
Ivy Creek Park
A serene urban oasis featuring Clemmons Lake, offering fishing, paddling, and scenic trails for a peaceful escape.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded

Ivy Creek Park
Best Time
Peaceful and less crowded
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene urban oasis featuring Clemmons Lake, offering fishing, paddling, and scenic trails for a peaceful escape.
"A beautiful hidden gem located in the city. Nice well maintained walking paths and some gorgeous views."

🚶♀️ Walk the Clemmons Lake Loop
Enjoy the 1.7-mile loop trail, perfect for dogs and scenic views. Mix of sun and shade!
🎣 Budget-Friendly Fishing
Clemmons Lake offers fishing for catfish and trout. A great spot for a quiet day of angling.

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Clemmons Lake Loop Trail
Around Clemmons Lake
An excellent 1.7-mile loop offering a mix of shaded woods and sunny open areas. Perfect for walks, dog strolls, and enjoying lake views.

Paddling Adventures
Clemmons Lake
Rent a kayak or canoe for a unique perspective of the park. A refreshing way to explore the lake and its surroundings.

Fishing at Clemmons Lake
Clemmons Lake
Cast a line for catfish and trout in this serene lake. A peaceful activity for anglers of all levels.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Serenity
Fishing & Paddling Fun
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Walk the Clemmons Lake Loop
Enjoy the 1.7-mile loop trail, perfect for dogs and scenic views. Mix of sun and shade!
🎣 Budget-Friendly Fishing
Clemmons Lake offers fishing for catfish and trout. A great spot for a quiet day of angling.
🛶 Paddle on the Lake
Kayak and canoe rentals are available, often on weekends, for a unique park experience.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
The park is great for walking your dog, with varied terrain and fewer geese in wooded areas.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Walk the Clemmons Lake Loop
Enjoy the 1.7-mile loop trail, perfect for dogs and scenic views. Mix of sun and shade!
🎣 Budget-Friendly Fishing
Clemmons Lake offers fishing for catfish and trout. A great spot for a quiet day of angling.
🛶 Paddle on the Lake
Kayak and canoe rentals are available, often on weekends, for a unique park experience.
🐶 Dog-Friendly Strolls
The park is great for walking your dog, with varied terrain and fewer geese in wooded areas.
📸 Drone Views
Capture stunning aerial perspectives of the lake and park, especially beautiful in autumn.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Ivy Creek Park being a peaceful, clean, and beautiful hidden gem within the city. The well-maintained trails around Clemmons Lake offer gorgeous views and a mix of shaded and sunny paths, making it ideal for walks and dog outings. While some wish for more benches, the overall sentiment is one of serene enjoyment and a true escape.
"Very quiet. Relaxing. Wish it had more sitting benches throughout the park"
Nancy Alexandre
"A very peaceful place to go. Nice lake. The park was clean."
Dawn Warren
"A beautiful hidden gem located in the city. Nice well maintained walking paths and some gorgeous views. The inclines can be a bit of a workout but well worth it and manageable. Truly a must see."
Anonymous Hippopotamus
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ivy Creek Park is located in Lynchburg, Virginia. It's easily accessible by car, with ample parking available. Many visitors use GPS navigation to find the park entrance.
Information on public transportation routes directly to Ivy Creek Park is limited. Driving is the most common and convenient way to access the park.
The park is typically open from 7 AM to dusk for general access. Fishing hours are also within this timeframe. Always check the official Lynchburg Parks and Recreation website for the most current hours.
Absolutely! Ivy Creek Park is a perfect destination for a day trip, offering walking trails, a lake for fishing and paddling, and picnic spots.
There are designated parking areas within the park, usually near the main entrance and trailheads. Parking is generally ample, especially on weekdays.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Ivy Creek Park is generally free to enter. There are no admission fees for general park access.
While park entry is free, there may be fees for kayak and canoe rentals. Fishing is permitted with a valid Virginia fishing license.
Information on reserving picnic spots is not widely available. It's best to arrive early, especially on weekends, to secure a good spot.
Pets are welcome at Ivy Creek Park, especially on the trails. It's recommended to keep them on a leash and clean up after them.
The playground is part of the park's amenities and is free to use.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Clemmons Lake Loop Trail is highly recommended for its scenic beauty and manageable length. There are also additional smaller trails branching off.
