“Here canopied reaches of dogwood and hazel,

Beech tree and redbud fine-laced in vines,

Fleet clapping rills by lush fern and basil,

Drain blue hills to lowlands scented with pines…”

From Life-Long, Poor Browning by Anne Spencer (1882-1976)

297 acres

Natural Areas are special places within our park system. In order to protect the serenity of the area and to allow observation and quiet enjoyment of the trails and wildlife, these areas are designed to be a little bit “wild” to provide habitat for native plants and animals that are representative of our area ecology. As in all Lynchburg parks, motorized vehicles, swimming, camping, fires, hunting and nature specimen collection are prohibited. For more active recreation, be sure to visit one of the many parks in the Lynchburg area that provide playgrounds for children, swimming, organized sports and other forms of recreation. 

Entrances are found at Thomson Drive, Monticello Avenue, Hollins Mill Road, Cabell Street, Ed Page entrance on Langhorne Road and Jefferson Park off North York Street. Extensive hiking trails are open year round. Enter onto the hiking trail at the end of Thomson Drive to get to the Ruskin Freer Nature Preserve, consisting of 115 acres and an interpretive trail. 

The Blackwater Creek Bike trail (about 3.5 miles) is open year round. Note: Bikes are only allowed on dual track trails or graveled trails and not on the Freer Loop Trail, or on trails designated for “foot travel only.”  

Click on the entrance to obtain Map Locator & Driving Directions.

Monticello Ave
Hillsdale Road
Thomson Drive 
Peninsular Street

Flora and Fauna

Many varieties of plants and animals thrive in the Blackwater Creek Natural Area. The stream valleys are replete with sycamore, spice bush, paw-paw, and walnut trees; while the ridges abound with oak, pine, hickory and tulip poplars. Herbaceous plants including jack-in-the-pulpits, nettles and jewelweed proliferate in the moist conditions near the creek.

Wildflowers such as robin's plantain, dog-tooth violets, wild ginger and bloodroot blossom in the spring; while lobelia, Joe-pye weed, Indian pipe, blackeyed Susan's, asters and goldenrod flourish in summer and fall. Winter brings the yellow blooms of the flowering witch hazel.

The abundant flora provides the necessary nourishment to support the deer, wild turkeys, opossums, raccoons and rodents that live in the natural area. Many species of birds such as cardinals, doves, sparrows, finches, blue jays, wrens, flickers, herons and pileated woodpeckers also make their homes here. Predator animals found in the area include hawks, owls, foxes and snakes.

Park Policy