Blackwater Creek Trail
More actions
Location
Lynchburg, Virginia
Main trail
About 3 miles, paved
Trail uses
Walking, running, and biking
Notable connections
RiverWalk and Point of Honor trail sections
Blackwater Creek Trail offers a green escape within Lynchburg: a roughly three-mile paved route that follows the winding creek along a former railway bed. Walk, run, or bike beneath the trees, then branch onto earthen paths through the surrounding natural area. The city lists trail access at Ed Page, East Randolph Place, downtown, and Linkhorne Middle School; facilities and parking vary by entrance.[1]
The paved route connects with the RiverWalk and Point of Honor trail sections, so visitors can make a short out-and-back or extend their outing into a wider city trail network. For a first visit, the Ed Page entrance is a practical starting point: the city lists public parking and restrooms there, as well as the Awareness Garden. Check the city’s current trail-status information before setting out, since closures and access conditions can change.[2][3]
Plan a trip to Blackwater Creek Trail
Why visit Blackwater Creek Trail?
The trail brings creekside scenery and a wooded feel close to Lynchburg neighborhoods and downtown. Its paved surface suits a casual stroll, run, or bike ride, while the intersecting earthen trails offer options for exploring deeper into the natural area. You can also make the trail part of a longer outing by following its connections toward RiverWalk or the Point of Honor section.[4]
Start here
For an easy first look, begin at the Ed Page entrance at 1720 Langhorne Road. The city lists parking and restrooms at this entrance, along with the Awareness Garden. East Randolph Place is another entrance with public parking; downtown access is near Jefferson Street and 8th Street. Linkhorne Middle School also provides access to the trail extension, but its parking has weekday time restrictions, so check current rules before using it.[5]
What to see and do
Follow the roughly three-mile main trail along Blackwater Creek. Its former railway-bed alignment makes a straightforward route for a walk, run, or bike ride.
At the downtown end, the trail connects to RiverWalk, which continues through Riverfront Park and onto Percival’s Island along the James.
Use the city trail map to plan connections to nearby trail sections, including the Point of Honor and Kemper Station routes.
The creek corridor and adjoining natural area support woodland and stream-valley habitats. Keep to marked routes and take time to notice the changing scenery.
The Point of Honor trail section branches from the main route and passes Point of Honor and Hollins Mill Park. The Creekside Trail is a longer, unpaved option through the stream valley, while the Ruskin Freer Loop is an unpaved footpath with interpretive and plant-identification signs. Trail surfaces and permitted uses differ, so check the city’s trail descriptions before choosing a route.[6]
History and significance
The paved trail follows an abandoned railway bed, giving the route a practical connection to Lynchburg’s transportation past while serving today as a recreational corridor. It runs through the larger Blackwater Creek Natural Area, a city greenway of wooded hillsides and stream valleys.[7][8]
The natural area grew from a local conservation effort. Lynchburg Parks & Recreation traces the idea to 1934, its revival by city planners to 1971, and the formation of the Friends of Lynchburg Stream Valleys in 1973. The natural area was dedicated on May 17, 1979, and became part of the National Trail System in January 1981.[9]
Planning a visit
- **Check the route and status:** View the city’s trail map and current trail-status information before you go. Trail work, weather, or other conditions may affect access.
- **Choose an entrance:** Ed Page and East Randolph Place have public parking; the city lists restrooms at Ed Page. Downtown access is near Jefferson Street and 8th Street.
- **Check Linkhorne parking rules:** The city lists limited parking access at Linkhorne Middle School, including weekday time restrictions. Confirm current conditions before parking there.
- **Match the surface to your plans:** The main route is paved. Some connecting trails are earthen or gravel, and the Ruskin Freer Loop is restricted to foot travel.
- **Be considerate on shared paths:** Watch for other trail users, follow posted signs, and stay clear of barricades or closed sections.
Access details and closures can change; consult Lynchburg Parks & Recreation for current trail information before travel.[10]
Nearby attractions
Lynchburg
Make the trail part of a visit to the city, with access points linking the wooded corridor to neighborhoods and downtown.
The James River
Continue from the Blackwater Creek Trail onto RiverWalk for a route through Riverfront Park and across Percival’s Island.
Books and useful gear: Browse related travel books and outdoor gear on Amazon
References
- ↑ Trails of Blackwater Creek, Lynchburg Parks & Recreation, City of Lynchburg. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Blackwater Creek Trail & Bikeway, LYH – Lynchburg Tourism, Office of Economic Development and Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Trails of Blackwater Creek, Lynchburg Parks & Recreation, City of Lynchburg. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Trails of Blackwater Creek, Lynchburg Parks & Recreation, City of Lynchburg. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Trails of Blackwater Creek, Lynchburg Parks & Recreation, City of Lynchburg. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Trails of Blackwater Creek, Lynchburg Parks & Recreation, City of Lynchburg. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Trails of Blackwater Creek, Lynchburg Parks & Recreation, City of Lynchburg. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Blackwater Creek Trail & Bikeway, LYH – Lynchburg Tourism, Office of Economic Development and Tourism. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Blackwater Creek Park, Lynchburg Parks & Recreation, City of Lynchburg. Retrieved 2026-10-24.
- ↑ Trails of Blackwater Creek, Lynchburg Parks & Recreation, City of Lynchburg. Retrieved 2026-10-24.