Readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine voted Bedford, VA as the Top Small Adventure Town for 2020! Come experience wide-open spaces and natural scenic beauty with an abundance of outdoor recreation opportunities, including trails for biking and hiking, disc golf, the beautiful Peaks of Otter mountains, Smith Mountain Lake, and more! Even though the temperature continues to drop, Bedford is still the ideal place to get your adventure on anytime of the year!
HIKING
Hiking the Blue Ridge Mountains is one of the most popular activities in Bedford! The Peaks of Otter is a favorite destination even in the winter. The cold brisk air, a nice warm jacket, and your favorite hiking buddy are all you need for a great adventure! You might even get lucky and see snow on the mountains when you get to the top!
BIKING
If biking is more your style, Bedford County has four parks with more than 30 miles of trails! Falling Creek Bike Park was designed and built specifically for mountain bikers. From single track and paved paths to a pumptrack and skills area, riders from all over the East Coast come to progress to new skill levels. New London Tech Trails is a great place for beginners with seven miles of trails, smooth rolling terrain, limited trip hazards, and clear lines of sight.
DISC GOLF
While visiting any of Bedford’s parks, make sure to bring your discs for a round of disc golf! Bedford is home to four disc golf courses with a brand new pro-level course designed by world disc golf champion Paul McBeth slated to open in 2021! If you are a beginner, Falling Creek Park would be a good course to start with. For more intermediate play, consider the course at Independence Park.
FISHING
When you think about the winter you usually don’t think about going to a lake, but Smith Mountain Lake is the perfect outing, especially if you like to fish! Bass fishing is very popular in the winter and some actually prefer it over the warmer months. It’s the perfect excuse for a weekend getaway with a cabin rental at Smith Mountain Lake State Park or check out Bedford’s many lodging accommodations.
HORSEBACK RIDING
Horseback riding is a great family adventure for the winter. Spring Valley Farm offers trail rides for riders 8 and up that can enjoy a safe and relaxing ride over 600 acres. While riding the trail you will get to see views of the Blue Ridge Mountains and you can even ride side by side with your riding buddies. For more horseback riding trails and farms in Bedford, check out our website!