DIY Adventures
Trip of the Month
Several times a year, the National Park Service and Shenandoah National Park offer Free Entrance Days to their facilities, byways, and hikes. While park memberships and day passes are not overly expensive, who doesn’t love a free day?! Here are the remaining Free Entrance Days of 2019:
August 25: National Park Service Birthday
September 28: National Public Lands Day
November 11: Veterans Day
Learn more about NPS fees here
Be sure to mark your calendar and head to our public lands for an adventure! If you need some local ideas and recommendations, keep reading below!
This scenic drive in SNP marks the first 105 miles of what becomes the Blue Ridge Parkway. Access to Skyline Drive generally requires a park entrance fee. Be sure to check out this awesome drive and stop to enjoy a hike, overlook, or picnic along your way.
After your scenic drive on Skyline Drive, there is no better hike than Old Rag! This long and technical hike generally requires a park entrance permit which can cost up to $30. Parking fills quickly (even on fee days), so it is recommended to show up early. Because this hike requires some rock scrambling and meanders some 9 miles, it is recommended to bring a friend or two. Remember that dogs are not allowed on this hike.
Local Trip Ideas
Hiking Trips
- Flat Top Mountain, the lesser-known twin to Sharp Top Mountain, forms the popular Peaks of Otter.
- Cascade Falls is a Virginia Tech classic but is well worth the drive for LU students as well.
- Mt. Pleasant and Cole/Cold Mountain are two great hikes for those looking to go somewhere new but still within an hour from campus.
- National Geographic’s Trails Illustrated Maps are essential for finding your next hiking adventure!
Camping Trips
- George Washington National Forest offers primitive camping opportunities for adventurers throughout Virginia’s wilderness areas!
- Peaks of Otter Campground offers a beautiful mountain camping experience between the Flat Top and Sharp Top peaks.
- Montebello Camping and Fishing Resort offers many lodging opportunities near Crabtree Falls, the Priest, and Spy Rock.
Fishing Trips
- (VA Blue Line Map) For the fly fishermen craving native trout and beautiful rural and wilderness settings. Remember to adhere to private property and fishing regulation laws!
- The South River is a popular spot for large rainbow and brown trout in Waynesboro, VA.
- Try your luck on the James River for large muskie and smallmouth bass.
River Trips
- The James River offers many adventure opportunities. Enjoy a tubing trip down the many routes near Lynchburg with Twin River Outfitters, James River Reeling & Rafting, and Alleghany Outdoors.
- The New River and New River Valley offer unlimited outdoor recreation opportunities. Looking for a relaxing float with easy water? Try Independence to Baywood (Map) For the seasoned paddler try Bridle Creek to Independence (Map)
- Read our blog, it is full of great ideas for trips and includes our 4 E’s of Decision Making for planning safe trips!
- Lynchburg Parks and Rec has a beautiful park/trail system. Be sure to enjoy them while you live in Lynchburg!