One of the things that many people say prevents them from getting exercise is that they haven’t found an activity they enjoy, or they can’t or don’t want to afford a gym membership. Fortunately, in Lynchburg, there are plenty of alternative options you can choose from that will help you get moving and/or take in the outdoors. Here are some that you can look into today that are great for the whole family, and can accommodate any budget or fitness level!
Outdoor Fun
Lynchburg Trail System
Perhaps one of the most obvious and most popular options for outdoor, no-gym-required exercise is the Lynchburg Trail System. This network of trails includes the Peaks View Park trail and the Downtown Lynchburg trail system, including the Blackwater Creek Trail and Percival’s Island Trail. These trails include benches for the occasional break and feature miles and miles of beautiful scenery. You can run or ride a bike on these trails (bike rentals can be found at Bikes Unlimited) if you’re looking for some outdoor exercise, though if you want to just take in the sights, you can also rent an electric scooter to ride on the trails.
Liberty Mountain
One of Liberty University’s most popular outdoor areas is Liberty Mountain, home to many opportunities for activity. These include the Snowflex snowless ski slope, hiking trails, and biking trails. These trails run for miles along the mountainside, allowing for plenty of thrilling adventure activities. Liberty University does allow community members to use their facilities for a fee, and most activities are free for students.
River Activities
If you want to enjoy some time on the water, there are places where you can launch a canoe, kayak, or tube and row or float with ease along the current. Some places that offer boat rentals in town include the Mighty James River Company and Ivy Creek Park.
Parks
Lynchburg has no shortage of beautiful parks to explore and have fun in. Peaks View Park offers playgrounds, baseball fields, and a Frisbee golf course. Miller Park includes a community pool, playground, basketball courts, and more. Riverside Park includes playgrounds, a water-based play area called the Sprayground, and tennis courts. There’s always something to do in Lynchburg if you’re looking for outdoor adventure.
Local Hikes
The Lynchburg area is home to the Blue Ridge Mountains, which are part of the Appalachian Trail System. The Blue Ridge Parkway boasts many beautiful trails and hidden natural gems, including Sharp Top Trail, Flat Top Trail, Thunder Ridge Trail, Otter Creek Trail, and Humpback Rocks Trail. If you want to hike near waterfalls or even go for a swim in the brisk waters of the Appalachians, you can try out Panther Falls, Crabtree Falls, and the Fallingwater Cascades.
Golf
If you’re interested in going golfing in Lynchburg, there are multiple places and ways to do so. Lynchburg has two main mini golf courses, Putt-Putt and Tiny Town, that are great for casual family fun. There are also a few sport golf courses around town, such as Colonial Hills Golf Club, Ivy Hill Golf Club, Poplar Forest Golf Course, and London Downs Golf Course.
Indoor Fun
On days when the weather isn’t cooperating, or you just want to be inside, you may want to consider indoor options. Fortunately, Lynchburg has plenty of options, but keep in mind these are not free the way most outdoor activities are. Many of these places offer monthly subscriptions, and also offer day passes.
Rise Up Climbing
Lynchburg’s premier rock climbing gym, Rise Up Climbing, is a favorite for many adventure activity enthusiasts. It offers 40 foot climbing walls and 10-15 foot bouldering walls, along with instruction on how to climb and how to belay. They even have children’s programs! If you find you enjoy indoor climbing, Rise Up coordinates outdoor adventures so you and some friends can try bouldering in the wild.
Ahh Smash It
Ahh Smash It is a recent addition to Lynchburg’s Downtown activity scene. Here, you can pay for a session of taking a blunt object to a breakable object, smashing things like old TVs, scrap wood, and junk as an outlet for stress, anxiety, exercise, or just plain fun!
Hack and Hew
Hack and Hew, located in Lynchburg’s Wyndhurst community, is a company that allows you to learn to throw axes at a target. Learn how to balance and correctly throw an axe in order to properly stick it in the target rather than simply having it bounce off. This activity requires concentration and coordination, and can be a unique physical activity to try.
Jump
Jump Lynchburg is an indoor trampoline park that’s fun for adults and children alike. Featuring lots of springy floors and places for acrobatic fun, Jump also includes a foam pit, trampoline basketball courts, and a foam jousting station where you can try to knock your opponent off balance.
We’re Here To Help!
If you’re looking for creative ways to get active in the Lynchburg area, we at Community Access Network are here to help you figure out what options are best for you and your family’s wellness journeys. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!