Summertime is a perfect time to enjoy wading in the water. Pack a picnic lunch for this fun day trip to the Rockfish Valley Trails and Spruce Creek Park, located about an hour from Lynchburg in Nelson County.
The Rockfish Valley Trails are located on and near Route 151 just north of Devil's Backbone Brewery. Currently, the trails are for hiking and walking only with no bikes or horses permitted.
The Rockfish Valley Trail System includes:
Rockfish River Trail, which begins at the trailhead, located two miles north of Devil's Backbone Brewery on Route 151 in Nelson County. The address listed online is 662-698 Rockfish Valley Highway. Look for the large boulders marking the parking area and trailhead.
Kids in Parks TRACK Trail, with kiosk adjacent to the Camille Memorial Trailhead, about 2 miles south of Nellysford, on the left just before crossing the Rockfish River on Route 151 (if coming from Lynchburg). Look for the large boulders marking the parking area and trailhead (same trailhead as Rockfish River Trail).
Spruce Creek Park and the Spruce Creek Trail Loop through the park, with trailheads located at 800 Rockfish Valley Highway and on Glenthorne Loop (Rt. 627).
Reids Creek/ Glenthorne Trail, starting and returning to Spruce Creek Park on Glenthorne Loop (Rt 627). This parking area is a mile or two north of the Rockfish River Trailhead.
Sorry for the lack of addresses on some of these trails, but I'm working with what's available on the Rockfish Valley Trail System's website. As noted above, watch for the large boulders marking the parking area for the Rockfish River Trail and Kids in Parks TRACK Trail.
For Spruce Creek Park and the Reids Creek/ Glenthorne Trail, watch for signs for Route 627, then follow signs to the parking areas.
Download the Rockfish Valley Trail System map here
What's to love about these trails? Water and lots of it, perfect for summertime free family fun!
The Rockfish River Trail runs beside the South Fork of the Rockfish River and there are multiple places to walk down to the river. The river is shallow enough for wading and exploring and there are picnic tables and benches to sit and watch the river.
The Kids in Parks TRACK Trail begins in the same parking lot as the Rockfish River Trail, but goes the opposite direction. The trail is a flat, 1 mile loop that follows the South Fork of the Rockfish River and Reids Creek. The trail features various natural habitats and offers excellent opportunities for viewing wildlife.
At Spruce Creek Park, there's a place where kids can enjoy playing in the creek. There's also a nature playground including a mud kitchen play area, sand play area, balance beam, a wooden teeter-totter, and various climbing and play structures.
The Reids Creek/ Glenthorne Trail offers many opportunities to enjoy nature and explore the woods and the creek, including a bog trail and picnic area.
Of all of these trails, the Rockfish River Trail is my favorite. Lots of families enjoy this trail and kids and their parents often wade in the river on hot days. The river depth varies from inches to a couple of feet deep in most places along the trail. I watched one family riding floats on a shallow section of the trail. The benches and picnic tables offer nice places to enjoy lunch or just watch the river.
Spruce Creek Park is a perfect outdoor play area for nature loving families. Kids can wade in the creek and explore or play on the various structures. The mud kitchen and sand play areas offer more opportunities for messy summertime fun!
So pack a picnic lunch and enjoy a day trip to scenic Nelson County to enjoy the Rockfish Valley Trail System and Spruce Creek Park!
In addition to the Sprayground at Riverside Park and the Splash Park in Altavista, many parents are looking for free water play in other places. Here are some of our other favorite water holes and swimming lakes:
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
Check for information about the best of summer family activities in Lynchburg VA Area Best of Summer 2023, coming soon to 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!
When the summer days are hot, there's nothing better than hitting the water to cool down. Let Lynchburg Macaroni Kid help you Find Your Family Fun® in Lynchburg and Central Virginia this summer!
