What To Do

State Park, Parks, and Gardens

State Park

Smith Mountain Lake State Park
1235 State Park Road
Huddleston, VA 24104
540-297-6066
Web: www.dcr.state.va.us | www.dcr.virginia.gov/state_parks/smi.shtml

What to do:  Go for a walk or ride bikes along the quiet roads.  There are several small playgrounds and numerous places to sneak a peak at the lake.  Fishing and boating are also available.  Admission is required, but there is no attendant and the fee, $3 on weekdays and $4 on weekends, is paid in envelopes.  Bring single bills.

Best Roads to Ride:  Park near the swimming beach and ride up to Interpretive Trail and back.  For a challenge, ride up Overnight Road, which has larger hills.  Stay on the roads, as the trails are not meant for bikes.  If you have a child learning to ride, the paved parking lot near the swimming beach might be the place to make the move off training wheels.

Parks and Gardens

Smith Mountain Lake Community Park
Franklin County
Parkway Avenue
Smith Mountain Lake
www.franklincountyva.org/parks/sml_park.htm
When finished, this 37 acre park will have picnic shelters, hiking trails, biking trails, beach area and ADA accessible fishing area. This park will be phased in. The first phase will be the initial access to the 37 acres and shoreline stabilization. Phases two and three will include all the amenities.

Falling Creek Park: Visitors are offered a variety of leisure opportunities in Bedford County's centrally located Falling Creek Park. The 250 acre park offers a rural setting with picnic shelters, playground equipment, a fitness trail, various outdoor game courts and over 7 miles of marked trails that offer walkers, hikers, mountain bikers, runners and others, opportunities to enjoy the out of doors. The trails take users through a variety of habitats, all offering opportunities for sighting the wide variety of birds and other wildlife that frequent the park. Visitors along the bluebird trail are practically guaranteed a sighting of bluebirds and tree swallows during the spring and summer months. For more information call 540-586-7682.

Liberty Lake Park: Liberty Lake Park is comprised of 60 acres and features three developed playgrounds, a stocked fishing lake, fishing docks, three ball fields, three lighted tennis courts, state-of-the-art skateboard pod, fenced basketball courts, a roller-skating and walking loop, five picnic shelters, two concessions stands, vending machines, racquetball court and a nature trails facility featuring a paved handicapped accessible trail. Public restrooms and large open play areas are available. The Community Center is located here where many classes and programs are conducted. Liberty Lake Park is located on Hwy 122 South (Burks Hill Road).

Poplar Park: The 1.5-acre park on Grand Arbre Drive is home to the largest Yellow Poplar tree in the United States and the largest tree in Virginia. The park features picnic tables and benches.

Orange Street Park: This 2-acre ball field located on Orange Street is home for girls softball.

Greenwood Park: Located at the intersection of Greenwood Street and Quarles Street, this 3-acre park provides picnic tables, basketball courts, playground equipment and an open play area.

Reynolds Park: This 5.5-acre park on East Main Street features walking trails, gazebos and gardens.

City Lake: Located on Lake Drive, this 4-acre park features a small lake for fishing, quiet woods and picnic tables.

City Park: Located in the center of the City on Main Street, City Park provides benches for relaxation and pleasant viewing of the Historic District. Many downtown events are held here.

Edmund Street Park: This 6.5-acre park features playground equipment, picnic tables, tennis and basketball courts, gardens, horseshoes, a picnic shelter and large open play area.

The Wharton Garden: The Wharton Garden is adjacent to the Bedford Central Library and the Wharton House. Encompassing two historic structures, it consists of perennial and shrub borders, annual beds, a gazebo, brick walks and terraces and a mature boxwood maze.

Upcoming Events

  • Aug 2 - The Tams in Concert - What can be said about one of the most beloved groups in recent history? Recently voted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, this group has had many number one hits. Opening for The Tams will be the Part-Time Party-Time band. Gates open at 4:30 and music starts at 6pm. Festival held rain or shine, and no coolers or pets, please. - The Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Road, Big Island - 434-299-5080 - www.sedaliacenter.org

  • Aug 15 - Aug 16 - Rockin' 08 - New to the Sedalia line-up, this festival offers local area bands a venue to perform. This two day festival will offer rock music for all ages, by all ages. Whether you enjoy progressive, metal or classic rock, this festival is sure to have something for you. No coolers or pets, please. Festival held rain or shine. - The Sedalia Center, 1108 Sedalia School Road, Big Island - $ - 434-299-5080 - www.sedaliacenter.org

  • Aug 16 - Bedford County Family Farm Tour - 10:00am - 3:00pm - In celebration of agriculture past and present, this year's tour will highlight Johnson's Orchard and Peaks of Otter Winery, a 5th generation family farm established in 1918 and celebrating 90 years at this site. Anticipated activities on Tour Day include orchard and winery tours, viewing the major soil and water conservation practices the farm has established to protect our environment, a demonstration of an antique cider press, farm equipment and livestock; a demonstration hive of honeybees; and Bedford Area Master Gardeners on hand to answer lawn and landscape questions. Additionally, groups scheduled to be with us with information and displays include the Peaks of Otter Soil and Water Conservation District, the Society of St. Andrew, Hunters for the Hungry, The Lynchburg Bird Club, and Bedford 4-H. You will enjoy food samples and informative demonstrations. You are invited to bring a picnic lunch and camera, but please leave your pets at home. Lunch and locally produced foods will be available for purchase. - Johnson's Orchard and Peaks of Otter Winery. From Bedford, take Rt. 460 West for about 1/2 mile. Turn right on Rt. 680 (Patterson Mill Rd.). Follow road for about 4-1/2 miles, Rt. 680 bears right and becomes Sheep Creek Rd., continue on Rt. 680 for about 1 mile, farm on left. - Free - 540-586-7675 - offices.ext.vt.edu/bedford

These events and more can be found in our event calendar.

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