outdoor activities

Our historical districts and locations offer an educational experience for the lover of history. By foot or car, Court House Hill, Daniel’s Hill, Diamond Hill, Federal Hill, Garland Hill and Rivermont can all be toured. One only has to visit the National D-Day Memorial, Point of Honor, Poplar Forest or Appomattox Court House National Historical Park for a lesson in the past.

Local art can be found on display Downtown at Riverviews Art Space. If you are looking for art less local and more dated, visit the Maier Museum of Art on Randolph College's campus.

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Appalachian Trail, Bedford Co.

Historic scenic trail winds through Washington-Jefferson National Forest and across Blue Ridge Mountains. Wildflowers and wildlife abound along trail which can be accessed at a number of parkway mileposts. Trail attracts hikers of all ages.

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Bayside Marina & Yacht Club

Bayside Marina & Yacht Club is a full service marina, located at Smith Mountain Lake on Becky's Creek Marker R26. Formerly known as Shoreline Marina.

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Beaver Creek Canoe Rentals & Livery

This four mile section of the James River offers abundant wildlife and seclusion. Also canal era historical sites such as the six mile bridge trestle, dating from 1850, and beautiful stone remains of the Beaver Creek aqueduct and Archer Creek culvert (1838), are easily accessible by canoe.  Relax and enjoy - Beaver Creek Approximately a 4 hour float.

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Bent Creek Adventures on the James

Bent Creek Adventures is located on the James River at the intersection of RT. 60 & 26. Enjoy fishing, canoeing, tubing, or just relaxing floating down the river. Shuttle service is available to the public as well as canoe and tube rentals.

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Bridgewater Marina

Bridgewater Marina is the largest boat rental operation on Smith Mountain Lake. We offer everything needed to make your vacation fun. From WaveVentures, to Harris Kayot Pontoons, to Sea Ray Ski Boats. We rent boats you can be proud to cruise the lake in. We even offer three rental locations to serve you better. We Also Offer: Full Service Gas Docks, Marina Store with Basic Groceries & Unique...

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Crazy Horse Marina and Campground

Marina and Seasonal campground with boat rentals, slips, restaurant, waterfront sites, full hookups, swimming pool, restrooms. We are located in beautiful southwest Virginia on the shore of Smith Mountain Lake. You and your family will enjoy spending your vacation boating, camping, fishing, swimming, water skiing, and much more. Additionally, there is often local entertainment such as bands and...

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George Washington and Jefferson National Forests

National forest extends through the Blue Ridge and Southern Appalachian Mountains, bounding north Bedford County. Elevations range from 600 to 6,000 feet. Wide variety of trees, flowering vegetation and wildlife. Park is home to more than 160 types of birds. Big game hunting, fishing, wildlife photography, camping, horseback riding and hiking trails. Special hunting, fishing licenses required.

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Holliday Lake State Park

Deep in the heart of Appomattox- Buckingham State Forest, Holliday Lake is a paradise for the outdoor enthusiast. Fishing for largemouth bass, crappie and bluegill is popular, and a nearby Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries delayed-harvest trout stream allows anglers to fish for brown and rainbow trout. Swimming at the park’s guarded beach and the “Critter Hole” play area are...

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Hollins Mill Park

The park includes trail access to the Blackwater Creek Bikeway and Point of Honor Trail sections of the James River Heritage Trail System. Handicap accessible picnic facilities with tables and grills. Streamside fishing is allowed and parking is available on site. (3 acres)

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James River Canal Lock

Battery Creek Lock #7, restored in the mid-1960's, was part of the James River and Kanawha Canal System built in 1848-49 as the main artery of commerce between Richmond and the valleys to the west. The lock is 100 feet long, 15 feet wide and 25 feet deep. Picnic facilities; scenic hiking trail.

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James River Canoe Ramp

The James River Canoe Ramp, the only ramp in Lynchburg, provides car-top carried boats access to the James River. Parking is available.

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James River Float Company

The James River Float Company is a family owned business dedicated to preserving and sharing the amazing historical and ecological treasure that is the mighty James River. The company’s founders David and Mason Basten (father and son) have spent their free time in life exploring their home rivers, in particular the James River. They have a deep appreciation for all of it’s natural...

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James River Heritage Trail

The James River Heritage Trail is part of a network of trails across the United States that connect communities with the natural world surrounding them. On National Trails Day, 2000, Lynchburg dedicated a new Millennium Trail- the 6.5 mile long James River Heritage Trail, which is comprised of the Blackwater Creek Bikeway and RiverWalk. Both trails explore the very diverse geography and habitats...

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James River State Park

Nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the park features 1,500 acres of rolling grasslands, quiet forests and beautiful vistas, as well as three miles of shoreline along the James River. Visitors can hike, bike, canoe, kayak, fish or camp along the banks of the historic James River or scenic Branch Pond. Facilities include a nature center, gift shop, picnic shelters, multi-use...

