We have so many great water holes in the Lynchburg area where you can splash and play any time!
Although summer hasn't yet arrived, some days are warm enough to get into the water and play.
Here's some of our family's favorite water holes to enjoy on those hot days:
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.
Otter Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway
**NOTE: You can only go a few miles south from the Route 130 entrance due to the bridge work at the James River Visitor Center; however, you can access all of the Otter Creek area overlooks. Bridge work is anticipated to continue into 2027.**
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 from Route 130 past Elon in Amherst County, then turn south. Watch for the overlook on the left side of the road. Walk across the wooden bridge or just walk down to the creek.
Hop across the stones at Otter Creek Dam, located at MP 63.1 on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Enter the Parkway from Route 130 past Elon in Amherst County, then turn south. Watch for the lake on the left hand side of the road.
Plan your day trip to Otter Creek 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. Plan your day trip here: Summer Day Tripping: Maury River Fun at Ben Salem Wayside in Lexington
Staunton River at English Park
The Staunton River runs beside English Park in Altavista. You can watch the river while enjoying a picnic lunch at one of the picnic tables in the park. After lunch, stroll across the parking lot and through the woods to find a great swimming hole, complete with ropes to swing from before dropping into the river. This adventure is best suited for older kids, teens, and adults as the water can be rough, especially after heavy rains.
Peaks of Otter Picnic Area
Peaks of Otter Picnic Area, located at MP 85.6 near the Peaks of Otter Lodge, is a great place to enjoy a picnic lunch and let the kids wade in Little Stoney Creek. This area can be very popular during summer weekends, so try to arrive early. The scenery is beautiful, the water is clear, and it's shallow enough for water fun for all ages. Open seasonally from late May through late October.
Sycamore Creek at Wayside Park
Wayside Park in Hurt is only about 30 minutes from Lynchburg and your kids will love it! Located at 1678 Main Street in Hurt, along Sycamore Creek, Wayside Park in Pittsylvania County features accessible playground equipment, picnic shelters, pickleball courts, walking and hiking trails, a historic swinging bridge, a LOVE sculpture, and an amazing zipline! The bathrooms are located near the playground for easy access. There are lots of places to wade in Sycamore Creek and it's shallow enough for all ages.
Rockfish River at the Rockfish River Trail and Spruce Creek
Enjoy a day trip to Rockfish Valley Trails and Spruce Creek Park in Nelson County! The Rockfish Valley Trails and Spruce Creek Park are located on and near Route 151 just north of Devil's Backbone Brewery. Read more about the fun riverside trails and creekside park here: Summer Day Tripping: Rockfish Valley Trails and Spruce Creek Park
Dunlap Creek at Humpback Bridge
Wade in Dunlap Creek after you walk across Humpback Bridge at the Humpback Bridge Wayside Park, located at 9211 Rumsey Road in Covington. Virginia's oldest covered bridge was built in 1857. Take exit 10 off I-64, then turn onto Rt. 60 East for 1/2 mile to get to Humpback Bridge Wayside Park. Be sure to bring your camera for photos at the LOVEworks sculpture. The water below the bridge is crystal clear and cool, just perfect for wading on hot days!
Holliday Lake State Park
Holliday Lake State Park, located at 2759 State Park Road in Appomattox, is about 45 minutes from Lynchburg. Although it's not exactly a water hole, it's open year-round for playing in the water, so we included it in our listing. The public beach is just the right size for families with younger kids. The "Critter Hole" play area is very popular. There's a vehicle day use fee to enter the park as well as swimming fees for all individuals. Fees are listed on the State Parks website. The park also rents canoes, kayaks, jon boats, stand-up paddleboards and paddle boats. You can read more about Holliday Lake State Park in this article: Summer Day Tripping to Holliday Lake State Park.
If you don't see your family's favorite water hole here, drop me a line at sandyw@macaronikid.com with the information and we'll add it!
Summer 2026 will be here before you know it! Plan ahead for summertime water fun here:
Summertime Water Fun 2026: Lynchburg Area Pools, Lakes and Water Holes
Sprayground and Splash Pad Fun in Lynchburg and Beyond
Summer Day Tripping: Smith Mountain Lake State Park
Summer Day Tripping: English Park in Altavista
Summer Day Tripping: Maury River Fun at Ben Salem Wayside in Lexington
Summer Day Tripping: Mill Creek Lake in Amherst County
Summer Day Tripping: Rockfish Valley Trails and Spruce Creek Park
Summer Day Tripping: Otter Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Summer Day Tripping: Wayside Park in Hurt
Summer Day Tripping: Hiking Crabtree Falls
Summer Day Tripping: Douthat State Park
Summer Day Tripping: Holliday Lake State Park
Summer Day Tripping: Escape to Splash Valley
Summer Day Tripping: Pocahontas State Park
You'll find family-friendly events to last you on hot summery days 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!
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