Explore the top 10 best hikes near Lynchburg, VA. With breathtaking mountains and scenic trails, Lynchburg offers amazing outdoor adventures for all levels of hikers. Discover these beautiful trails and enjoy the stunning views they provide.
1. Sharp Top Trail
A strenuous 1.5-mile hike to the summit of Sharp Top rewards hikers with spectacular 360-degree views of the Peaks of Otter area. These trails offer something for everyone, from easy walks to challenging hikes with unforgettable vistas.
Location: Milepost 85.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Phone: (540) 586-4357
2. Devil’s Marbleyard
This 3-mile hike to Devil’s Marbleyard features a vast rock field with boulders ranging from coffee table size to large vans. Climbing the boulders reveals impressive views, but the boulder field itself is the main attraction.
Location: Devils Marbleyard, Natural Bridge, VA
GPS Coordinates: 37.5812469 -79.4717023
3. Crabtree Falls
Located in Nelson County, Crabtree Falls is 50 miles from Lynchburg. The first overlook is accessible via a gentle, paved trail, while a 3-mile trail leads to additional overlooks offering spectacular views of the falls and Tye River Valley.
Address: 10636 Crabtree Falls Hwy, Tyro, VA
Phone: (888) 265-0019
4. Flat Top Trail
This strenuous 4.4-mile hike to Flat Top peak is especially beautiful in the spring when mountain laurel blooms. Flat Top is the tallest of the Peaks of Otter, reaching 4,001 feet.
Location: Milepost 83.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Phone: (540) 586-4357
5. McAfee Knob
One of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail, McAfee Knob offers a 270-degree panoramic view. This 8.8-mile round trip hike is moderately difficult with a steep climb.
Address: Catawba Valley Dr, Catawba, VA
6. Blackwater Creek Trail
A popular 3-mile paved trail in Lynchburg, the Blackwater Creek Trail follows an old railway bed along the creek, perfect for jogging, walking, or biking.
Trail Entrances:
- Ed Page – 1720 Langhorne Road
- East Randolph Place – 340 East Randolph Place
- Downtown Lynchburg – Jefferson St. and 8th St.
Address: 515 Monticello Avenue, Lynchburg, VA
Phone: (434) 455-5858
7. Cascade Falls
A family-friendly 4-mile hike located two hours from Lynchburg, Cascade Falls ends at a beautiful waterfall with a deep pool perfect for swimming.
Address: 2068 Cascade Dr, Pembroke, VA
Phone: (540) 552-4641
8. Appalachian Trail
Virginia hosts 544 miles of the Appalachian Trail, with 101 miles running through Shenandoah National Park and along the Blue Ridge Parkway, providing diverse hiking experiences.
Address: 359 Fish Hatchery Lane, Montebello, VA
Phone: (434) 263-7015
9. Humpback Rocks
Humpback Rocks is a short but strenuous hike off the Blue Ridge Parkway features a 700-foot climb to spectacular views of the Rockfish and Shenandoah Valleys. The trail extends to the summit of Humpback Mountain.
Location: Milepost 5.8 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Phone: (828) 298-0398
10. Spy Rock Trail
A 3.2-mile out-and-back trail near Montebello, Spy Rock Trail is dog-friendly and offers year-round hiking with great picnic spots and stunning views at the summit.
Address: 359 Fish Hatchery Lane, Montebello, VA
Phone: (540) 377-2418
Additional Recommendations:
- Camping: Check out our Top 15 Places to Camp Near Lynchburg, VA for great camping spots.
- More Activities: Visit our Things to Do in Lynchburg, VA pages for more hiking trails and fun activities.