Enjoy the Best of the Blue Ridge in Destination Bedford
The Blue Ridge Parkway is widely known as America’s favorite scenic drive. In 2023, Travel & Leisure Magazine described Smith Mountain Lake as the Tahoe of the East. It’s no surprise that these exceptional attractions are among the places and businesses voted Best of the Blue Ridge.
Each year, the readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors magazine nominate their favorites in over 100 categories, and then cast their votes online for the honor of being called Best of the Blue Ridge. This year, Bedford was recognized with more nominations and winners than ever before.
Congratulations to the places, businesses and events that are winners or runners-up in their respective categories. In addition, we’re honored that Bottled in Bedford Craft Beverage Trail was nominated in its first year in operation, and that Bedford was nominated as a great place to raise an outdoor family.
Congrats to these winners, runners-up and nominees:

Smith Mountain Lake
Best Lake in the Blue Ridge – Winner

Blue Ridge Parkway
Best Public Lands in the Blue Ridge – Winner

Bedford Outdoor Adventures
Best Educational Outdoor Rec Program – Winner

Falling Creek Park
Best Bike Park – Runner Up

Falling Creek Park
Best Disc Golf Course – Runner Up

Blue Ridge Overland Gear
Best Local Gear Brand – Runner Up

Smith Mountain Lake Triathlon
Best Triathlon – Runner Up

Bedford
Best Place to Raise an Outdoor Family – Nominee

Bottled in Bedford Craft Beverage Trail
Best Beer/ Wine/ Spirits Trail – Nominee

Sharp Top Trail at Peaks of Otter
Best Hiking Trail – Nominee

The readers of Blue Ridge Outdoors also chose Bedford as a 2023 Top Adventure Town >
CHOOSE AN ADVENTURE:




Bike TrailsBOATING, SAILING, RENTALS & MARINASDISC GOLFGolf CoursesHIKING & WALKING TRAILSHORSEBACK RIDINGHUNTING & FISHINGPARKS & GARDENS

Make the Bedford Area Welcome Center your first stop. Our volunteer staff can offer advice on outdoor adventures and supply maps and brochures. They can also help with lodging and dining.
Bedford Area Welcome Center
816 Burks Hill Road (at the intersection of Route 460 and 122)
Bedford, VA 24523
Open seven days a week 9:00a.m. to 5:00p.m. (closed some holidays)
Destination Bedford offers big, bold and unforgettable experiences. You’ll see stunning beauty in the Blue Ridge Mountains and hear stories of bravery that will take your breath away at the National D-Day Memorial.

