Outdoor and recreational activities:

Point of Honor (on Cabell Street)

Point of Honor was built around 1815 by Dr. George Cabell, Sr., an eminent physician whose most famous patient was Patrick Henry. Point of Honor was the home of important Lynchburg area families, including the Daniels, Paynes, and Owens. Although not documented, it is possible that at some time Point of Honor may have been used as a dueling ground. However, since dueling was prohibited, it is speculated it occurred on the property in Campbell County to escape the Lynchburg magistrate. The mission of Point of Honor, Dr. George Cabell’s plantation home, is to engage and educate a diverse audience by collecting, preserving, and interpreting Lynchburg’s history during the Era of Good Feeling, 1815 -1830.

James River Heritage Trail

Eight miles of paved trail with an additional 20 miles of natural surface, featuring abandoned rail tunnels and views of the historic Lynchburg Riverfront. Great for hiking, biking, or jogging. For Bike Rentals contact Bikes Unlimited in downtown Lynchburg at 1312 Jefferson Street. Phone 434.385.4157 or www.bikesunlimited.com.

Blackwater Creek Trail System

Located within the center of the city and officially dedicated on May 17, 1979, the Blackwater Creek Natural Area and its trails were recognized by the federal government to be of such significance that they were proclaimed a part of the National Recreational Trail System in 1981. Hiking, biking, or jogging along the trails you may encounter deer, fox, raccoons, beavers, hawks, owls, blue herons, and wild turkeys. The path is approximately 5.7 miles and can be accessed at the foot of Cabell Street just across the pedestrian bridge. The main paved bike route follows an old railroad bed on a level grade. The terrain is certainly not flat as you wander past numerous places where buildings and the railroad had to cut through the hillside or fill in small ravines to lay down track on a suitable railroad grade. The Blackwater Creek Bikeway connects to the River Walk, which extends across Percivals Island and on into Amherst County. For Bike Rentals contact Bikes Unlimited in downtown Lynchburg at 1312 Jefferson Street. Phone 434.385.4157.

James River Adventures 

Is in Amherst County across from historic downtown Lynchburg where you can enjoy cruising the city's riverfront and within minutes be in a beautiful, natural river setting teaming with fish, birds and other wildlife. This section of the river provides a spectacular view as the river winds through riffles, pools, and rock ledges. Join one of our historic journeys and get ready for fun on the James! 122 Rocky Hill Road Madison Heights, VA, 24572 (434)-944-2137.

Crabtree Falls

Iis The Old Dominion's best kept secret. Located midway between Charlottesville and Lynchburg, just six miles off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway, Crabtree Falls is the largest vertical drop waterfall east of the Mississippi River.

Hikers, backpackers, and campers enjoy miles of nature trails in the falls area. The trails lead  to the Appalachian Trail. The trail is a rigorous five-mile loop which offers stunning views of the five cascades of Crabtree Falls. The vertical drop totals over 1,500 feet!

Located in the George Washington National Forest, Crabtree Falls Nature Center and parking area is located on state route 56, just 19 miles west of U. S. Highway 29 in Nelson County, Virginia or 6 miles east of the intersection of state route 56 and the Blue Ridge Parkway. There is a fee to park your car.

Walking tour of Historic Districts

This self-guided tour will encompass the Historic Districts of Lynchburg to include Daniels Hill (home of the Carriage House Inn), Federal Hill, Garland Hill, Diamond Hill, and Courthouse Hill. Rivermont is another of our historic districts but that is easier to see by car.

These neighborhoods were founded in the late 1800's and have a wide variety of architecture to appreciate. Many of the homes in these districts are undergoing restoration. Because all the districts are in neighborhoods registered with the Department of the Interior as Historical Districts, owners are required to follow strict guidelines in the restoration of these homes so that future generations can enjoy them as they were originally built.

If you enjoy viewing this type of architecture you will want to return to Lynchburg to participate in the Tour of Historic Homes each September where you will be able to get inside several homes. Likewise, there is a walking Ghost Tour Halloween weekend each year with some interesting stories and finally at Christmas there is typically a tour of the interior of several homes. Make sure you pick up your pamphlet of historic homes (which describes only about a third of the historic homes in these neighborhoods) before you start your tour.

Walking tour of The Old City Cemetery

From June-August there is a guided tour of the Old City Cemetery.  Meet right inside the gate and you will be given a guided tour of the cemetery and learn lots of interesting facts. There is no fee for this tour! In October there is another tour which typically costs about $10.00 per person that also goes over the history of the Cemetery as well as the trees and birds in the cemetery. Also, in October there is the candlelight tour of the cemetery which requires advance tickets, and this tour sells out quickly.

Natural Bridge

It was formed when a cavern collapsed and left the span that stands today. Monacan Indian legend has it that Natural Bridge appeared just as they needed to escape from an advancing enemy. A young George Washington surveyed the Natural Bridge site for Lord Fairfax. Landmarks remain of the work and on the wall of the bridge where he carved his initials.

Just before the American Revolution and writing of the Declaration of Independence, Thomas Jefferson purchased 157 acres of land including the Natural Bridge from King George III of England for 20 shillings. It has remained privately owned. Its development as a retreat began when Jefferson built a two-room log cabin - one room was reserved for guests. In 1833, Jefferson's heirs sold the site, and the new owner erected the Forest Inn to accommodate the increasing number of people. During the 1880's Natural Bridge attained resort status under the ownership of Colonel Henry Parsons.

Community Market

The Lynchburg Community Market is the third oldest Farmers Market in the Country. The market hosts over 20 major events each year. Our shows are diverse in theme and offer something of interest to a wide variety of people. The Market is open year-round, Tuesday through Saturday, from 7am - 2pm. Breakfast and lunch are available from a variety of restaurants and other permanent shops including specialty gift and craft shops. On Saturdays we have a full Market with Farmer's to sell their produce and many vendors displaying arts and crafts for purchase. Head on down to the Lynchburg Community Market and become part of "The Best Thing Growing."

Blue Ridge

A network of hiking trails run off the Blue Ridge Parkway. Bring a picnic lunch and enjoy Mother Nature at her best. If you are not in a hurry, take the scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway and do not forget to stop at all the scenic overlooks. Bring your camera and plan to spend the day photographing the rocks, colors, streams, sunsets and sunrises, and wildlife.