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Otter Lake Dam Waterfall – View of Otter Lake loop from James River Parking Area

Otter Lake Dam Waterfall – View of Otter Lake loop from James River Parking Area

Hard

4.8

(8081)

8,082

riders

Otter Lake Dam Waterfall – View of Otter Lake loop from James River Parking Area

03:37

72.0km

960m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: April 26, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 761 m for 133 m

After 71.8 km for 293 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

827 m

Otter Lake Dam Waterfall

Highlight • Waterfall

Otter Creek is known for its multitude of beaver dams and beaver activity, but no dam in the area is as impactful as the man-made Otter Lake Dam. The dam …

Tip by

1.03 km

View of Otter Lake

Highlight • Viewpoint

You get a great view of Otter Lake without ever having to leave the parkway from here. You'll bike beside Otter Creek and Otter Creek Trail for a few miles …

Tip by

71.6 km

Crossing the James River

Highlight • Bridge

The Blue Ridge Parkway crosses over the James River here via a bridge. There are some trails and parking areas here near the river, making this a great starting/stopping point or a resupply location.

Tip by

71.9 km

View of the James River

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Trail of Trees next to the James River Visitor Center is an interpretive trail filled with history and views of the James River. A footbridge crosses the river underneath …

Tip by

72.0 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

39.5 km

22.6 km

6.54 km

2.73 km

433 m

201 m

Surfaces

63.8 km

7.72 km

349 m

146 m

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (310 m)

Lowest point (160 m)

Weather

Today

Saturday 30 May

29°C

14°C

0 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 10.0 km/h

to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route

Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.

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Otter Lake Dam Waterfall – View of Otter Lake loop from James River Parking Area

Otter Lake Dam Waterfall

View of Otter Lake

Crossing the James River

View of the James River

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