Whether your kids are toddlers, school age or teens, family road trips offer time to bond and step away from your usual daily routine. Most Lynchburg area families have visited the Peaks of Otter at MP 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Less well known and much better for wading, Otter Creek runs from the Blue Ridge Mountains to the James River. There are numerous access points along the Blue Ridge Parkway between the James River Visitor Center at MP 63.6 and Upper Otter Creek Overlook at MP 57.6. Several of the overlooks have bridges, picnic tables, or hiking trails to enjoy too.
Caution -- The section of the Parkway between James River Visitor Center and Upper Otter Creek Overlook is the lowest elevation along the Parkway. Be caution on the trails after heavy rain when the water level is high.
Enter the Parkway from the two closest points:
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.
Off Route 501 near Big Island. Go north on the Parkway and stop at any of these overlooks.
Download a map of the Otter Creek and James River Trails here
Upper Otter Creek Overlook at MP 57.6 - Take the bridge across the creek, have a picnic, or wade in the creek.
Otter Creek Flats Overlook at MP 58.2 - Go wading in this shallow banked area of Otter Creek and enjoy the day.
Otter Creek Overlook at MP 59.7 - You'll find the beauty of nature and the sounds of the running creek at all of these overlooks.
The Riffles Overlook at MP 60.4 - This quiet overlook is a great place to enjoy nature and wade in the creek.
Otter Creek Campground at MP 61.0 - Otter Creek runs through the campground, with some of the camp sites located just above the creek. Otter Creek Trail (3.5 miles) takes you from Otter Creek campground to the James River Visitor Center.
View Terrapin Hill Overlook at MP 61.4 - The trails from this overlook will lead you to Otter Lake, a favorite fishing location for many families.
Lower Otter Creek Overlook at MP 62.5 - The wooden bridge leads you across Otter Creek. Enjoy a picnic lunch, wade in the creek, or take a hike into the woods.
Otter Lake Overlook at MP 63.1 - Walk down the steps at the dam and turn right to get to the stepping stones - shown in the photo - to cross Otter Creek. Follow Otter Lake Loop Trail (0.9 miles) to the left to hike around the lake, passing a little cave along the way. Turn right instead after you cross the creek to pick up Otter Creek Trail, which leads you to the James River Visitor Center.
James River Visitor Center at MP 63.6 - From the visitor center, take the steps down to the picnic area and turn left onto the trail into the woods.
Looking for more local hikes? Check these out!
Lynchburg VA Area Spring Hikes
Hiking Off the Blue Ridge Parkway
Take a Family Hike to Johnson Farm on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Take a Hike at the Peaks of Otter
Hiking Indian Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Summer Day Tripping: Hiking Crabtree Falls
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Check the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid website anytime to Find Your Family Fun® this summer in Lynchburg and Central Virginia!
