Big Island has scenic beauty and employment near highways
Big Island, 17 miles from Lynchburg, sits at the base of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The scenic community has access to highways and employment. “Big Island gives you country living with all the scenic beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains,” says Ronald Gross, a Realtor with Lyons Team Realtor. Gross is a fifth-generation farmer in Bedford County and owns Gross Orchards. “It’s a strategic location, rural but conveniently located to the Lynchburg and Bedford areas.” Big Island is a stretch of homes in simple styles, bordered by the James River and cut through by the Lee Jackson Highway. Beside the James River is the Georgia-Pacific Corporation, a building material and paper manufacturer. Near the Lee Jackson Highway is Reaves Timber, a logging contractor. “Georgia-Pacific is a large manufacturer. People can work there, and there's still timber and farming opportunities,” says Gross. “It’s a good mix.”
Parks and recreation along the James River and the Blue Ridge Mountain
The James River is a popular spot for kayaking and fishing. A footbridge spans the river, 5 miles away, and is part of the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. Within the river, the Big Island Dam provides hydroelectric power. Opposite the river, Apple Orchard Mountain and Terrapin Mountain are interlaced with trails and scenic spots. The Otter Lake Waterfall, 2 miles away from Big Island, was created by an old dam and is in the Otter Creek Recreation Area. the Otter Lake Waterfall, 2 miles away from Big Island, was created by an old dam and is in the Otter Creek Recreation Area. Visitors may fish in the lake and explore using the Otter Lake Loop Trail. The site is located along the Blue Ridge Parkway.
Homes in simple styles
Homes are on large, manicured lots surrounding winding roadways. Those further out are on farmland down long driveways. Houses are in minimal traditional and ranch styles. They range from $120,000 to $292,000. Homes rely on wells and septic systems for water and waste disposal. Those near the James River may be impacted by flooding during inclement weather.
Local highways lead to nearby towns and cities
The Lee Jackson Highway cuts through Big Island and leads to Lynchburg and Interstate 81. Big Island Highway leads to Bedford, 19 miles away. Centra Lynchburg General Hospital is 17 miles away, and the Lynchburg Regional Airport is 20 miles away. Big Island Baptist Church lines the Lee Jackson Highway for religious services.
Farm-fresh foods near Big Island
H & H Market borders the Lee Jackson Highway, serving convenience items and Hunt Brothers Pizza. Gross Orchard, 16 miles away, is a family-owned and operated orchard selling apples, peaches, ciders, dressing and preserves. “I’m a fifth-generation farmer in Bedford County,” says Gross, when discussing his family’s orchard. “People can pick their apples and peaches. We give history tours and wagon rides.” Residents head to the Forest Farmers Market, 19 miles away, for more farm-fresh produce. The market is open on Saturdays from April through November. Lynchburg also has an outdoor Community Market along Main Street that runs Tuesday through Saturday year-round. Lynchburg also has several grocery stores such as Food Lion and ALDI.
Events at the library and The Sedalia Center
The Big Island Library, 3 miles away, offers weekly programs such as chair yoga, storytimes and musical performances. The Sedalia Center, 7 miles away, is an art center that hosts festivals and events year-round. In March, the center hosts the Celtic Festival and Highland Games. Attendees participate in classic Highland games such as tug-of-war, caber toss and stone put. Most participants wear kilts during the festivities and enjoy live music, vendors and pub fare.
Students attend school in Bedford County
Bedford County Public Schools, which gets a B-minus from Niche, serves the area. Children attend Big Island Elementary, which receives a B-plus. Students continue at Liberty Middle and Liberty High, which also receive a B-minus. Liberty High is renovating its campus, including its outside awnings and theater.
Written By
Isabella Pontecorvo
