We are lucky to have so many great water holes in the Lynchburg area where kids can splash and play -- and you can feel good about social distancing.
Here are five of my family's favorite places to cool down in the water near Lynchburg. Don't see your family's favorite Lynchburg area water hole here? Drop me a note at sandyw@macaronikid and I'll add it to our list!
Put on a swimsuit, bring shoes good for creek or river lake wading, and don't forget snacks and sunscreen before heading out to any of these Lynchburg area spots! And remember, always watch your kids in water — no matter how shallow it is!
Find information about area pools, swimming lakes, and water holes here: Summertime Water Fun 2023: Lynchburg Area Pools, Lakes and Water Holes
James River at Percival's Island
Wade in the shallow waters of the James River under the pedestrian bridge at Percival's Island, located at 1600 Concord Turnpike in Lynchburg. After crossing the bridge onto the island, take the stairs on your left leading toward the James River, then turn left at the bottom of the stairs. You'll see a sandy beach area below the bridge just perfect for wading or skipping stones with your little ones.
Find Your Family Fun® close to home at Percival's! Summer Staycation: 10 Things to Do at Percival's Island
Otter Creek Dam on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Hop across the stones at Otter Creek Dam, located at MP 63.1 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enter the Parkway off Route 501 near Big Island. Go north on the Parkway and pass the James River Visitor Center at MP 63.6. Continue north and you'll see the Otter Lake parking area at MP 63.1 on the right hand side of the road. Park in the lot and head down the stairs. Even the little ones will enjoy crossing the stepping stones across the creek. Caution -- avoid this trail when the water level is high.
Check out info about all of the Otter Creek overlooks here: Summer Day Tripping: Otter Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Maury River at Ben Salem Wayside
Park at the Ben Salem Wayside on Route 60 between Buena Vista and Lexington (1105 East Midland Trail, Buena Vista) and take a dip in the Maury River. This popular swimming hole is pretty crowded on the weekends and has picnic tables too. Be sure to bring river shoes, water shoes, or old sneakers since the beach and river are filled with rocks. The Maury River flows into the James River near Snowden.
Read more about this fun spot here: Summer Day Tripping: Maury River Fun at Ben Salem Wayside in Lexington
Lower Otter Creek Overlook on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Enjoy a picnic or wade in the creek at the Lower Otter Creek Overlook, located at MP 62.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enter the Parkway off Route 501 near Big Island. Go north on the Parkway and pass the James River Visitor Center at MP 63.6. Continue north past the Otter Lake parking area at MP 63.1 and you'll see the Lower Otter Creek Overlook on the right hand side of the road. Walk across the wooden bridge or just walk down to the creek.
Check out info about all of the Otter Creek overlooks here: Summer Day Tripping: Otter Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Rockfish River at the Rockfish River Trail in Nelson County
The Rockfish Valley Trail System in Nelson County includes: Rockfish River Trail, Kids in Parks TRACK Trail, Reids Creek/ Glenthorne Trail, Spruce Creek Park and the Spruce Creek Trail Loop. Rockfish River Trail, which begins at the trailhead, is located two miles north of Devil's Backbone Brewery on Route 151 in Nelson County. Look for the large boulders marking the parking area and trailhead.
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.
Read more about The Rockfish River Trail System here: Summer Day Tripping: Rockfish Valley Trails and Spruce Creek Park
You'll find 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!
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® this summer in Lynchburg, Central Virginia, and in the comfort of your own home!
