Sole Mates Claytor Nature Center

Denise leading the Sole Mates 

at Smith Mountain Lake State Park

Sole Mates Trail Description 2022

Quarry Gardens opened in the spring of 2017 with about two miles of walking trail, more than 30 galleries of native plant communities, and a Visitor Center that includes exhibits on native plants, local ecosystems, and the history of the soapstone industry in Schuyler, as well as a classroom. The trails have lots of stairs and is considered very challenging.

The Chessie Trail parallels the Maury River from East Lexington to Buena Vista for seven miles.

James River State Park The park offers an enjoyable stroll on the boardwalk around the lake or try a more challenging hike through the rolling farm meadows that surround the lake.

Virginia BlueRidge Railway Trail This trail is located in the rolling Virginia countryside and follows the banks of the Piney and Tye Rivers along the path of the longest running, commercially successful short-line railway in America. This trail provides a safe, aesthetically pleasing walking experience.

James River State Park The park offers an enjoyable stroll on the boardwalk around the lake or try a more challenging hike through the rolling farm meadows that surround the lake.

High Bridge Trail  following the wide, gentle grade of the former South Side Railroad, a spur off the Norfolk Southern Railway.

Black Water Creek Trails are part of the larger James River Heritage Trail System & provide a number of paved trails that follow the creek through the city. Segments of the different trails include both flat and slightly hilly enjoyable walks with breathtaking scenery.

Peaks View Park is the second largest park in Lynchburg featuring the Ivy Creek Greenway, which runs parallel to Ivy Creek as it flows through the center of the park. This trail is paved and ADA compliant with additional walking trails throughout the park providing an opportunity to explore the park, with the sounds of more active recreation and nearby Ivy Creek as a pleasant backdrop.

Wayside Park  is located in Hurt, Va. The park has nature trails along with a pedestrian swinging bridge. 

Hollins Mill Trails are part of the larger James River Heritage Trail System & provide paved trails that follow the creek. The trail includes both flat and slightly hilly enjoyable walks with breathtaking scenery.

Percival Island is part of the larger James River Heritage Trail System and is a paved trail that follows the James River. The last half of the Percival Island Trail crosses over into Amherst County.

Falling Creek is a 10-mile trail network in the park that is designed for hiking, mountain biking and trail running. The trail varies in difficulty from easy to difficult.

Peaks of Otter This easy, one mile loop trail around Abbott Lake takes hikers through a woodland forest and open field, offering a close-up view of this picturesque lake.