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Otter Lake Dam Waterfall – Thunder Ridge Overlook loop from Hamilton Knob

Otter Lake Dam Waterfall – Thunder Ridge Overlook loop from Hamilton Knob

Hard

4.9

(8432)

18,186

riders

Otter Lake Dam Waterfall – Thunder Ridge Overlook loop from Hamilton Knob

02:58

48.5km

1,050m

Road cycling

Hard road ride. Very good fitness required. Some segments of this route may be unpaved and difficult to ride. The starting point of the route is right next to a parking lot.

Last updated: March 18, 2026

Tips

Cycling is not permitted along parts of this route

After 5.35 km for 133 m

After 42.5 km for 294 m

Waypoints

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

5.03 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 …

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5.41 km

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 …

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24.3 km

Thunder Ridge Overlook

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Thunder Ridge Overlook (situated at Milepost 74 on the Blue Ridge Parkway) peers over the Arnold Valley. The overlook also offers views to the south of Thunder Ridge, which …

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27.8 km

View of Terrapin Mountain

Highlight • Viewpoint

The Terrapin Mountain Overlook is located at Milepost 72.6 on the Blue Ridge Parkway and offers views of Terrapin Mountain, which runs parallel to the parkway. This gives you a …

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42.3 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.

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42.6 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 …

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48.5 km

End point

Parking

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

42.5 km

3.67 km

1.42 km

793 m

197 m

Surfaces

46.1 km

1.08 km

1.04 km

288 m

Elevation

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

Highest point (1,060 m)

Lowest point (190 m)

Weather

Today

Tuesday 19 May

31°C

18°C

4 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 12.0 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 – Thunder Ridge Overlook loop from Hamilton Knob

View of Otter Lake

Otter Lake Dam Waterfall

Thunder Ridge Overlook

View of Terrapin Mountain

Crossing the James River

View of the James River

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