The Ruskin Freer Loop Trail is designed to showcase the amazing abundance of plant and animal life in the Ruskin Freer Nature Preserve. This 115 acre preserve is named in honor of Ruskin Freer, a noted teacher of biology at Lynchburg College who inspired generations of individuals to love and protect wildlife.  The preserve is located near the center of the Blackwater Creek Natural Area and shows various stages of plant growth marked by five interpretive signs and 36 plant identification signs along the loop trail. 

The Ruskin Freer Loop Trail is one of the most popular trails in the park system for visitors who want to explore the unique ecosystem of the Blackwater Creek Natural Area. It is a quiet, contemplative place that offers many opportunities to increase or renew your understanding of the natural world.

The Freer Loop Trail can be accessed directly by the Creekside Trail near Thomson Drive or along the Blackwater Creek Bikeway via the Freer Link Trail about 1/2 mile east of the Ed Page entrance. The Beaver Trail links to the Freer Loop Trail at two spots; it terminates at the Freer Loop Trail to the west, and links to it through the Beaver Link and Freer Link trails. 

The Freer Loop Trail is not paved and is restricted to foot travel only. Please help us preserve this special area by following all of the rules for natural areas.

Since there are so many places to enter the trail system and get to the Ruskin Freer Loop Trail, we have provided a map that can be viewed or downloaded by clicking on the link for the Blackwater Creek Natural Area Trail System.