the other urban parks and trails in Lynchburg, the city is home to several spectacular attractions along the James River. The Riverwalk Trail is a vital spine of the city, starting where the Blackwater Creek Trail ends and stretching through Lynchburg’s historic downtown. There are all kinds of stops along the way, including Amazement Square, a nationally renowned children’s museum, and Waterstone Pizza, a beloved fire-roasted pizza joint. The trail eventually leads onto Percival’s Island, placing you right in the heart of the river’s activity.
Riverfront Park also links to the Riverwalk Trail and features a large field for special events and festivals. While it is currently closed for construction, it is expected to reopen by next spring, with recent renovations including rain gardens, boardwalks, benches, and shaded areas.
The Blue Ridge Parkway and Appalachian Trail
If Lynchburg’s urban greenways were not enough, the city is also less than an hour’s drive from some of the country’s most iconic outdoor destinations, including the Blue Ridge Parkway and the Appalachian Trail! If you want to turn your Lynchburg vacation into a road trip, it is easy to do so along the Blue Ridge Parkway, a 469-mile route that connects Shenandoah to the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. The Blue Ridge Parkway North Entrance is the closest to Lynchburg, located at Milepost 63.7 in Big Island, Virginia. Along the drive, there are plenty of places to stop and things to do, including hiking, camping, picnicking, and even enjoying some traditional southern Appalachian tunes, so make sure to check out the National Park Service page on the parkway before planning your trip.
If you are looking to add more hiking to your itinerary, you can also opt for the Appalachian Trail, with the nearest access to Lynchburg located in Bedford County. This trail, which extends from Georgia all the way up to Maine, is nearly 2,200 miles in total, with the largest part actually running through Virginia!
An Underrated Natural Oasis in Virginia
With its smaller population compared to some of the state’s larger, more well-known cities, Lynchburg often goes unseen. However, this city is arguably one of the best in the state when it comes to outdoor recreation, due to its heavy emphasis on green spaces and trails. You will not be far from the Blue Ridge Parkway, either, if you want to include the city as a pitstop on your road trip! So make sure to consider this town in the coming year when plotting your next escape.