With its diverse habitats including lake, woods, and open areas, Ivy Creek Park offers good opportunities for birdwatching.
Restroom facilities are available within the park, typically located near parking areas and popular trail access points.
Visitors can expect to see various birds, squirrels, and potentially other small mammals. The lake is home to fish, and you might see geese in open areas.
The main loop trail around Clemmons Lake is generally well-maintained and can be suitable for strollers. Some of the inclines might be challenging for wheelchairs.
🍽️ 🎣 Food & Dining
There are no restaurants located directly within Ivy Creek Park. Visitors are encouraged to bring their own food and drinks for picnics.
Yes, Ivy Creek Park is an ideal spot for picnics. There are open areas and scenic spots perfect for enjoying a meal outdoors.
You'll find various dining options in the nearby city of Lynchburg. It's recommended to grab food before heading to the park.
Park regulations regarding alcohol consumption can vary. It's best to check the official Lynchburg Parks and Recreation guidelines before your visit.
Many visitors enjoy picnicking near the lake or in the open grassy areas. The playground area also offers convenient spots.
📸 📸 Photography
The shores of Clemmons Lake offer beautiful reflections and scenic views. The wooded trails provide lovely dappled light, and the open areas are great for capturing the landscape.
Drone photography has been captured at Ivy Creek Park, showcasing unique aerial perspectives of the lake and its surroundings. Always be mindful of park regulations regarding drone usage.
Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography, casting a warm glow over the lake and trails.
The viewpoints along the Clemmons Lake Loop Trail provide excellent opportunities for capturing the lake's beauty. Elevated spots offer panoramic vistas.
While beautiful year-round, autumn offers vibrant colors, making it a particularly stunning season for photography. Spring brings fresh greenery, and summer provides lush landscapes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy by the lake or at one of the open grassy areas. Fishing can be a fun, budget-friendly activity for older kids, and the availability of kayak and canoe rentals on weekends offers an exciting adventure for the whole family. Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks!
🐶 Dog Owners
Many dog owners appreciate that the wooded sections of the trail tend to have less goose poop compared to the open areas, making for a cleaner walk. Just remember to keep your dog on a leash and always clean up after them to ensure the park remains enjoyable for everyone.
🎣 Anglers on a Budget
Entry to the park is free, and while a Virginia fishing license is required, the overall expense for a day of fishing is minimal. It's a peaceful setting to cast a line and enjoy the outdoors without breaking the bank.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Clemmons Lake
For those who prefer to be on the water, kayak and canoe rentals are available, often on weekends. Paddling provides a unique perspective of the park's natural beauty and is a refreshing way to spend an afternoon. The lake's calm waters are ideal for both beginners and experienced paddlers.
Beyond fishing and paddling, the lake itself is a scenic centerpiece, with its shores providing picturesque views and a sense of peaceful seclusion, making it feel like you're far from city limits.
Hiking and Trails at Ivy Creek Park
While the main loop is popular, the park also features a few extra trails, allowing for exploration and varied hiking experiences. Some of these paths can present inclines, offering a bit of a workout, but the rewarding views make the effort worthwhile. The trails are generally manageable and well-marked, catering to different fitness levels.
Many visitors appreciate the natural beauty encountered on the trails, noting the peaceful atmosphere and the feeling of being immersed in nature, even within city limits. The mix of terrain and scenery ensures a dynamic and enjoyable hiking experience.
Family and Community Fun
The park's serene environment and accessible amenities make it a great destination for family outings. Whether it's enjoying a picnic, exploring the trails, or simply relaxing by the lake, Ivy Creek Park provides a welcoming atmosphere for shared experiences.
Community members often share their positive experiences, emphasizing the park's role in fostering connection and providing a beautiful, natural setting for recreation and relaxation. It's seen as a valuable asset for the Lynchburg area, promoting outdoor activity and well-being.






Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit