About Lynchburg
Lynchburg is an independent city in Virginia, United States. Located in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains along the James River, it had a population of 79,009 at the 2020 census, making it the 11th-most populous city in Virginia. It is nicknamed the "City of Seven Hills" or the "Hill City." Lynchburg was founded in 1757 by John Lynch, a Quaker ferry operator and abolitionist. During the American Civil War, Lynchburg's strategic importance helped it remain the only major city in Virginia not recaptured by Union forces before the war's end.
Places to visit in Lynchburg
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Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest
Historic · 6 mi from centreThe octagonal retreat Thomas Jefferson designed for himself southwest of Lynchburg. Tours explain his architectural ideas, the ongoing restoration work and the lives of the people enslaved on the plantation.
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Appomattox Court House National Historical Park
Historic · 21 mi from centreEast of Lynchburg, the restored village where Robert E. Lee surrendered to Ulysses S. Grant in 1865. Visitors can tour the McLean House, the courthouse and other buildings, often with ranger talks.
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Peaks of Otter
Nature · 23 mi from centreAlong the Blue Ridge Parkway west of Lynchburg, these peaks offer hiking trails with panoramic summit views, a lake and a historic farm. A rewarding scenic day trip.
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Point of Honor
HistoricA Federal-style mansion on Daniel's Hill overlooking downtown and the James River, restored with period furnishings. Guided tours give a good introduction to early Lynchburg life and the families who shaped the city.
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Old City Cemetery
HistoricA historic cemetery that doubles as a garden and museum site, with rose collections, a pest house medical museum and Confederate graves. Peaceful grounds for a stroll.
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Blackwater Creek Trail
NatureA paved trail system following a wooded creek through the city, with a tunnel and bridges. Popular for walking, running and cycling close to downtown.
Where to stay in Lynchburg
Popular hotels in Lynchburg, out of 41 properties you can book.
Hampton Inn & Suites Lynchburg
From $135 per night
Tru by Hilton Lynchburg
From $137 per night
Spark By Hilton Lynchburg
From $100 per night
Hampton Inn Lexington-Historic District
From $188 per night
Quality Inn Lynchburg Near University
From $78 per night
Hilton Garden Inn Lynchburg
From $121 per night
Microtel Inn & Suites By Wyndham Lynchburg
From $86 per night
The Virginian Lynchburg, Curio Collection by Hilto
From $248 per night
Rodeway Inn
From $78 per night
Super 8 by Wyndham Appomattox VA
From $74 per night
Candlewood Suites Lynchburg Grand Estate
From $79 per night
Comfort Inn & Suites Lynchburg Area
From $120 per night
Best time to visit Lynchburg
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Lynchburg is October, when average daytime highs are around 69°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
Average daily low and high temperatures and days with at least 1 mm of rain, from recent weather records. Highlighted months are the most comfortable for sightseeing.
Lynchburg weather forecast
- Wed 21 Oct 67° 42° 0%
- Thu 22 Oct 72° 43° 0%
- Fri 23 Oct 66° 44° 0%
- Sat 24 Oct 64° 40° 0%
- Sun 25 Oct 67° 41° 0%
- Mon 26 Oct 70° 43° 0%
Know before you go
- Currency
- United States dollar (USD)
- Language
- English
- Calling code
- +1
- Driving
- On the right
- Time zone
- America/New_YorkUTC−4
- Capital
- Washington, D.C.
Upcoming public holidays in United States
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Day
- Christmas Day
- New Year's Day
- Martin Luther King, Jr. Day
- Presidents DayWashington's Birthday
Banks, offices and some attractions may close on public holidays, and flights and hotels often fill up early around them.
Getting to Lynchburg
These are the airports closest to central Lynchburg. Compare fares into each one, as a slightly longer transfer can sometimes mean a much cheaper flight.
- LYH Lynchburg Regional Airport6 mi (9 km) from the city centre
Getting around Lynchburg
Driving is perhaps the most convenient way to get around Lynchburg. Apart from the Downtown area and the area on and around the campus of Liberty University, most of the city is not very friendly to pedestrian traffic.
By bus
Greater Lynchburg Transit Company (GLTC) offers bus services to the area. Single-segment trips are $2.00, and day and multi-day passes are also available. Most routes run to the central transfer center on Kemper Street and operate on 1 hour schedules. Because of this layout, however, travel from some points in the city to others may take in excess of an hour in spite of being only a few miles away. Liberty University operates an intra-campus bus service as well.
By bike
While Lynchburg has several bike lanes and bike trails; they are disjointed and do not always provide an easy way to get around the city. The Blackwater Creek Trail and the Kemper Station Trail provide bike access from downtown to the Langhorne Rd area and train station/bus transfer center respectively. Bike lanes along (most of) Rivermont Avenue allow cyclists to access Rivermont from downtown. Near the train station/ bus transfer center, there are bike lanes on a few roads but they are connected poorly.
Lynchburg travel FAQ
When is the best time to visit Lynchburg?
Based on recent weather records, the most comfortable time to visit Lynchburg is October, when average daytime highs are around 69°F and rain falls on about 5 days a month.
What is the weather like in Lynchburg?
July is usually the warmest month in Lynchburg, with average highs of 88°F (31°C). January is the coolest, with average lows of 27°F (-3°C). The wettest month is typically May, with about 141 mm of rain.
Which airport is closest to Lynchburg?
Lynchburg Regional Airport (LYH) is the closest airport, about 6 miles (9 km) from the centre of Lynchburg.
What time zone is Lynchburg in?
Lynchburg uses the America/New_York time zone (currently UTC−4). Remember to check for daylight saving changes when planning connecting flights.
How do I get around Lynchburg?
Driving is perhaps the most convenient way to get around Lynchburg. Apart from the Downtown area and the area on and around the campus of Liberty University, most of the city is not very friendly to pedestrian traffic.
What are the best places to visit in Lynchburg?
Top sights in Lynchburg include Thomas Jefferson's Poplar Forest, Appomattox Court House National Historical Park, Peaks of Otter and Point of Honor. The octagonal retreat Thomas Jefferson designed for himself southwest of Lynchburg. Tours explain his architectural ideas, the ongoing restoration work and the lives of the people enslaved on the plantation.
Where should I stay in Lynchburg?
Popular areas for hotels in Lynchburg include Lynchburg Area. Well-reviewed options include Hampton Inn & Suites Lynchburg and Tru by Hilton Lynchburg.
How many hotels can I book in Lynchburg?
Destina Holidays currently lists 41 properties in and around Lynchburg, from budget stays to luxury hotels. Search your dates to see live prices and availability.