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Liberty Lake Park

Sixty acre park within city limits featuring stocked lake, baseball and softball fields, basketball, racquetball, tennis courts, skateboard pod, roller skating and walking loop, handicap hiking trail. Ample parking, easy access.

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Mariners Landing at Smith Mountain Lake

Mariners Landing is Smith Mountain Lake, Virginia's most popular waterfront resort community and conference center. This 1,000 acre development offers vacation rentals and real estate, and features an 18-hole golf course, full-service restaurant, spa services, private pools/hot tub, beaches, tennis courts, fishing piers, walking trails and more. Spacious overnight accommodations include one, two...

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Mill Creek Lake Park

Resting on a 190-acre watershed lake for fishing only, the park offers a boat ramp (no gas-powered boats allowed), restrooms, picnic tables, grills and a play area.

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Miller Park

The park now has 37 acres and includes two picnic shelters that can be rented, as well as the historic Aviary, which can be used for weddings, parties, and other events. Miller Park pool is the only public outdoor pool in Lynchburg, and can be rented for special occasions. To find out about how to rent these and other facilities throughout the parks, email Customer Service from the website...

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Monacan Park

Located on the James River and named after the Indian tribe that once roamed the area, this park offers a boat ramp and small dock, a covered picnic pavilion, a play area for children, and restrooms.

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Parkway Marina at Smith Mountain Lake

A full service marina with gorgeous views, deep water and protected slips, Parkway Marina is Your Gateway to Smith Mountain Lake. Great location for wedding parties and other events. We offer Lodging, Boat Rentals, Sales, Bait, Fuel, a Ship's Store and much more!Parkway Marina, formerly known as Saunders Marina, is located on the main body of Smith Mountain Lake at the end Smith Mountain Lake...

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Peaks of Otter

The Peaks of Otter - Sharp Top, Flat Top, and Harkening Hill - have dominated the view in this region of Virginia for centuries, first attracting the attention of Native Americans who saw the area as a rich hunting ground. Famous naturalists and such notable historic figures as Thomas Jefferson and Robert E. Lee wrote about or visited the Peaks of Otter during their lives. The summit of Flat Top...

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Percival's Island Natural Area

The island is approximately one and one-half miles long. The old railroad bed is now a paved, maintained hiking/biking trail that traverses the length of the island. The park is maintained in its natural state as a haven for plants and animals. There are many spots where the James River is accessible and fishing is permitted in accordance with State of Virginia fishing regulations.

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Riverfront Park

The Riverfront Park is located in downtown Lynchburg by the James River. The park features large open fields that are suitable for festivals and special events, boardwalk, shade trees, and a rain garden. The stage area is home to Friday Cheers summer concerts.

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Riverside Park Sprayground

This 1900 sq foot facility is a great way to cool off when you need to beat the heat! The sprayground offers an array of fun and thrilling water play activities such as dumping buckets, spraying lake fish, pop jets and tulip sprays. The sprayground is open to the public daily from 11am to 7pm Memorial Day through October 1st. For more information call 434 455-5858.  

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Riverwalk Trail

RiverWalk is one of the most popular sections of the James River Heritage Trail. People of all ages and abilities are able to enjoy this 3.5 mile paved trail. This lovely, level path begins downtown on Jefferson Street, just past the eastern end of the Blackwater Creek Bikeway and the Point of Honor Trail, and moves eastward along the waterfront (passing Amazement Square and Riverfront Park), and...

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Smith Mountain Lake

Shimmering waters meet tall blue mountains in recreational paradise stretching over 200,000 acres with a 500 mile shoreline. Known for outstanding fishing particularly citation size striped bass. Marinas rent boats, jet skis, pontoons. Swimming, water skiing, sailing, scuba diving, parasailing, clay shooting, hiking, golf, tennis, shopping.

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Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Located on the second largest freshwater lake in the state, the park is a water enthusiast’s paradise. In addition to a full range of water-related activities, including swimming, boat rentals, a boat ramp and a universally accessible fishing pier, families can enjoy picnicking, a visitor center, an amphitheater, special programs, camping and cabins – some with a waterfront view.

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Southern Belle Cruises

Providing private charters, lake tours, sunrise cruises, sunset cruises, karaoke cruises and other specialty cruises. Food and beverage available on every cruise. Full catering menu available, from delicious appetizers to unique desserts.

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Stonehouse Lake Park

Resting on a 41-acre watershed lake for fishing only, the park offers a boat ramp (no gas-powered boats allowed), restrooms, a picnic pavilion, grills and a play area.

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Thrashers Lake Park

This 36-acre watershed lake open for fishing only has a boat ramp (no gas-powered boats allowed), picnic and play area and restrooms.

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Virginia Dare Cruises and Marina

Lunch, Dinner, Sunday Luncheon cruises throughout the season on Smith Mountain Lake. Also specialty and theme dinner cruises. Portside grill, bar and marina.

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Waterwheel Marina

Full service marina. Boat docks and slips, gas, marine supplies. Home of many fishing tournaments.

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Visitors Guide

Lynchburg’s Visitor Guide now viewable online for FREE!

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