11 Best Hikes Near Lynchburg, Virginia

Hiking has a special place in both Sam and I’s hearts! I have always LOVED hiking since I was in middle school. I was ecstatic to find out that Sam had a love for hiking too when we first met each other.

The Blue Ridge Mountains are the nearest mountain range to Lynchburg and they are STUNNING.

We both love hiking in the Blue Ridge when it’s fall and the leaves are changing colors but it’s truly beautiful to visit and hike year round.

If you’re looking for some hikes to do or some of the best views in Lynchburg, VA or in the surrounding areas then you have come to right place.

Check out the eleven best hikes near Lynchburg, Virginia below!

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Additional Disclaimer: This article is sponsored by PROTABAR®, one of the best protein bars for hiking and outdoor adventures.

The Best Hike Near Lynchburg, VA: #1. Sharp Top

This is a very popular hike for people to do around Lynchburg and for great reason.

It’s moderately challenging with a good bit of incline, the hike is about 3.5 miles out and back, and the views are breathtaking.

There’s nothing like getting to the top of Sharp Top and looking at some of the mountains, trees, lakes, and buildings in the distance. 

Sharp Top is SO special to us. It is where we had our first date and where Sam proposed to me.

It’s definitely my favorite hike to do in central Virginia.

Make sure to pack a jacket even if the weather is supposed to be super warm.

It gets pretty windy up top from time to time and if you’re like us, and you’ve been sweating and then hangout for a bit up top… you’ll want that jacket to keep you warm. 

Pro Tip: If you want to stop by somewhere for lunch and a few delicious drinks. We highly recommend stopping by Beale’s for incredible wings and cold craft beer. 

If you are looking for one of the best hikes near Lynchburg, Virginia… look no further!

Sharp Top is a great option due to it’s moderate incline, views, and short distance from the Lynchburg area and we cannot recommend it enough!

2. Crab Tree Falls

This is my second favorite hike near the Lynchburg, Virginia area!

We have hiked Crab Tree Falls in all four seasons and it’s always just as stunning.

The hike is a little over 3.5 miles out and back and it’s always such a blast.

It has a moderate incline to it and you hike along a waterfall.

Once you get to the top, you’ll see endless trees and mountain ranges across the way and can look down on the waterfall to see how large it truly is.

It’s such a beautiful hike to do but make sure to pack hiking shoes because it can get pretty muddy!

3. Dragon’s Tooth

This is a pretty challenging hike but totally worth it in our opinion. It’s about 4.5 miles and requires some rock scrambling as well.

The views are amazing and it’s challenging enough to make you think and push you outside of your comfort zone!

We recommend bringing along a protein packed snack like PROTABAR®.

These protein bars boast 15 grams of protein that can help give you an additional boost while trekking along this challenging hiking trail.

4. McCaffe’s Knob

This is a great hike if you want something a little longer but moderate.

It’s around 8 miles but has great views. This is a very popular area for hiking, backpacking, and camping near Lynchburg!

We highly recommend that you check out this hike in the fall because it has some of the best fall foliage in the Lynchburg region.

5. Devil’s Marbleyard

Devil’s Marbleyard is such a unique hike and unlike any hike in the Lynchburg area.

The first part of the hike is fairly normal and easy and then you make your way to the “marbleyard” where you have to scramble up rocks to get to the top!

It is a little over 3 miles in distance and is a hard hike surrounding the Lynchburg area.

It’s a very fun hike that requires some thinking and maneuvering and it’s a great switch up from “typical” hikes in the central Virginia area.

6. Flat Top

This hike is directly across from Sharp Top and a great option to do if you want something less trafficked with great views.

The hike is 6 miles in distance and is moderately challenging.

From the top of Flat Top you can look over and see Sharp Top and great views of trees, mountains, and buildings in the backdrop.

7. Cole Mountain

If you are looking for mountains near Lynchburg, VA, Cole Mountain is a phenomenal option for hiking, exploring with your dog, or even just a picnic with some of the best views surrounding the Lynchburg area.

The hike up Cole Mountain is about 6 miles in distance and is moderately challenging.

8. Fallingwater Cascades

This hike is perfect for those looking for a smaller outdoor activity!

It’s about a 1.5 mile loop and right off the Blue Ridge Parkway!

You can’t beat Fallingwater Cascades location, proximity to Lynchburg, and water features.

9. Peak to Peak, Clear Cut, and Monogram Trails

This hike is right on top of Liberty Mountain and gives you some of the best views in Lynchburg, VA.

The hike is very easy and is a little less than 3 miles in distance.

10. Blackwater Creek Trail

Okay, so technically speaking… I’m not sure if you can classify the Blackwater Creek Trail as a “hike.”

BUT it’s one of the most beautiful trails in Lynchburg and its location could not be more perfect.

The Blackwater Creek Trail via Riverwalk Trail is about 8 miles in length but you can turn around whenever you’d like!

It’s an easy trail with spectacular views of the James River.

This trail, in downtown Lynchburg, is near some of the best restaurants and bars in the city.

We highly recommend that you check out this trail if you are looking for something active to do, want to take it easy, and then grab a bite to eat at one of many delicious downtown Lynchburg establishments including Waterstone Pizza, Duke’s Diner, Water Dog, and RA Bistro!

11. Old Rag Mountain Loop

Old Rag is a great hike to do if you are looking for something that is a little more challenging in the surrounding Lynchburg areas, it is a little less than 10 miles in length and is considered a hard hike.

The views of Shenandoah are gorgeous and it is a very popular hike in the area.

If you are willing to drive a bit outside of Lynchburg and are up for a challenge, we definitely recommend that you check it out!

Overall: Best Hikes Near Lynchburg, Virginia

You truly cannot go wrong with hiking near Lynchburg, Virginia.

The area is gorgeous and there are a handful of options to pick from.

If you have never hiked in the area, I highly recommend that you check out Sharp Top or Crab Tree Falls first, these two are my absolute favorite!

We have done both of these hikes several times and they never get old.

We truly love The Blue Ridge Mountains and recommend hiking in the area to everyone.

There are countless hikes to do and it’s a great way to get outdoors and spend some time in nature.

We hope this post helps you find the best hikes near Lynchburg, Virginia!

Be sure to check out our post 15 Best Energy Bars for Hiking 2023 and 11 of The Best Hiking Socks to Prevent Blisters. Happy Hiking!