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Things to Do
This page is a work in progress. Please check back regularly for updates and more detailed information.
Recreational Areas
If it's more of the outdoors you're craving, you're in luck. Sweet Briar is surrounded by beautiful place to go!
Acess to the Blue Ridge Parkway is only a half-hour away from Sweet Briar, and there are all kinds of hikes and vistas to check out. If you want a great place to watch the sun rise, Waterrock knob is the place to go, at milepost 451.2. With an elevtaion of 6,000 feet, you'll be sure to get an amazing view of the surrounding valleys below. Here's the link to some of the vistor center hours, so you can be sure to time your visit just right in order to learn more about the surrounding natural landscape.
If experienceing art rather than the outdoors is more your style, check out the Folk Art Center at milepost 382. They offer varying events throughout the year, so check out their website to see what's currently happening!
If history is your thing venture to the Moses H. Cone Park at milepost 294. Here are some of the activities that go on at ths park.
- Vist the Parkway's official craft center at Flat Top Manor at the Moses Cone estate and watch mountaind handicraft demonstrations
- Explore a family cementary, carriage and apple barn, and an extensive system of carriage trails for a unique Parkway visit
- Enjoy ample nature walks and hiking trails throughout the parks
- Picnic and take your choice of more than 100 picnic sites
- Camp under the stars at the Parkway's largest campground
- Enjoy seasonal interpretive programs at a 300-seat amphitheater, guided walks and evening campfire program
If you like rocks as much as we do, you'll love the Natural Bridge. The Natural Bridge is a National Histoic Landmark, and was formed when a cavern collapsed a long, long time ago. It was bought by Thomas Jefferson from King George III and is on private land, but it's well worth the trip. The Natural Bridge is just off of Exit 175 on I-81 in Virginia between Lexington and Roanoke.
Another favorite park of ours in Shenandoah National Park. The famous Skyline Drive is located in this park, but please remember that calling before you plan to drive out there may be a good idea. Weather can be unpredictable at the higher elevations of the park, and we'd hate it if you drove all the way out there and couldn't access the road! If you're interested in hiking in the park, check out the PDFs of trail maps on their website. Shenandoah has over 500 miles of trails, and 101 of those are on the Appalachian Trail! Remember that if you need any outdoor gear, we've got you covered. Check out our rental page to learn more about our rental services.
Here are some cool trails to check out in SNP:
- Overall Run Falls is the tallest waterfall in the park, at 93 feet! This hike is about 6 and-a-half miles round trip with an elevation gain of 1,850 feet.
- Old Rag Mountain is Shenandoah's most popular hike. It is a challenging hike that requires steep accents and navigating boulders - scrambling is required! The loop hike is 7.4 miles in length with an elevation gain of 2,510 geet. Spring finds Old Rag sprinkled with mountain laurel blossoms and fall views are filled with autumn colors.
- North Fork Moormans River is a modest path along the Park's east boundary. Hikers will notice a firsthand account of earth-shaping events, like scars from a 1995 flood, and the process of recovery that follows. This out and back hike is 3.7 miles.
- Rocky Mount and Gap Run is a demanding climb that will leave you near breathless, only to reach the top and have the views steal what is left of your breath. A strenuous full day hike that could be broken up into an easy overnight; it is a 9.4 mile loop.
George Washington National Forest – Forest Service's web page about recreational opportunities, maps and links to the GW National Forest, located just West of Sweet Briar.
Skiing
Snowshoe Mountain – One of the best ski areas around. Lots of cool things to do there, even during the summer.
Wintergreen Ski Resort – A ski area close to Sweet Briar. SWEBOP usually brings students to ski and snowboard lessons during the winter.
Mountain Biking
Mountain biking is a popular sport in this area of Virginia, and it's easy to see why. If you want to wonder off of Sweet Briar's trails Lynchburg has plenty other venues to offer. The city of Lynchburg has a couple well-known bike shops that are must visits for anyone interested in checking out the local trails.
Blackwater Creek Bike Shop is located at 18869 Forest Rd. Lynchburg, VA 24502 and their phone number is (434) 385-7047
They are a locally owned bike shop in Lynchburg. Though it is about a 30-45 minute drive from Sweet Briar, it's well worth it! They have great customer service and with a great selection of bikes, all the gadgets you'll ever need to take care of one, and knowledgeable staff to do repairs for any unfortunate mishaps that ma occur, Blackwater Creek Bike Shop will take care of you!
Their website has highlights and directions to some of their favorite rides, along with a calendar that tells you when and where their group rides are taking place. If you're interested in learning more about the local trails and culture, Blackwater Creek Bike Shop is a great place to go.
Another great shop, Bikes Unlimited, is located at 312 Jefferson St. Lynchburg, VA 24503 and their phone number is (434) 385-4157.
Bikes Unlimited is a bike shop in Lynchburg that's been around since 1967. They've recently moved into downtown Lynchburg (right next to the delicious Waterstone Pizza - about 20 minutes from Sweet Briar) and have opened up a second location in Wyndhurst (1305A Etnerrprise Drive). They have years of experience that enable them to provide thoughtful guidnace when helping you pick out a bike and/or accessories! They're also there to assist you with any bike maintenance and reparis you may find yourself in need of.
Their website has a great section about weekly group rides, and other events coming up in the biking world!
Since mountain biking is such a popular activity in Lynchburg, group rides are a big hit with the local cycling community. Here are some awesome rides:
- Group rides with Blackwater Creek Bike Shop - every Thursday at 5:30pm, meet at the Wingate parking lot! (directions on website)
- Group rides with Bikes Unlimited - every Saturday at 3pm through April 24, 2012 starting at the Downtown YMCA, and on Saturday mornings at 8am starting at the bike shop!
- Angles Race - April 22, 2012: A triathlon for all skills levels in downtown Lynchburg! A 300 meter swim, 24 mile bike ride, and a 3 mile run, all for your favorite angel in downtown Lynchburg. It's a great cause and a lot of fun! For more information click here!
Elk River Touring Center – A great place to mountain bike in West Virginia
Climbing
Rise Up Climbing - Our local indoor climbing gym. SWEBOP leads frequent trips here for free! Or hit the gym any time on your own and use one of our membership passes to climb for free with your student ID!
Peak Experience – Another great place to climb in the area! Located in Richmond
Kayaking
Endless River Adventures – in North Carolina, an adventure company that guides trips and provides quality instruction in white water sports and specialt outdoor trips.
Tubing, Rafting, Canoeing
James River Runners – A company to outfit you to go tubing or canoeing down the James. Find out where they are located, prices etc.
Blue Ridge River Runners – Canoe and Kayak club based out of Lynchburg
Coastal Canoeist Web Site – Virginia's largest canoeing and kayaking website
Caving
James River Grotto of the National Speleological Society
National Speleological Society
Miscellaneous
GORP – Great Outdoor Recreation Pages - A good general link to a plethora of recreational stuff out there on the web.
Wilderness Medicine Associates – Looking to increase your certifications for outdoor leadership? This is one place to find an advanced first aid course near you.
