Whether your kids are toddlers or teens (or somewhere in between), family road trips offer time to bond and enjoy stepping out of your usual daily routine. Many Lynchburg area families travel the Blue Ridge Parkway to get to the Peaks of Otter.
Although the Peaks of Otter is a great family destination during any season, it's especially beautiful during spring, summer, and fall. Peaks of Otter Lodge is open to visitors from May through October every year and some winter weekends.
The 469 mile Blue Ridge Parkway stretches between Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park. The Parkway isn't just a destination; it's a journey. The Parkway offers many scenic overlooks. Take a drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway, stopping at overlooks along the way! Many overlooks have picnic tables, water features, or scenic views to enjoy. There are also many short hikes from overlooks.
Travel along with Lynchburg Macaroni KID through our Blue Ridge Parkway video series. We are recording a series of videos from various overlooks and features along the Blue Ridge Parkway to share with you.
Due to lack of internet access along many sections of the Parkway, most of these videos are pre-recorded with a camera, then uploaded to our Facebook page. You can find them under the reels tab on the Lynchburg Macaroni KID Facebook page.
To make it easier, we've also included links to all of the Blue Ridge Parkway videos below with the dates videos were recorded. They are listed from north to south with the mile marker number included.
BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY VIDEOS
*Note - The section of the Blue Ridge Parkway between the Route 130 entrance to the Parkway and the James River Visitor Center is currently only accessible from the Route 130 side (or further north) due to James River Visitor Center bridge construction. The Blue Ridge Parkway is closed from MP 63.5-63.9, including the James River Visitor Center)*
April 27 - Lower Otter Creek Overlook, MP 62.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
April 27 - Otter Lake Overlook, Dam, and stepping stones, MP 63.1 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
April 25 - Thunder Ridge Overlook, MP 74.7 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
April 25 - View Arnold Valley Overlook, MP 75.3 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
April 25 - Onion Mountain Overlook, MP 79.7 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
May 10 - Peaks of Otter Picnic Area, MP 85.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Feb. 28 - Abbott Lake Trail at Peaks of Otter Lodge, MP 85.7 on the Blue Ridge Parkway (85554 Blue Ridge Parkway), Bedford
May 10 - Peaks of Otter Lodge rhododendron in bloom, MP 86 on the Blue Ridge Parkway (85554 Blue Ridge Parkway), Bedford
May 14 - Mill Mountain Star Trail and Star, MP 120 off the Blue Ridge Parkway, Roanoke
Previously Visited:
April 24 - Apple Orchard Mountain Overlook, MP 76.5 on the Blue Ridge Parkway
April 24 - Sunset Field Overlook, MP 78.4 on the Blue Ridge Parkway (Apple Orchard Falls Trailhead is here)
Check the Blue Ridge Parkway closures website for updates and any weather or work-related closures.
Here's more information about some of our favorite overlooks and hikes along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks with Easy Hikes
Mountain Farm Trail at the Humpback Rocks Visitor Center at MP 5.9 offers a self-guided walk through a model pioneer farm. Kids and grown-ups can learn a lot about farm life by reading the signs.
Ravens Roost at MP 10.7 provides an overlook with fantastic views from the parking area. You may also find rock climbing and people flying kites at this overlook.
Big Spy Mountain at MP 26.3 offers long-range views from a short hike to the top of the overlook. There's a bench for relaxing at the top too. For those who are more adventurous, you can hike a 6.5 mile round trip hike to Big Spy Mountain from Crabtree Meadows.
Yankee Horse at MP 34.4 is perfect for young hikers. A short hike in the woods takes you to a logging railroad exhibit and small waterfall.
Indian Gap at MP 47.5 is a favorite stop for kids. A 10-minute hike in the woods brings you to the Indian Rocks, giant boulder formations perfect for family photos.
Upper Otter Creek Overlook at MP 57.6 features a bridge across the creek. You can also have a picnic, or wade in the creek.
Otter Creek Flats Overlook at MP 58.2 is a great place to go wading in this shallow banked area of Otter Creek and enjoy the day.
