Percival's Island features one of Lynchburg's rails to trails hiking and biking trails. The paved trail is flat, so it's perfect for families. Percival's is one of the places to Find Your Family Fun® in the Lynchburg area with Lynchburg Macaroni Kid in any season.
Percival's Island Natural Area is familiar to many local families. The parking area is located at 1600 Concord Turnpike, near the intersection with Washington Street. The trailhead for RiverWalk Trail, part of the James River Heritage Trail, is located beside the parking area. Formerly a railroad bed, a paved hiking and biking trail travels the length of the island.
You can walk or bike the trail from the LOVEworks sculpture to the Amherst County side of the island. Allow a couple of hours to really enjoy Percival's Island, a unique Lynchburg treasure.
1. Take an iconic photo at the LOVEworks sculpture. You can't miss the sculpture as you walk toward the trail. The sculpture's design incorporates items that make this portion of the James River Heritage Trail unique including: footprints, bicycle wheels, boat oars, and skate/ skateboard wheels.
2. Ride bikes or scooters, jog or walk. The flat, paved trail is perfect for riding bikes or scooters. Whether your kids are toddlers or teens, give it a try. RiverWalk Trail is very popular with local runners, but you'll also find people walking dogs, pushing strollers, or walking alone or in groups.
3. Check out the bridge and overlook. The views from the bridge to Percival's Island and the overlook are beautiful. The overlook is also a wonderful place for family photos.
4. Hug a tree. As you cross the bridge onto the island, there's a tree beside a bench with a Lynchburg Parks and Recreation Department containing the words "Please Do Hug the Trees," so go ahead and hug!
5. Wade in the James River. Take the steps beside the tree down to the island and turn left. There's an area under the bridge that's perfect for wading in the James. Fishing is also permitted in accordance with State of Virginia fishing regulations; however, no swimming is allowed.
6. Walk to the tip of Percival's Island. Continue along the wooded trail and you'll soon come to the western tip of Percival's Island. The views from the end of the island are awesome.
7. Take a hike in the woods. After you return to the paved trail, watch for a hiking trail sign on your right. There are multiple wooded trails on the island, but the marked trail is well-maintained and easy enough for younger kids to hike.
8. Find the swing. There are several footpaths leading from the wooded trail to the banks of the James River. On one of those paths, you'll find a swing hanging from a tree branch. It's the perfect place to spend a little time enjoying the views.
9. Travel across the bridge to Amherst County. Walk or cycle 1.3 miles from the parking area to the Amherst County bridge. After crossing the bridge, the paved trail continues for almost another mile, before ending at the Fertilizer Road parking area. Signs remind you to remain on the paved trail while on the Amherst County side, as all of the surrounding land is private property.
10. Watch for wildlife. You'll hear birds calling to one another from trees and you may see a squirrel or two. If you're really quiet, you may even see a deer or two along the trail or in the woods, especially early in the morning or near dusk.
As you retrace your steps to return to the parking area, you may see the sun peeking through trees. Stop at the observation platform and you'll see the Langley Fountain shooting a column of James River water 190 feet up in the air, the highest fountain of its kind east of the Mississippi. Dedicated in 2004, Langley Fountain marks the exact spot where John Lynch, the founder of Lynchburg, crossed the James River by ferry. Cross the bridge as the sun sets for beautiful views of the city and the Blue Ridge Mountains in the background.
As you return to the parking area, watch for trains running along the railroad tracks. You're close enough to feel the wind as they pass by, but the fence protects little ones from crossing paths with a train.
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