Whether your kids are toddlers, school age or teens, family road trips offer time to bond and enjoy stepping out of your usual daily routine. Many local families travel the Blue Ridge Parkway to get to the Peaks of Otter.
Whether you take an easy stroll on the Lake Trail, enjoy a picnic lunch at the picnic area, or hike Sharp Top or Flat Top Mountain, or enjoy a family-friendly hike along the Johnson Farm Trail, there's plenty for families to enjoy at the Peaks of Otter. Visit the Ranger Station when you arrive and your child can participate in the Junior Ranger program. There's a handout to complete as you make your way around the Peaks of Otter.
Although the Peaks of Otter is a great family destination during any season, it's especially beautiful during spring, summer, and fall. Peaks of Otter Lodge is open to visitors from May through October every year and some winter weekends.
The Blue Ridge Parkway isn't just a destination; it's a journey. The Parkway offers many scenic overlooks. Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at overlooks along the way! Many overlooks have picnic tables, water features, or scenic views to enjoy.
The Blue Ridge Parkway also has many hiking trails waiting for you to explore. The 469-mile Parkway begins near Waynesboro, Va., connecting Shenandoah National Park to the north with Great Smoky Mountains National Park to the south. Our Hiking Off the Blue Ridge Parkway Guide is filled with great family hikes. Here are a few places to visit soon.
Fallingwater Cascades National Scenic Trail at MP 83.4 includes a 1.5 moderate loop trail around the waterfall. The Flat Top section is more strenuous, 2.5 miles to summit and 4.4 mi. to Peaks Picnic Area on VA 43. Kids of all ages will love the waterfall and it's pretty easy to get there. For younger kids, just hike from the parking area to the waterfall and back. Older kids will enjoy the more challenging uphill climb from the bottom of the falls. As with all waterfalls, please use caution and don't climb on the rocks.
Thunder Ridge Parking Area is located at MP 74.7. Take an easy ten-minute hike on the loop trail to superb view of Arnold’s Valley, with an altitude of 3,485 feet or just walk up the steps from the parking lot, turn the corner, and you'll be at the overlook. On the longer hike, you'll be hiking on the 2190 plus mile Appalachian National Scenic Trail -- also known as the Appalachian Trail or the AT -- for a short distance, so be sure to look for the 'white blazes' marking the trail on the trees and rocks.
Indian Gap is the perfect hike for families with young children. Pack a few snacks and toys for the road trip, a picnic lunch and your sense of adventure and hit the road. Access the Parkway from Route 501 North near Big Island and head north. Pick up a Blue Ridge Parkway map and guide book to keep in your car or pull up an online map and store on your phone. You'll pass Otter Creek and multiple scenic overlooks along the way to Indian Gap, which is located at MP 47.5.
An easy 10-minute hike on a trail through the woods brings you to the Indian Rocks. Some of the giant boulders are the size of small houses. Kids of all ages will love the rock formations and it's a great site for family photos. Enjoy a picnic lunch at the table, then head south to come home or continue north and stop at some of the other scenic overlooks along the way to the northern end of the Parkway.
Otter Creek is another family favorite. The easiest way to find Otter Creek is to enter the Parkway off Route 501 near Big Island. Go north on the Parkway and go past the James River Visitor Center at MP 63.6. Continue north and you'll see the Otter Lake parking area at MP 63.1 on the right hand side of the road. Park in the lot and head down the stairs.
Alternately, you can reach Otter Creek from the Parkway off Route 130, approximately 10 miles past Elon. Go north (takes you to Otter Creek Campground and points north) or south (takes you to Lower Otter Creek Overlook and points south) on the Parkway.
There's a waterfall and a 0.8 mile hiking trail around Otter Lake. Even the little ones will enjoy crossing the stepping stones - shown in the photo - across the creek. Hike up the hill and there's a little cave just the right size for a selfie with the little ones. Continue around the lake if you're adventurous, but be aware that it's easy to end up stepping into the lake as you try to cross in some spots. This is a fun trail for families and a great way to introduce your kids to hiking Central Virginia style.
Here's our favorite Otter Creek destinations: Spring and Summer Day Tripping: Otter Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Some additional favorites include: the James River Visitor Center at MP 63.7 (which includes a self-guiding nature trail, a historic canal lock, and a ranger station with Junior Ranger activities), Yankee Horse at MP 34.4 (which has a small waterfall and old railroad exhibit), Ravens Roost at MP 10.7 (overlook with fantastic views from the parking area), Humpback Rocks at MP 6 (a strenuous 2 mile hike takes you to an outcropping of rocks with great views) and Mountain Farm Trail at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center at MP 5.9 (an easy self-guided stroll through a model of an old homestead).
Make the Blue Ridge Parkway your family go-to destination as the warmer days of spring and summer arrive. It's a scenic and inexpensive way to introduce your kids to the joys of nature as you enjoy short family hikes along the way.
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