50.5 - Va. 607; no access
51.1 - U.S.F.S. road to Bluff Mountain Tower (gated)
52.8 - Bluff Mountain parking overlook, elev. 1850. S.
53.1 - Bluff Mountain Tunnel, 630 ft. long
53.6 - Rice Mountain parking overlook, elev. 1755
54.1 - Browns Creek, elev. 1560
55.1 - White Oak Flats parking overlook, elev. 1460
55.2 - Otter Creek, elev. 1458
55.9 - Dancing Creek parking overlook, elev. 1300
57.6 - Upper Otter Creek overlook

Mile 58 - Otter Creek

Otter Creek runs 10 miles down the Blue Ridge to the James River. Otters don't play here anymore, but people do. Otter Lake offers (63.1), fishing and hiking.

58.2 - Otter Creek Flats parking overlook, elev. 1055
59.7 - Otter Creek parking overlook
60.4 - The Riffles parking overlook, elev. 825

60.8 - Otter Creek Campground

42 tent sites, 25 trailer sites, Facilities incluide water, comfort stations with flush toilets and sinks but no shower or hook-ups. campfire circle, coffee shop, gift shop, service station.

61.4 - Terrapin Hill parking overlook, elev. 760
61.6 - Otter Creek Bridge. Va. 130, right 2 mi. to U.S. 501, 8 mi. to Glasgow; left 12 mi. to Elon, 20 mi. to Lynchburg
62.5 - Lower Otter Creek parking overlook, elev. 685
63.1 - Otter Lake parking overlook, elev. 655

63.6 - James River

The James River has been a major transportation artery through Virginia for centuries. Although originally planned to provide a navigable waterway for Great Falls at Richond to the Ohio River, the James River and Kanawha Canal was destined to extend no further west than Buchanan. When conpleted in 1851, it was the primary commercial route in the state, measuring 196.5 miles long and incorporating 90 lift locks raising water levels more than 700 feet. But civil war, floods, and railroads spelled disaster for the canal, causing it to fail within the next thirty years.

Near the James River visitor center, vistors can see one of the restored canal locks. The james River.Otter Creek recreation area is one of five developed areas along the Blue Ridge Parkway in Virginia, and is located near two highway crossings, state routes 501 and 130. Besides the vistor center, the area has a campground (60.8 mile marker), restaurant/gift shop, picnic area, and a handicapped-accessible fishing dock.

Visitor Center

The visitor center is a good place to get acquainted with the history of the area. It has an exhibit on the James River and Kanawha canal as well as background on the actural restoration of the lock. You can browse through the small bookstore or grab your hiking boots for the James River Trail and the Trail of Trees.

During the summer season there are regularly scheduled programs and guided lock tours, as well as the annual James River Batteau Festival. Stop by the vistor center for a schedule.

63.65 - Cemetery

Mile 63.8 - James River and Kanawha Canal

At the James River and Kanawha Canal a footbridge leads across the river to the restored canal locks and exhibits. A self-guiding trail goes along the river bluff.

63.7 - James River Bridge. U.S. 501, right 9 mi. to Glasgow; left 2 mi. to Big Island, 22 mi. to Lynchburg
67.1 - Falling Rock Creek
68.6 - Trail to Marble Spring Lean-to (AT Club)
69.1 - James River Valley parking overlook, elev. 1874

Mile 71 - Petites Gap

Petites Gap is named for a local family. The road to the west goes to Cave Mountain Lake, 7 miles away, in Jefferson National Forest. Swimming, picnicking, and camping are available.

71.0 - Petites Gap, elev. 2361
72.6 - Terrapin Mountain parking widening, elev. 2884.
74.7 - Thunder Ridge parking area, elev. 3485
74.8 - Thunder Hill, elev. 3510
75.5 - Arnold Valley parking widening
76.2 - U.S. Air Force road
76.5 - Apple Orchard parking widening, elev. 3933.5.
76.6 - U.S. Air Force access road to Bedford radar installation on Apple Orchard Mountain
76.7 - Highest point on Parkway in Virginia, elev. 3950
78.4 - U.S.F.S. road 35. Right to Welch; left to Methodist Church camp. Sunset Field overlook.

Mile 79.7 - Onion Mountain

Onion Mountain's short loop trail takes you through rhododendron and mountain laurel, which bloom in early June.

79.7 - Onion Mountain parking overlook, elev. 3145
80.0 - Black Rock Hill parking widening.

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