Places to Go Around Lynchburg

Mar 6, 2023 • Victoria V.

Let me be the first to say: I love Lynchburg. The last four years of college have flown by, and I want to share the places I think you should visit before you come to Liberty and graduate before you know it. Lynchburg is a cute little city, and I have enjoyed living here over the last four years. There are so many things to explore, but you have to venture off campus for a few of my favorite spots.

OUTDOORS

Hiking is a staple in Lynchburg. We go to a school in the mountains — take advantage of it. There are so many different hikes all around the area, but you will have to devote an entire afternoon to these hikes.

Cole Mountain: It is a popular hike for hall events, and you will have more than one opportunity to go. Do not waste your time on the entire six-mile loop; instead, do the short one-mile direct hike to the summit.

Sharp Top: Nothing can beat a sunrise hike on Sharp Top. The hike is uphill and rocky but keeping the view on top of your mind makes it more tolerable. Once you complete the 1.5 miles, sit on a giant rock, and watch the sun light up the valley.

McAfee’s Knob: The epitome of hard work pays off. The entire hike is 8 miles in total, but the view on top is spectacular. You feel like you’re on top of the world with the 270-degree panoramic view.

Panther Falls: On a warm summer or spring day, gather a few of your friends and go to Panther Falls! This hidden gem is less than 10 minutes from the trail starting point and is a large area with swimming holes and cliff jumping.

If you don’t want a long hike that’s an hour away, there’s a series of trails in Lynchburg that all connect. All within 10-15 minutes from Liberty, you can walk the RiverWalk downtown, the Point of Honor Trail, and the Blackwater Creek Trail. I recommend going to at least one of these paved trails for when you’re craving to be out in nature.

If you want a quick route to see the sunset, drive to Liberty Mountain Snowflex Centre, hike to the LU Monogram, or sit on top of the Runk & Pratt Parking Garage on Campus East.

COFFEE SHOPS

Joe Beans: Joe Beans has great coffee, smoothies, and energy drinks so you can fulfill whatever mood you’re in for the day. They offer a free 24 oz. drink after buying 12 drinks and you would be surprised if I told you how many free drinks I have scored from the punch cards (I promise I don’t buy 12 drinks by myself; I bring friends).

Third Wave Coffee: Great coffee. Great seating. Great godly mission. I’ve had many great milestones at Third Wave throughout my time at Liberty. It was the first coffee shop I went to in Lynchburg with my family, and I even had my first date here (my idea of course).

The White Hart: Located downtown, White Hart calls itself “Lynchburg’s Living Room.” The space is comfortable with plenty of seating, and they also sell a variety of made-to-order food. Plus, you can’t forget their delicious direct-trade coffee creations.

FOOD

Brauburgers: This is one of my favorite restaurants in Lynchburg and is severely underappreciated in my opinion. The German-inspired restaurant opened in 2016 and has received multiple awards for “Best Local Burger” in Lynchburg Living’s Best of Awards. If you go here, you NEED to get their pretzel bites, sweet potato fries, and any burger on the menu.

Cinn City: If you are craving something sweet, Cinn City is the place for you. They have homemade cinnamon rolls and beignets that are perfect for breakfast, a snack, or dessert. You can order their classic creations or construct your own with different toppings and sauces. 

DOWNTOWN SIGHTS

Lynchburg Community Market: Every Saturday, vendors within a 100-mile radius come to Downtown Lynchburg to sell their produce, artisanal crafts, and artwork for locals. This is one of the country’s oldest markets, founded in 1783.

Art Alley: While you’re in downtown Lynchburg, take a stroll over to the Art Alley. The reconstructed alleyway opened in 2021 with a mission to create a vibrant public art location. It is covered with a bright, colorful street mural with paintings on the walls created by local artists. My suggestion is to go at night when the alley is lit with twinkle lights.