Hot summer days call for fun in the water. When you're planning summer day trips, be sure to plan a trip to the Ben Salem Wayside beside the Maury River in Lexington, approximately an hour from Lynchburg.
The Ben Salem Wayside, located at 1105 East Midland Trail in Lexington, is home to a small park with picnic tables, swimming, fishing, and boat access.
The Maury River, which flows into the James River near Snowden, is shallow enough for wading at the wayside, with deeper water suitable for swimming also.
This popular swimming hole is pretty crowded on the weekends, so plan to arrive early. Be sure to bring river shoes, water shoes, or old sneakers since the beach and river are filled with rocks.
Pack a picnic lunch and drinks, sunscreen, floats or life jackets, and water shoes for a day of free fun in the sun. Fishing poles and beach chairs are optional.
To get there from Lynchburg, take US-29 North to Madison Heights. Turn left onto VA-130 West (Elon Road). Follow Route 130 for approximately 26 miles, then continue straight onto US-501 North. Follow US-501 North through Buena Vista, then turn left onto US-60 West. You'll arrive at Ben Salem Wayside in approximately one mile on the right.
After a day in the sun, head into Lexington for ice cream at Sweet Things Ice Cream Shoppe, located at 106 W Washington Street. Sweet Things is open daily from noon to 8 PM, with extended hours to 9 PM on Fridays and Saturdays.
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You'll find plenty of family-friendly events to last you all summer in the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid calendar of events on our website. Subscribe to receive a FREE weekly listing of events and activities, as well as articles and guides about local family fun. If anyone tells you that there's nothing to do in Lynchburg, don't believe them!
Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® all summer long!
