Click the button below for information on sports programs run by the County.
Programs offered by other organizations
If you are hosting a special event, such as a parade, festival, or other public event, you must complete and submit an application to the Recreation Department.
For questions, please contact the Special Event Coordinator at the Amherst County Recreation & Tourism Department at (434) 946-9371.
The Coolwell Community Center is the new home of our Amherst Senior Centers.
The Senior Center is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
The address is 646 N Coolwell Rd., Amherst, VA. 24521.
The schedule of activities may vary greatly, including table and card games, arts and crafts, local shopping and sight-seeing trips, nutrition and health specialists, and various other special events.
Programs
Busch Gardens Tickets
Kings Dominion Tickets
Available to purchase Mondays-Fridays 9AM-4PM
Amherst County Recreation & Tourism
219 Francis Avenue, Monroe, VA
434 946-9371
The County of Amherst has several wonderful trails for the enthusiast to choose from. There is something for everyone!
This blacktop hiking/biking trail is accessible from Percival's Island Natural Area. The trail extends from Lynchburg's Blackwater Creek Trail, crossing the railroad trestle onto Percival's Isle from Lynchburg. It traverses the island for about one mile along an old railroad bed. The trail continues across the James River on another trestle and along the James River in Amherst County for another 1 ½ miles. This is a beautiful scenic walk or bike ride through a historical area. The trail is now accessible in Amherst County at the end of Fertilizer Road [enter via the Central Virginia Training School].
VIRGINIA BLUE RIDGE RAILWAY TRAIL
This trail is idyllically located in the rolling Virginia countryside. It follows the banks of the Piney and Tye Rivers along the path of the longest-running, commercially successful short-line railway in America. It provides a perfect opportunity to relive the historically significant events that developed and changed Amherst and Nelson Counties. Another 2 miles of trail has recently been completed in the Amherst County portion of this trail. This extends the 2-mile stretch of the trail established in Nelson County for hikers, bikers, and horseback riding. The two access points are currently located at Piney River and Roses Mill.
Approximately 25 miles of this trail passes through Amherst County from the Nelson County line to the James River—many beautiful and scenic trails run through the county's mountains. Enjoy the sights from Mt. Pleasant, Cole Mountain, Tar Jacket, and Rocky Row Run, to name a few.
HENRY LANUM MEMORIAL TRAIL
Located in the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area, this 4.8-mile loop leads to Mount Pleasant's 4,071-foot summit, which offers panoramic 360-degree views.
A 5-mile loop, combined with the Appalachian Trail, across the meadows on the summit of Cole Mountain with fantastic views of the Amherst foothills and the western valley.
MOUNT PLEASANT NATIONAL SCENIC AREA
Located in the Glenwood and Pedlar Ranger Districts of Amherst County, this 7,580-acre area is part of the George Washington National Forest and is accessible by Route 60 West. It offers excellent opportunities for solitude and serenity and is very popular for various forms of dispersed recreation, including hiking, hunting, and fishing. The core of the Mount Pleasant National Scenic Area is remote in appearance. Motor vehicles are permitted only on open roads. For additional information, visit www.fs.fed.us.
PANTHER FALLS
This waterfall along the Pedlar River is accessible with just a short hike from your vehicle. It provides a great spot to relax on a hot summer day.
STATON CREEK FALLS
Breathtaking beauty and a half-mile thrill for the white water enthusiast. This is just one of several fine, steep creeks in the Nelson/Amherst County region.
From the Atlantic Ocean of Virginia's eastern border to the towering Mt. Rogers at its southwest corner, the Commonwealth includes every natural bird and animal habitat between Maine and Florida. Virginia also offers a long history, rich culture, and a tradition of warm hospitality to welcome visitors.
Within Virginia's 43,000 square miles of diverse natural habitat, you can find some 400 species of birds, 250 species of fish, 150 species of terrestrial and marine animals, 150 species of amphibians and reptiles, and a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial invertebrates. The Virginia Birding and Wildlife Trail celebrates this diversity. It is the first statewide program of its kind in the United States. All three phases of the trail link wildlife viewing sites throughout the state have been completed: The Coastal, Piedmont, and Mountain Phases.
Amherst County has several trail loops listed in the Mountain Phase trail system. The Lynchburg Loop includes the James River Heritage Trail along the county's southern border. The Sleeping Giant Loop includes Mt. Pleasant Scenic Area, Mill Creek Lake, Stonehouse Lake, Thrashers Lake, and the Virginia Blue Ridge Railway Trail.
For further information or a map of one of the three phases, visit the Amherst County Recreation Department, contact the Virginia Tourism Corporation at 1-866-VABIRDS (822-4737), or visit www.dgif.state.va.us.
SOUTH PEDLAR ATV TRAIL SYSTEM
The Terrapin and Rattlesnake trailhead parking lots are posted along Rt. 130. For more information, contact the Glenwood /Pedlar Ranger District of the National Forest Service @ 540-291-2188.
If you haven't already noticed, Amherst County is becoming well-known and popular for its scenic beauty and natural settings. The county maintains several parks in attractive locations, be it on the historic James River or at the foot of the fabulous Blue Ridge Mountains. Pack a picnic, gather the fishing gear, round up the family, and make it a point to visit each park.
