From Nature & Outdoors along with Daytrips to Art, History, and Culture.
Lynchburg and the surrounding area in Central Virginia might be small, but don’t let their small size fool you into believing there’s nothing to do.
Below are our top outdoor, daytrip, and cultural activities to do in the Lynchburg area throughout the year.
Nature and Outdoors
1. Peaks of Otter
Drive to Mile 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and you’ll arrive at the Peaks of Otter, three distinctive, closely situated peaks in the Blue Ridge Mountains that overlook Bedford, Virginia. With Sharp Top (3875 ft/1181 m), Flat Top (4004 ft/1220 m), and Harkening Hill (3375 ft/1029 m) to choose from, hikers can enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding countryside and stays at the site’s Peaks of Otter Lodge from spring through the end of autumn.
2. Natural Bridge State Park
This 37th addition to Virginia’s State Park list is located about 30 minutes away from Lynchburg, just outside Lexington.
Natural Bridge, a 215-foot-high geological limestone formation carved by Cedar Creek, is the star of this park’s show, which includes caverns, seasonal festivals, and six miles of hiking trails through mountain vistas, forests, and a 30-foot waterfall.
3. Blackwater Creek Trail and Bikeway
Looking for a natural escape, but don’t have time to drive to the mountains? Get lost at Blackwater Creek Trail, a railway bed turned paved three-mile trail in Lynchburg, Virginia.
Ideal for cyclists, walkers, and joggers, Blackwater Creek Trail follows the titular Blackwater Creek’s winding path through an urban forest.
4. Appalachian Trail, Bedford County Entrance
The Appalachian Trail runs from Georgia to Maine, but Virginia hosts more miles of the iconic trail than any other state. Take in the trail’s scenic forested views at its Bedford County entrance, located just 30 minutes away from Lynchburg.
5. Percival’s Island Natural Area
Follow the Blackwater Creek Trail until its terminus on Jefferson Street and you’ll arrive at the Riverwalk Trail, an urban nature walk through historic downtown Lynchburg that leads to Percival’s Island. Once an industrial area, this now heavily wooded island is home to native plants, birds, and relaxing views of the James River.
Daytrips
6. Drumheller’s Orchard
Autumn in the Lynchburg area is incomplete without a daytrip to Drumheller’s Orchard in Lovingston, Virginia.
Established in 1937, this multigenerational farm grew from an abandoned fruit orchard to a popular apple picking spot, complete with a pumpkin patch, live music, and your pick of freshly crafted harvest goods.
7. Smith Mountain Lake
This freshwater lake, the second largest in the state, is to summer like the aforementioned Drumheller’s is to autumn.
Located 40 miles from Lynchburg in Bedford County, this water-lover’s park offers swimming, boat rentals and ramps, and a universally accessible fishing pier. And if water isn’t your thing, don’t fret; Smith Mountain Lake also offers camping, picnicking areas, and miles of shoreside trails.
8. National D-Day Memorial
June 6, 1944, the day Allied forces assaulted the French beaches at Normandy, hit close to home for Bedford, Virginia. The small Central Virginia town experienced the country’s highest-known per capita loss on D-Day, and the D-Day Memorial commemorates this loss through a 50-acre site, 44-foot tall arch, and reflecting pool. Visitors should arrive prepared for an experience that’s equal parts solemn and educational.
9. The American Civil War Museum – Appomattox
Located 25 minutes east of Lynchburg, Appomattox is where multiple perspectives converged in April 1865; explore them and the legacy of the American Civil War at the American Civil War Museum in Appomattox.
Featuring a rich document and artifact collection that includes General Lee’s sword and military uniform, visitors can weave the story of the Union, the Confederacy, and enslaved and free African Americans, all on-site at the preserved Appomattox Court House.
