63° Forecast

Document Center

JAMES RIVER HERITAGE TRAIL
This blacktop hiking/biking trail is currently accessible from Percival's Island Natural Area. The trail extends from Lynchburg's Blackwater Creek Trail, crossing the railroad trestle onto Percival's Isle from Lynchburg. It traverses the island for about one mile along an old railroad bed. The trail continues across the James River on another trestle, and continues along the James River in Amherst County for another 1 ½ miles. This is a beautiful scenic walk or bike ride through an historical area. The trail is now accessible in Amherst County at the end of Fertilizer Road [enter via the Central Virginia Training School.
 
VIRGINIA BLUE RIDGE RAILWAY TRAIL
This trail is idyllically located in the rolling Virginia countryside and follows the banks of the Piney and Tye Rivers along the path of the longest running, commercially successful short-line railway in America. It provides a perfect opportunity to relive the historically significant events that developed and changed Amherst and Nelson Counties. Construction is set to begin soon on the next 5 miles of this trail in Amherst County. It will extend the 2 mile stretch of the trail already established in Nelson County for hikers, bikers, and horseback riding. The two access points are currently located at Piney River and Roses Mill.
 
APPALACHIAN TRAIL
Approximately 25 miles of this trail passes through Amherst County from the Nelson County line to the James River. There are many beautiful and scenic trails that run through the mountains of the county. Enjoy the sights from Mt. Pleasant, Cole Mountain, Tar Jacket, Rocky Row Run, just to name a few.
 
HENRY LANUM MEMORIAL TRAIL
Located in the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area, this 4.8 mile loop leads to the 4,071 foot summit of Mount Pleasant with panoramic 360 degree views.
 
OLD HOTEL TRAIL
A 5-mile loop, when combined with the Appalachian Trail, across the meadows on the summit of Cole Mountain with fantastic views of the Amherst foothills and the western valley.
 
MOUNT PLEASANT NATIONAL SCENIC AREA
Located in the Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts of Amherst County, this 7,580 acre area is part of the George Washington National Forest and is accessible by Route 60 West. It offers excellent opportunities for solitude and serenity and is very popular for various forms of dispersed recreation including hiking, hunting, and fishing. The core of the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area is remote in appearance. Motor vehicles are permitted only on open roads. For additional information, visit www.fs.fed.us.
 
VIRGINIA BIRDING & WILDLIFE TRAIL
From the Atlantic Ocean of Virginia's eastern border, to the towering Mt. Rogers at its southwest corner, the Commonwealth includes every bird and animal habitat that occurs naturally between Maine and Florida. Virginia also offers a long history, rich culture, and tradition of warm hospitality to welcome visitors.
Within Virginia's 43,000 square miles of diverse natural habitat, you can find some 400 species of birds, 250 species of fish, 150 species of terrestrial and marine animals, 150 species of amphibians and reptiles, and a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. The Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail celebrates this diversity. In fact, it is the first statewide program of its kind in the United States. All three phases of the trail link wildlife viewing sites throughout the state have been completed: The Coastal, Piedmont, and Mountain Phases.
 
Amherst County has several trail loops listed in the Mountain Phase trail system. The Lynchburg Loop includes the James River Heritage Trail along the southern border of the county. The Sleeping Giant Loop, includes Mt. Pleasant Scenic Area, Mill Creek Lake, Stonehouse Lake, Thrashers Lake, as well as the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail.
 
For further information or for a map of one of the three phases, visit the Amherst County Recreation Department or contact the Virginia Tourism Corporation @ 1-866-VABIRDS (822-4737) or visit www.dgif.state.va.us.
 
SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE TRAILS
Situated on Sweet Briar College's 3,250 acres are 20 miles of winding trails designed for the enjoyment of hikers and cyclists.  Upon entering the college's campus, go by the Florence Elston Inn and request a trail guide.
 
SOUTH PEDLAR ATV TRAIL SYSTEM
The Terrapin and Rattlesnake trailhead parking lots are posted along Rt. 130.  For more information contact the Glenwood /Pedlar Ranger District of the National Forest Service @ 540-291-2188.