The Blackwater Creek Natural Area (BWCNA) is primarily a linear greenway that follows the winding route of Blackwater Creek, incorporating wooded hillsides and stream valleys throughout its length. Extensive trails- both paved and earthen- allow hikers, bikers, and runners access to most of the natural area, as well as connecting busy neighborhoods, schools, and parks to the peace and solitude of the BWCNA.

Many varieties of plants and animals thrive in the BWCNA. Tree species found in the natural area include sycamore, spice bush, paw-paw, walnut, oak, pine, hickory, maple, and tulip poplar. The abundant flora provides food and habitat to support the deer, wild turkeys, oppossums, raccoons, foxes, snakes, and rodents. An abundance of bird species, including cardinals, doves, sparrows, finches, blue jays, owls, hawks, wrens, flickers, herons, and pileated woodpeckers can be found.

Located near the center of the Blackwater Creek Natural Area, is the Ruskin Freer Nature Preserve named in honor of a renowned biology teacher at Lynchburg College. The preserve has an interpretive loop trail that includes plant identification signs, as well as information about plant growth and succession.