Otter Creek Overlook at MP 59.7 lets you relax amid the beauty of nature and the sounds of the running creek.
The Riffles Overlook at MP 60.4 is a quiet overlook and a great place to enjoy nature and wade in the creek.
Lower Otter Creek Overlook at MP 62.5 features a picnic table and a wooden bridge that leads you across Otter Creek. Enjoy a picnic lunch, wade in the creek, or take a hike into the woods. Video: Lower Otter Creek Overlook
Otter Lake at MP 63.1 is a small fishing lake. Walk down the stairs in the parking area and you'll find a shallow creek to hike across using stepping stones. A short hike up the trail brings you to a kid-sized cave. Retrace your steps or continue on the loop trail around the lake. Video: Otter Lake Overlook, Dam, and stepping stones
James River Visitor Center at at MP 63.6 offers both easy and moderate trails. Take the James River Trail at the James River Visitor Center for an easy walk across a long bridge over the James River to the restored James River and Kanawha Canal Lock exhibit. *Note - The James River Visitor Center, including all trails at the Visitor Center, is currently closed due to James River Visitor Center bridge construction.*
Thunder Ridge Trail at MP 74.7 rewards your short hike with excellent views of Arnold Valley from a scenic rock overlook. This is a perfect location for family photos during any season. Check out the video: Thunder Ridge Overlook
View Arnold Valley Overlook at MP 75.3 is a favorite of many kids. There's a big climbing rock named 'The Top of the World' by one of the kids in our family. The views are fantastic looking down into the valley. Video: View Arnold Valley Overlook
Apple Orchard Mountain Overlook at MP 76.5 offers beautiful views, especially at sunrise. Video: Apple Orchard Mountain Overlook
Onion Mountain Overlook offers a short hike from the parking area. The rhododendron are beautiful in late spring to early summer here. MP 79.7 Video: Onion Mountain Overlook
Abbott Lake Trail at MP 85.7 and Elk Run Trail at MP 85.9 are both located near the Peaks of Otter. Enjoy an easy hike around Abbott Lake or a wooded hike on Elk Run Trail.
Video: Abbott Lake Trail at Peaks of Otter Lodge
Peaks of Otter Picnic Area at MP 85.6 is open seasonally from late spring through late fall. This is an excellent location for a family picnic. There are multiple picnic sites beside the creek with picnic tables and grills. There are bathrooms and a trash dumpster also. Video: Peaks of Otter Picnic Area
Peaks of Otter Lodge at MP 86 is a favorite place for many families. Whether you walk around the accessible Abbott Lake Trail, dine at the restaurant, or sit outside watching the lake, the Peaks of Otter is timeless. There's a fire pit outside (for use when permitted by federal and local burn ban restrictions). Video: Peaks of Otter Lodge rhododendron in bloom
Roanoke River Trail at MP 114.9 is an easy self-guided loop trail with nice views of the river. For a more difficult hike, take the Fisherman's Trail down to the river. (See moderate hikes)
Take a short detour at the Mill Mountain exit at MP 120 and visit the Mill Mountain Star. From the overlook, you can see the city of Roanoke and the mountains of the Roanoke Valley. You can also visit Mill Mountain Park and playground, the Mill Mountain Wildflower Garden, and the Mill Mountain Zoo (tickets $10-$12; free for ages 2 and under). There are bathrooms and a vending machine near the Mill Mountain Star. Mill Mountain Star Trail and Star
Mabry Mill at MP 176.2 is one of the top destinations on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Kids of all ages enjoy taking a trip back in time along the trail. Visit the historic gristmill, sawmill and blacksmith shop and learn about life in rural Virginia.
Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks with Moderate Hikes
Otter Creek Trail begins at MP 60.8 at the Otter Creek Campground. The 3.5-mile hike follows the creek from the campground through the woods to the James River Visitor Center.