*County park hours are one hour after sunrise and one hour before sunset. [Please note that county code stipulates that consumption of alcoholic beverages is strictly prohibited on all county property.]
COOLWELL PARK
Located on Coolwell Road, south of the Town of Amherst, this recreational park has a picnic area with grills, a play area for children, restrooms, lighted all-purpose fields (soccer, football, and softball), outdoor basketball courts, radio-controlled raceway, a nature trail, and an outdoor amphitheater. The community center located at the park is available to civic organizations and school groups on a reservation basis. It is also available for rent to private individuals on a reservation (rental fee) basis. For additional information, call the Recreation Department.
MONACAN PARK
This park is located on the scenic and historic James River. The park offers a boat ramp and small dock for boat access to the river, a covered picnic pavilion and picnic area, a play area for children, and restroom facilities. It is located in the Elon area of the county.
Directions: take Rt. 130 W. to Elon. Turn left on Monacan Park Rd. The park is located at the end of Monacan Park Road.
RIVEREDGE PARK
Located at the base of Rocky Hill Road, on the James River, this park currently offers boat and fishing access to the James River. Other amenities include a playground and the Sara Lu Christian Walking Trail beside the James River.
MILL CREEK LAKE
Located in the Temperance area of the county, this park is considered by many residents to be the most scenic and is extremely popular with the fishermen! It rests on a 190-acre watershed lake open for fishing (no gasoline-powered boats allowed) and a small beach area for swimming. It consists of a boat ramp, floating dock, swing jump, picnic tables, grills, a play area for children, and restroom facilities. Directions: Turn onto Rt. 778 off of Rt. 60 West. Turn right on Rt. 610. Follow the
signs.
STONEHOUSE LAKE PARK
Located in the Temperance area of the county, this park rests on a beautiful 41-acre Watershed lake and is open for fishing only. A boat ramp provides access to the lake (no gasoline-powered boats allowed). A covered picnic pavilion, picnic tables, grills, a play area for children, and restroom facilities make this park an attractive setting for family/group picnics and activities. Directions: Turn on Rt. 778 off of Rt. 60 W. Turn left onto Rt. 610. Follow the signs.
THRASHERS LAKE PARK
Located in the Temperance area of the county, this park rests on an attractive 36-acre watershed lake open for fishing only. It consists of a boat ramp (no gasoline-powered boats allowed), picnic tables and grills, a play area for children, and restroom facilities. Directions: turn onto Rt. 778 off of Rt. 60 W. Turn left on Rt 610. Follow the signs.
Seminole Park
Seminole Park 101 High Street,
Madison Heights, VA 24572
Seminole Park located in Madison Heights off of High Street provides a dog park for large and small dogs, two pavilions, a walking trail and an awesome playground for all ages. It is the county’s newest park and it officially opened in October of 2024.
If you need assistance with Grounds and Parks & Trails (this would include grounds maintenance, parks maintenance, or litter and trash concerns), please let us know by using the Grounds Maintenance Work Request.
Five county parks are open to the public, but they are closed after dark. However, for those who want to fish at night on any of the three county lakes, you can purchase a night-time fishing license. You must go to the Recreation Department between 9:00 AM and 4:30 PM, Monday through Friday. Licenses are good through December 31st and can be purchased from the Recreation Department between 9:00 am and 4:30 pm Monday through Friday.
A current VA fishing license is necessary and must be presented to purchase a night fishing license.
Fee:
$10.00 for county resident
$15.00 for non-county resident
OTHER OUTDOOR PROGRAMS:
$15.00 for non-county resident
OTHER OUTDOOR PROGRAMS:
The Amherst County Parks, Recreation and Cultural Development Board (ACPRCD Board) meets the second Monday of each month at 7:00PM in the Amherst County Administration Building to review budget, activities, and discuss the future of leisure services in Amherst County.
These meetings are open to the public. Individuals and groups are welcome and encouraged to bring matters concerning recreation in the county to these meetings.
In order to get on the agenda, please call the Recreation Department at least three weeks prior to a scheduled meeting date.
| District 1 (Vice Chair) | Bailey Angus email: StevielAngus@Aol.com | 907-2348 |
| District 2 | Roni Tuggle email: TugFamily4@ComCast.Net | 946-2516 |
| District 3 (Chair) | Heather Follett email: hhfollett@gmail.com | 841-4032 |
| District 4 | Sara Lu Christian email: | 944-5509 |
| District 5 | John Mann email: J.Mann3@Aol.com | 929-1508 |
| Student Representative | Caitlyn Baxter |
Area Code 434 unless otherwise noted.
Volunteers are needed for special events and sporting activities, along with a variety of other seasonal programs. If you would be willing to serve the county in this capacity, please call the Recreation Department for additional information. Thank you!
Various Classes are offered periodically, such as Yoga, Aerobics, Zumba, Line Dancing, and more.
- Recent
News - Useful
Links - Services
In this Department
Topics of Interest
More Information
Contact Us
Randal Nixon, Director
- Phone: (434) 946-9371
- Staff Directory
- Office Hours:
8:30am - 5:00 Monday - Friday
