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.
For more summer fun:
Check out 25 Cheap Ways to Enjoy Summer 2023 to Find Your Family Fun® this summer without breaking the bank!
These day trip and road trip ideas will help you plan a fun day away from home!
Summertime Water Fun 2023: Lynchburg Area Pools, Lakes and Water Holes
Summer Day Tripping: Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Summer Day Tripping: Maury River Fun at Ben Salem Wayside in Lexington
Summer Day Tripping: Crabtree Falls
Summer Day Tripping: Otter Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Summer Day Tripping: Rockfish Valley Trails and Spruce Creek Park
Summer Day Tripping: Escape to Splash Valley
Summer Day Tripping: Douthat State Park
Summer Day Tripping: English Park in Altavista
Summer Day Tripping: Wayside Park in Hurt
Summer Day Tripping: Mill Creek Lake in Amherst County
Visit the Blue Ridge Parkway with Your Family
The Great American Road Trip: Keep Things Fun with Car Games
You'll find information about many summer family activities and events on our website.
You'll find in person and virtual 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!