*Note - The James River Visitor Center, including all trails at the Visitor Center, is currently closed due to James River Visitor Center bridge construction.*
The Trail of Trees begins near the James River Visitor Center at MP 63.6. Signs along the trail identify many species of trees and shrubs native to the valley. *Note - The James River Visitor Center, including all trails at the Visitor Center, is currently closed due to James River Visitor Center bridge construction.*
Access the Fallingwater Cascades National Recreation Trail from either the Fallingwater Cascades parking area at MP 83.1 or the Flat Top parking area at MP 83.5, both just north of the Peaks of Otter. The scenic loop trail offers views of the falls, benches along the trail, footbridges and lots of photo opportunities.
Johnson Farm Loop Trail begins at MP 85.9 at the Peaks of Otter Visitor Center. Follow the signs through the woods to the restored Johnson Farm, which offers seasonal living history demonstrations.
Roanoke River Fisherman's Trail at MP 114.9, which splits off from the Roanoke River Trail, goes down to the Roanoke River. You can walk among the rocks beside the river. We're rating this as moderate, but there are many steps down and back up, so it may be too strenuous for younger kids and those with mobility issues. Swimming isn't recommended at this site due to the strong current. This is a favorite spot for launching kayaks.
Take the 4-mile scenic Roanoke Mountain Loop Road off the Parkway at MP 120.3 to the top of Roanoke Mountain. Enjoy great views from the overlooks along the roadway. The trailhead for the Roanoke Mountain Summit Trail is located at the top parking area. *Note: The Roanoke Mountain Loop is closed until further notice due to road instability issues.*
Smart View Loop Trail at MP 154.5 is very popular with bird watchers. The 3-mile loop trail passes through woods and across a stream. Be sure to stop at Trails Cabin, built in the 1890s.
Blue Ridge Parkway Overlooks with Strenuous Hikes
Humpback Rocks Trail is a favorite on the north end of the Parkway at MP 6.0. The 2-mile trail takes you to spectacular views from the Humpback Rocks at the top. Teens love scrambling among the rocks.
Apple Orchard Falls Trail at MP 78.4 is a National Recreation Trail starting at Sunset Field Overlook and leading to Apple Orchard Falls. The views of the falls are well worth the hike. Although the hiking distance is relatively short, the return trip is all uphill so pace yourselves. Video at the overlook: Sunset Field Overlook
Sharp Top Trail is one of the most popular hikes on the Blue Ridge Parkway. Start at MP 86.0 for the 1.5-mile hike to the top of Sharp Top Mountain, where you'll enjoy 360-degree panoramic views. If you're feeling adventurous, climb on the giant boulders. There's a shelter near the top of the mountain for overnight hikers.
Rock Castle Gorge Trail at MP 167.1 is 10.8-mile loop trail from the Rocky Knob Campground into the Gorge. Be sure to allow enough time for this all day hike and bring plenty of water and snacks.
There are also many hiking opportunities available from the 105-mile Skyline Drive, which takes you through the Blue Ridge Mountains in Shenandoah National Park. The Skyline Drive has four entrances between Front Royal and Waynesboro. You'll receive a basic park guide when you purchase a day or annual pass to enter the Skyline Drive. Here are our favorite hikes in Shenandoah National Park.
You'll find all of our day trip and around town videos here: Explore Virginia on Day Trips with Lynchburg Macaroni KID Videos
Check out videos from the parks and playgrounds Lynchburg Macaroni KID has visited: Find Lynchburg Area Parks and Playgrounds Videos on Our Facebook Page
Looking for more local hikes? Check these out!
25+ Places in the Lynchburg Area to Walk or Hike
Hit the Trails at These Lynchburg Area Hiking Trails
Lynchburg VA Area Hikes for All Seasons
Lynchburg VA Area Spring Hikes
Hiking Off the Blue Ridge Parkway
Day Tripping: Otter Creek on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Take a Family Hike to Johnson Farm on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Take a Hike at the Peaks of Otter
Hiking Indian Gap on the Blue Ridge Parkway
Summer Day Tripping: Hiking Crabtree Falls
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Check the Lynchburg Macaroni Kid website anytime to Find Your Family Fun® this summer in Lynchburg and Central Virginia!
