Summer is full of fun and adventures, especially here in Lynchburg! There are many things to do, from family outings to visiting friends in town. Lynchburg’s outdoor adventures include wildlife, exploration, and scenic city views. It is home to five urban trails. And, discover more about Lynchburg, from history to art exhibits at local and historic museums and exhibits.

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Outdoor Adventures

Hit the Trails

Lynchburg has a diverse network of trails and parks that welcome outdoor activities like biking, hiking, walking, and fishing.

• Bikes Unlimited Rent, buy, or repair bicycles. This shop is a hub for bicycle enthusiasts and is located on Jefferson Street at Downtown River Front.
• Riverside Runners get high-quality footwear for running or walking and advice on training and fitness. It is on Rivermont Avenue next to Magnolia Foods.

Visit the James

Get out on the river with opportunities to go tubing or canoeing down the James River. Join a tour with James River Adventures and enjoy exploring the beauty of Lynchburg’s riverfront. Fish for smallmouth bass and other fish species at Hollins Mill, Percival’s Island, or Clemmons Lake at Ivy Creek Park. Lynchburg has four shops to help restock any tackle box for your next fishing trip. Taletellers Fly Shop and Angler’s lane are stores that focus only on fishing.

• James River Adventures is located in Amherst across from Lynchburg’s downtown in Madison Heights. Book a tour online to experience the James River today!
• Taletellers Fly Shop specializes in fly fishing equipment on Main Street.
• Angler’s Lane is located in Forrest at Graves Mill Shopping Center. They have various fly-fishing equipment and guided trips to the James River.

Disc Golf

Lynchburg also has 10-disc golf courses within and in the surrounding area. Visit Peaks View Park and play the 1998-disc golf championship course with 18 holes with beginner and advanced courses at this park. Try our Sandusky Park, with 18 holes that are great for new and adept players. This August, Lynchburg will hold the 2024 PDGA Professional Disc Golf World Championships.

• Peaks View Park Lynchburg’s second largest park, has three main entrances: 1175 Ardmore Drive, 1400 Tenbury Drive, and 298 Ivy Creek Lane. This park has nine amenities, including tennis courts, a Playground, and access to the ADA-compliant Ivy Creek Greenway.
• Sandusky Park is a 21-acre park and historically Lynchburg’s wildflower park. It has athletic fields, a picnic area, a paved pathway, and an 18-hole disc golf course. The park is located at 5805 Rhonda Road, Lynchburg, VA 24502.

 

Historic Discoveries

Visit a Museum

Fourteen Museums are located here in the City of Lynchburg, showcasing either history or culture.

• Lynchburg Museum archives, preserves, and shares the city’s local history. Visit the Lynchburg Museum located downtown on Court Street.
• Anne Spencer House was home to civil rights advocate and accomplished poet of the Harlem Renaissance. Explore her history and beautiful garden located on Pierce Street.
• The Old City Cemetery with its 425 roses and 27-acre public garden, is home to five small museums that cover 19th—and 20th-century mourning practices, medical history during the Civil War, and a turn-of-the-century hearse. It also has the second-oldest funeral home in the United States. Visit the cemetery located on Taylor Street.

Get Inspired with Local Art

Lynchburg’s industrial and urban environment has an diverse street art scattered throughout downtown. To see more art downtown, visit the two art museums, Patricia Harrington Gallery and Riverview Artspace, which are within walking distance of each other.

• Patricia Harrington Gallery visit this gallery on Main Street. It is open to the public from 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturday.
• Riverview Artspace  this modern gallery, is at 901 Jefferson Street, suite 113, and is open Wednesday through Sunday from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Unique Experiences

There is always something happening in Lynchburg, from classes to captivating shows and special events like the Virginia 10 Miler. Enjoy exclusive performances from the Academy Center of the Arts or Wolfbane Production. Take the kids and escape the heat by visiting Splash Pads or Amazement Square. See a play. The Academy Center of the Arts and Wolfbane Production aims to provide all patrons with excellent entertainment.

• Amazement Square is a children’s museum on Ninth Street in downtown Lynchburg. Its interactive exhibits inspire children to be lifelong learners.
• Splash Pads, cool off at Riverside Park or Riverfront park 
• Academy Center of the Arts is located in a restored 19th-century theatre on Main Street. It holds classes and productions.
• Downtown Lynchburg Association has planned other events like Downtown Movie Night to watch a movie at Riverfront Park all summer long.

No matter the season, First Fridays occurs monthly, highlighting the city’s culture. Events include local artists, performances, exhibits, and more. The First Friday event is organized and supported by Downtown Lynchburg Association. For more events, please see our event page.