Arts, History, and Culture
10. Lynchburg Community Market
Every Wednesday and Saturday, famers and vendors converge at the Lynchburg Community Market, the nation’s third oldest continuously running farmer’s market, in operation since 1783. Arrive prepared to indulge in the market’s variety of artisan food, fine arts, and restaurant vendors.
11. LOVEwork
From the state’s famous “Virginia is for lover’s” slogan, to its 300+ LOVEworks sculptures, love is easy to find in Virginia; top off your visit to the Percival’s Island trailhead with a photo at Lynchburg’s very own LOVEwork installation.
12. Amazement Square
Housed in a renovated Civil War-era building, this award-winning, multi-discipline museum in downtown Lynchburg contains four floors of hands-on, interactive exhibits. With a mission to facilitate children’s learning through creative play, Amazement Square plays host to workshops, school programs, special events, and over 90,000 visitors per year.
13. Old City Cemetery
With over 30,000 annual visitors, there’s plenty of life to be found in Old City Cemetery, a 27-acre public garden, wedding venue, and historical site. In operation since 1806, Old City Cemetery is Virginia’s oldest municipal cemetery; in addition to museums and tours where visitors can learn the stories of the cemetery’s over 20,000 interred residents, this popular site is home to hundreds of native and heirloom plant varieties.
14. Self-Guided Historic District Walking Tour
Lynchburg has seven historic districts, one for each of the city’s seven hills. The 19th century Queen Ann and Federal Style mansions that make up Lynchburg’s seven historic districts offer a peek into the city’s wealthy, tycoon-filled past; all history and architecture lovers have to do to discover it is stop by the Lynchburg Visitor Center for self-guided walking tour pamphlets.
15. Lynchburg Museum at the Old Court House
Experience over 400 years of Central Virginia and Lynchburg history at the Lynchburg Museum at the Old Court House, where visitors can learn about the people and events that shaped the region. Exhibits include fine art, works from master craftsman, costumes, and more.
16. Poplar Forest
The Lynchburg area is home to some historical A-listers, including Thomas Jefferson, who ran a plantation and private retreat called Poplar Forest.
Hailed as a successful demonstration of harmonious, albeit disparate, architectural elements, Poplar Forest is an active archeological site in Forest, Virginia that’s open for tourist visitation from the spring through autumn seasons; children and adult history buffs alike can uncover the private lives of Jefferson and the enslaved laborers who worked for him at this designated National Historic Landmark.
17. Maier Museum of Art
The winter months signal the start of indoor museum season, and indoor museum season means a visit to the Maier Museum of Art at Randolph College.
Since its beginning in 1907, the Maier Museum has grown to house a collection of American paintings, paper works, and photographs dating from the 19th, 20th, and 21st century. American Impressionism and early 20th-century Realism are this museum’s particular specialties, and the academic community and public are welcome to visit year-round. Exhibitions and educational programs change frequently; visit the Maier Museum’s website for more details.
18. Legacy Museum of African American History
The Lynchburg area is home to a storied history with diverse characters, and the Legacy Museum of African American History illustrates this. Established in 1995 and housed in a 100-year-old Monroe Street home, the Legacy Museum enriches the lives of local residents and visitors by nurturing and facilitating an appreciation of the African American experience in Central Virginia. Past exhibits include African American medicine, Black business enterprises, and education; new exhibits are launched annually.
19. Lynchburg Salsa
Social dancing is a great way for community newcomers to meet new people; stop by various locations in downtown Lynchburg on Friday and Saturday nights for salsa lessons and socials. A partner or previous dance experience is not required.
20. Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra (LSO)
With all the learning and exploring to be had in Central Virginia, it’s easy to neglect relaxation; kick back with a night at the Lynchburg Symphony Orchestra (LSO), the city’s go-to source for classical, pops, and contemporary music.
Introducing young communities to music has been LSO’s mission for 35 years, and when not performing at the Academy Center of the Arts Historic Theatre, they can be found enriching music education curriculums across Lynchburg city.do
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~Alicia Hooper