Claytor Nature Center

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Claytor Nature Center The Claytor Nature Center is a 491-acre conserved property of the University of Lynchburg. Come enjoy nature with us!

We are are open for visitors seven days a week
8:30 am- 5:30 pm October- March
8:30 am- 7:30 pm April- September Claytor Nature Center is open to the public for independent, outdoor recreation; also, by reservation for our programming and indoor amenities. Open daily from 8:30am-7:30pm; GATES CLOSE AUTOMATICALLY at 7:30pm! Sign-in to register your visit and find more helpful information at Education Building Parking lot Kiosk. By being on-site, you agree to follow our policies: Dogs on leash at all times, pick up after your dogs, and Leave No Trace principles.

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General Inquiries, EcoLodge/Pavilion/Ed Building rentals, Campground reservations
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Belk Astronomical Observatory programming
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Cloverlea Farmhouse, photography sessions, special events & weddings

The Claytor Nature Center is a breathtakingly beautiful 491-acre conserved property of the .of.Lynchburg in rural Bedford County, near the base of the Peaks of Otter and Blue Ridge Parkway. Our environment and facilities support our mission to enhance the learning experience about nature through education and research, to demonstrate and promote positive and sustainable human environment interactions, and to preserve and enhance the diversity and function of ecosystems. We offer science and nature experiences for all ages through classes, seminars, and workshops. We also provide facilities and support for events such as weddings, family gatherings, and group retreats in our Cloverlea Farmhouse and Virginia Claytor Memorial Gardens, and the Boyd Claytor Education and Research Building, Chandler Eco-Lodge, and campground and New Horizons 'Camphitheater'. We host leadership and meditation retreats for those groups that want to be offline and in a space that allows for creativity and relaxation.

Claytor education opportunities for the young and the young at heart! Join us- tomorrow and Friday!
10/21/2026

Claytor education opportunities for the young and the young at heart!

Join us- tomorrow and Friday!

This Friday! Get your young learners signed up!🍂📝🪾🥾🖼️🖌️🍁
10/20/2026

This Friday! Get your young learners signed up!
🍂📝🪾🥾🖼️🖌️🍁

Really looking forward to this! Join us! 🥾🍂🍁
10/18/2026

Really looking forward to this! Join us! 🥾🍂🍁

Come hike with us! 🦉 🦇 🪾🥾
10/16/2026

Come hike with us! 🦉 🦇 🪾🥾

Children’s crafts, art and journaling! Get them signed up! The 3-5 year old group is almost full but we still have some...
10/15/2026

Children’s crafts, art and journaling! Get them signed up!
The 3-5 year old group is almost full but we still have some spaces left in our two older groups! 🍂🍁

Register by emailing:
[email protected]

Just a reminder!Coffee on the Porch has been bumped to next Thursday!
10/15/2026

Just a reminder!
Coffee on the Porch has been bumped to next Thursday!

Please note: Change of Date!We’ve bumped this event to NEXT Thursday, 10/22.Hope to see you there!☕️ Thanks!
10/13/2026

Please note: Change of Date!
We’ve bumped this event to NEXT Thursday, 10/22.
Hope to see you there!
☕️

Thanks!

October Children’s Education Programs! 🍁🍂
10/12/2026

October Children’s Education Programs! 🍁🍂

Thank you!
10/10/2026

Thank you!

So many interesting finds at Claytor Nature Center these days.If anyone captured any photos of the monarchs at Claytor y...
10/08/2026

So many interesting finds at Claytor Nature Center these days.

If anyone captured any photos of the monarchs at Claytor yesterday, please share!

Keep exploring 🥾

Address

1844 Woods Road
Bedford, VA
24523

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 7:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 7:30pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 7:30pm
Thursday 8:30am - 7:30pm
Friday 8:30am - 7:30pm
Saturday 8:30am - 7:30pm
Sunday 8:30am - 7:30pm

Telephone

(434) 544-8360

Website

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