More to Explore

Central Virginians take their fun and games seriously. All four seasons, indoors and out, there’s always something wonderfully challenging (or, if you prefer, spectacularly relaxing) to do. No wonder Lynchburg was featured among National Geographic’s top 21 Editor’s Picks as a standout “Adventure Town”—a list that includes Austin, Boulder, New Orleans, and Los Angeles. You can live here all your life and still be surprised by new opportunities to go out and play!

Traditional athletes and adrenaline-rush seekers alike rave about Central Virginia's climate and terrain. Between the Blue Ridge Mountains and the James River—not to mention the short drive to Smith Mountain Lake—adventures abound for residents, college students, and vacationers. Whether you're a fierce competitor or serious spectator, the Lynchburg area offers something for everyone.

HIKING AND BIKING TRAILS
Lynchburg has a host of multi-use trail systems running throughout the metro area, ranging in difficulty from a casual outing to a course that will challenge even the most accomplished athlete. Many of the city's trails pass through the Blackwater Creek Natural Area, which spans more than 300 acres of forested and mountainous terrain. Liberty University's trail system consists of over 65 miles of single and double track trails and logging roads spanning approximately 5,000 acres. Nearby destinations include the Wintergreen Resort and the breathtaking Appalachian Trail. With so much going on, you can bet the city has plenty of sporting goods outlets offering all the supplies needed for your excursions.

LOCAL & STATE PARKS
An ideal balance between flat open spaces and beautiful, mountainous terrain makes for some of the best local and state parks in Virginia. With 12 parks, 24 playgrounds, eight community centers, 26 baseball fields, numerous tennis courts, a horseshoe game area, Frisbee golf course, a "sprayground" at Riverside Park, and an Olympic-sized swimming pool at Miller Park, Lynchburg residents have no trouble finding the perfect spot for their favorite activities.

HORSEBACK RIDING
Horse lovers are in luck! The Hill City is home to many public farms and parks that allow horseback riding. In addition, local colleges such as Randolph and Sweet Briar provide stables for students and area residents.

GONE FISHING
Central Virginia offers phenomenal fishing opportunities: mountain rivers for bass, catfish, and shad; reservoirs famous for largemouth bass, striped bass, and crappie; and trout fishing in the Blue Ridge mountains. Smith Mountain Lake is frequently selected as a site for ESPN's Bassmaster Elite Series.

TEE TIME
Wherever you happen to live or vacation in Central Virginia, you're never more than a short drive away from a great public golf course.

FUN IN THE SUN
James River Float Company. Enjoy canoeing, kayaking, tubing, fishing, whitewater rafting and more! Trips are available to Balcony Falls, Maury River, Tye River, and the James River. (434) 846-8823.

Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre. This is not a misprint. Winter sport enthusiasts ski and snowboard in the summer sun at this year-round snowless facility. Snowflex, Liberty University's synthetic ski slope, is the first of its kind in the country. (434) 582-3539.

Putt-Putt Fun Center. This family-friendly fun center offers golf, go-karts, bumper boats, and an indoor arcade.
(434) 237-7888.

Rotary Centennial Riverfront Skate Park. Come shred at the new 14,000 square foot complex. The street course alone stretches 9,000 square feet and includes: multiple flat bars, a bench, pyramid, quarter pipes, concrete bank, stairs and a mini pipe. The skate park also features the only concrete bowl in the area. (434) 845-1888.

Smith Mountain Lake. Spend a day on the water. Boating, swimming, fishing, and skiing abound at this summer hotspot. Dry off by trying your hand at a challenging round of golf, hiking through the many nature trails, or browsing galleries and gift shops. (800) 676-8203.

Virginia Dare Cruise Boat. There is no better way to see Smith Mountain Lake than while taking a two-hour cruise on the Virginia Dare. Cruise April–December for lunch, dinner, Sunday luncheon, sightseeing, and Hawaiian and Murder Mystery Cruises. (540) 297-7100.

LET IT SNOW!
Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre. This synthetic ski slope, is the first of its kind in the country. Winter sport enthusiasts ski and snowboard year-round at this snowless facility. (434) 582-3539.

Wintergreen Resort. Ski, board, or tube down one of Wintergreen's 26 slopes and trails. Located a mere 40 minutes from Lynchburg, Wintergreen is a perfect weekend getaway. The 11,000 acre resort is also home to a spa, golf course, and aquatic center. (434) 325-8200.

ROOT FOR THE HOMETEAM
The 2009 Carolina League Champion Hillcats call Lynchburg home and their games are chockfull of fun family-friendly events. There are also six local colleges in the area, providing year-round football, basketball, soccer, volleyball, ice hockey, and more.

OFF TO THE RACES
Join more than 2,000 runners on a historic course that has hosted participants from around the globe. The ten-mile race, four-mile race, and Amazing Mile Children's Run offer challenges and excitement for everyone. Take part in the action or watch from the sidelines.

THE GREAT INDOORS
If braving the great outdoors does not suit your style or rainy days interfere with your plans, Lynchburg has plenty of indoor alternatives, including 3D movie theaters, bowling centers, and tennis and fitness clubs. Two increasingly popular destinations are LaHaye Ice Center
(434) 592-3953 and Rise Up Climbing (434) 845-7625.

JUST FOR KIDS
Youth sports abound in Central Virginia from baseball to soccer, football to swimming, and everything in between. Other notable youth sports include: golf, karate, tennis, dancing, gymnastics, and ice hockey. The Lynchburg area is filled with kid-friendly activities, including:

Amazement Square. Amazement Square is a multidisciplinary, hands-on children's museum with four floors of exciting, interactive exhibits, activities, and programs. (434) 845-1888.

The Nature Zone. This nature center offers an interactive experience for everyone, from toddlers to teens. The Zone has live animals (snakes, toads, flying squirrels, turtles, an iguana and an opossum) to visit, plus a large exhibit of animal skulls and bones, an insect collection, and lots of information about the natural world. (434) 455-5828.

Discover Lynchburg Day Camp. The Lynchburg Museum offers a weeklong summer day camp for children ages 9–12. Campers visit historic sites, the police department, fire station, city hall, and picnic on Percival's Island. (434) 455-4424.

Lynchburg Summer Athletics Camps. Lynchburg's Department of Parks & Recreation offers a number of activities for children, including Summer Athletics Camps. Kids ages 6–12 learn a new sport each week or just improve the skills they have. Each camp is run by some of the area's top youth coaches. The location for all sports is Jefferson Park. (434) 455-5882.

For more information on local parks and trails, see the Resource Guide.