I Was Pleasantly Surprised By This Scenic Trail in Virginia

Though Virginia is blessed to have an incredible labyrinth of trails that will lead you to impressive mountain peaks with stunning views, I must admit that I just can’t do the steep switchback-style summits anymore. I love a good view, but my knees have taken a strong stance in the last couple of years. I’m always on the hunt for scenic trails in Virginia that won’t destroy my body, and I was surprised by this scenic trail in Virginia. 

Today’s adventures took me to the Blackwater Creek Natural Area, a 300-acre forested area in Lynchburg, Virginia. Lynchburg has an impressive trail system for hikers and bikers. The Blackwater Creek Trail runs alongside the nature preserve and over to the Riverwalk, with the option to jump onto other trails along the way. 

I’m a big fan of loop trails, so I don’t have to backtrack, so I combined the Blackwater Creek Trail with the Beaver Trail and the Creekside Trail to make a nice little 2.5-mile loop. 

Park at the Ed Page entrance. I especially love that there’s a coffee shop right at the trailhead. I wish more trails had coffee shops at the start! That being said, that does give you an indicator of how popular these trails are. 

The trails are well marked, so you can easily jump off the Blackwater Creek Trail and do some side quests. The non-paved trails can get muddy and slippery after a rain, of course, but overall, these trails are easy to accomplish in an hour or two.

The majority of the trails offer shade, which is really nice. These large oaks, hickories, and poplar trees provide a much-appreciated canopy so you won’t be in the sun for long stretches. 

I’m guilty of throwing on headphones and listening to a playlist or a podcast when I’m hiking, but this is one trail I’d encourage you to listen to the soundtrack of nature. The stretch along the water is terrific—I love the sound of rushing water! 

You’ll also be able to hear the symphony of sounds from the songbirds above. Warblers, chickadees, cardinals, indigo buntings, and sparrows are just a few of the feathered friends you could see on this scenic trail in Virginia. If you’re really lucky, you might catch a glimpse of an owl or a woodpecker! Ground critters include red fox, white-tailed deer, and beavers. 

Overall, this is a fantastic trail to tackle when you want to surround yourself with Virginia’s beautiful natural scenery. Though it is a fairly popular area, if you get your timing right, you could be one of the few folks on the trail. Weekends are going to be the busiest time. 

Share this article with someone you want to tackle this scenic hike in Virginia with! While you’re in the area, check out some of our favorite things to do in Lynchburg. It’s one of our favorite charming towns in Virginia! For more outdoor adventure, check out some of our favorite campgrounds in Virginia.