Top 10 best Hikes Near Lynchburg, VA
Rey Gonzalez
Check out this list of the top 10 best hikes near Lynchburg, VA. Lynchburg is filled with glorious, breathtaking mountains, and hiking them provides amazing views! The time is perfect for getting outdoors and exploring all the beauty that these beautiful trails have to offer.
1. Sharp Top Trail
A strenuous 1.5-mile hike to the summit of Sharp Top rewards hikers with a spectacular 360-degree view of the Peaks of Otter area. The Peaks of Otter hiking trails are some of the best in all of Virginia. They have something for everyone with both easy and more strenuous hikes that have a view you don't want to miss.
Milepost 85.9 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
(540)-586-4357
2. Devil's Marbleyard
The Devil's Marbleyard is a 3 mile hike that includes a huge rock field with boulders ranging from the size of coffee tables to those of large vans. Climbing onto the boulders opens up some good views of the area, but it is the boulder field itself that is the star of the show.
Devils Marbleyard, Natural Bridge, VA 24579
GPS Coordinates: 37.5812469 -79.4717023
3. Crabtree Falls
Crabtree Falls is a popular attraction located in Nelson County just six miles off the scenic Blue Ridge Parkway. It is roughly 50 miles, or an hour drive, from Lynchburg, VA. The first overlook of the Falls is a gentle, paved trail suitable for hikers of all ages. The more adventuresome hiker may continue along the 3-mile trail to four other overlooks that offer spectacular views of the Crabtree Creek Falls and lovely vistas of the Tye River Valley.
10636 Crabtree Falls Hwy, Tyro, VA 22976
(888) 265-0019
4. Flat Top Trail
This trail is a strenuous 4.4-mile hike to the summit of Flat Top peak. In the spring, the thickets of mountain laurel make this an especially beautiful hike. Flat Top Mountain is one of three mountains making up the Peaks of Otter in Jefferson National Forest. It is the tallest of the three, topping out at 4,001 feet.
Milepost 83.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
(540)-586-4357
5. Mcafee Knob
Mcafee Knob is one of the most photographed spots on the Appalachian Trail and is a bucket list hike for any adventurer. It has been rated one of the most spectacular hikes in the US! With its 270 degree panoramic view from the top, hikers can see breathtaking views of the vast valley below. This is a moderately difficult hike with a steep climb. A roundtrip hike to the top and back is 8.8 miles.
Catawba Valley Dr, Catawba, VA 24070
6. Blackwater Creek Trail
The Blackwater Creek Trail is one of the most popular trails in Lynchburg. Following along the winding Blackwater Creek and built along an abandoned railway bed, this 3-mile paved trail is 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.
515 Monticello Avenue Lynchburg, VA 24501
(434)-455-5858
7. Cascade Falls
Cascade Falls is a great family hike located just 2 hours from Lynchburg, VA. At the end of the hike there is a beautiful waterfall that flows down to a deep pool. Hikers can stand right under the falls and jump into the deep refreshing pool below. You may want to bring your bathing suit along with some water shoes as the rocks near the falls can be slippery. This is a great hike for all ages with a total distance of 4 miles.
2068 Cascade Dr, Pembroke, VA 24136
(540) 552-4641
8. Appalachian Trail
Virginia is home to 544 miles of the Appalachian Trial—more miles than any other state! And 101 of those miles lie in the beautiful Shenandoah National Park and run parallel to Skyline Drive. The A.T. also parallels the famous Blue Ridge Parkway, goes through Mount Rogers National Recreation Area in George Washington & Jefferson National Forests, and ends in Damascus.
359 Fish Hatchery Lane Montebello, VA 24464
(434)-263-7015
9. Humpback Rocks
Humpback Rocks is a short but strenuous hike located off of the Blue Ridge Parkway. This hike starts with a 700-foot climb which rewards hikers with spectacular views of the Rockfish and Shenandoah Valley. Hikers that continue straight at the fork for one mile can reach the summit of Humpback Mountain to view ridges to the north. Beyond the summit, the trail winds a half-mile along the top of a cliff to a trail leading to the Humpback Rocks picnic area.
Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 5.8 Waynesboro, VA 22980
(828) 298-0398
10. Spy Rock Trail
Spy Rock Trail is a 3.2 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Montebello, Virginia. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. This trail is dog-friendly. The views are well worth the steep climb and fun trek through the forest. There is even a great spot to have a picnic lunch up top.
359 Fish Hatchery Lane Montebello, VA 24464
540-377-2418
If you're looking for a fun thing to do this weekend in Lynchburg, we are surrounded by some of the best hiking in Virginia. Make sure you take advantage of all of Lynchburg's beautiful nature. Have a favorite hike near Lynchburg not included on this list? Let us know!
Want to camp out during your hike? Here's our Top 15 Places to Camp Near Lynchburg, VA for a list of great spots! Check out our Things to Do in Lynchburg, VA pages for more hikes and fun things to do in and near Lynchburg.
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