Peaks View Park

Peaks View Park Trails: An Untouched Gem in Lynchburg, Virginia

The Peaks View Park, nestled in the heart of Lynchburg, Virginia, has always been known for its stunning landscapes and recreational amenities. But, it seems that the park's intricate network of bike trails has somehow eluded the limelight. Until now.

Trail Overview

• Distance: 8 mi
• Level: Intermediate
• Route type: Network
• Location: Lynchburg, Virginia

Peaks View Park boasts a range of trails with varying levels of difficulty. The majority of these are blue (intermediate), with frequent short and steep ascends and descends. These trails demand a technical skill set, interspersed with tight, twisty, rhythmic singletracks that make the ride thrilling, to say the least. The expert trails, notably "Roller Coaster" and "Bottom Out", present their own unique challenges, offering the more experienced riders an opportunity to test their skills.Thanks to the dedicated efforts of the Central Virginia Mountain Bike Association, the trails remain in impeccable condition and are marked adequately for easy navigation. Their website, Central Virginia Mountain Bike Assoc, provides more details for those interested.

Trail Access and Navigation

Upon reaching the park and parking by the iconic red barn, riders can cross the wooden bridge over the creek and turn right to begin their journey. The paved bike path meanders past a basketball court, soccer fields, and softball fields. With three trail heads to choose from, it's recommended for riders to head straight past the first two and start at trail head III for an encompassing experience of what the network offers.For the uninitiated, starting with the "Mimosa" trail leading to the back corner of the network is a good bet. From there, the interconnected trails like "Lower Piney", "Cyclone", and the thrilling "Roller Coaster" offer an adventure of their own. And that's just the tip of the iceberg; there are more trails waiting to be explored.

Rider Insights and Recommendations

• Safety: The trails, although meticulously maintained, are notorious for being rooty and tight. A rider's core is constantly engaged, and focus is imperative to avoid mishaps.
• Customization: Building one's own loop and setting weekly time trials adds to the fun quotient.
• Novice Warning: The park may not be suitable for beginners. Several riders recount their experiences with novice cyclists struggling to navigate the trails.
• Trail Alterations: Some changes have been made to the trail routes due to conservation efforts and grooming.
• Trail Map: For those who like to plan their routes, a detailed Trail Map is available.

When it comes to recommended trails, the favorites among the regulars seem to be "Tom Cat", "Bowl-A-Rama", "Roller Coaster", and "Outback". The park also offers a small skills area and jumps named "Three Amigos" for those looking to practice and hone their skills.

Final Thoughts

For lovers of mildly aggressive XC, Peaks View Park promises to be a haven. With its plethora of trails catering to