5 James River &
Otter Creek
The next portion of the
Blue Ridge Parkway
overlooks the road that
leads to Lynchburg.
Part of the reason for
that town’s proximity is
the James River, which
marks the parkway’s
lowest elevation (650ft
above sea level); the
course of the river
was the original
transportation route
through the mountains.
This area is rife with
hiking and sightseeing
opportunities. The Otter
Creek Trail begins at a
local campsite and runs
for a moderately strenuous
3.5 miles; you can access
it at different points from
overlooks at mileposts
61.4, 62.5 and 63.1.
If you’re in the mood
for a really easy jaunt,
head to the James
River Visitor Center at
milepost 63.6 and take
the 0.2-mile James River
Trail to the restored
James River and
Kanawha Canal lock,
built between 1845–51.
The visitor center has
information on the
history of the canal and
its importance to local
transportation. From
here you can follow the
Trail of Trees, which
goes a half mile to a
wonderful overlook on
the James River.The Drive » It’s about 20 miles
from here to Peaks of Otter
along the Blue Ridge Parkway.VISIONSOFAMERICA/JOE SOHM/GETTY IMAGES ©
VIRGINIA.TRIPS.25
.BLUE RIDGE PARKWAY