6 Great Reasons to Experience the Loop de 'Ville in Charlottesville

It’s rare to find a car-free stretch of trails so close to city life! The Rivanna Trail can be easily accessed all across the city, offering you plenty of chances to make a whole day out of your trail experience by grabbing a tasty meal or beverage along the route. There are several craft breweries located near the trail like Hogwaller Brewing, Decipher Brewing, and Selvedge Brewing, as well as cafe and sandwich stops like Bodo's Bagels and The Workshop at The Wool Factory. You can explore more "Points of Interest" on the map below.

The Rivanna Trail wraps around the heart of Charlottesville, providing a wide range of hotels and accommodations you can stay in, from a boutique hotel to a B&B.

Whether you prefer to walk, run, or even bike, the Loop de 'Ville festival provides the opportunity to complete a guided/supported journey of the entire 20+ mile loop with others! Each group will hit the trail at different start times:

20-Mile Full Loop Run

Start Time: 8 AM (7:30 Check-In) at Rivanna River Company
Run Time: Approximately 4 Hours

Difficulty Level: This is a strenuous run — 20 miles over occasionally uneven terrain. There will be a number of volunteers in the group and seven on-course aid stations, but aside from those this run is self-supported, and participants will spread out into faster and slower groups. Assess your endurance honestly. . . and break in your shoes before the day!

20-Mile Full Loop Hike

Start Time: 8:30 AM at Rivanna River Company
Walk Time: Approximately 9 Hours this is the signature event since 2002!

Difficulty Level: This is a strenuous hike – not technically difficult, but it’s a long day. There will be a number of volunteers in our group and over the course of the day that may fall into faster and slower groups, but please assess your endurance and break in your boots before the hike day.

20-Mile Full Loop Bike

Start Time: 11 AM, 1 PM, or 2:30 PM (depending on your speed) at Rivanna River Company

Join a group ride around the entire 20-mile Rivanna Trail loop. There will be three group rides available: SLOW (6-7 hours), BRISK (4-5 hours), and FAST (2.5-3 hours). These rides are "No Drop," meaning there will be a ride leader and a sweeper so that nobody gets lost or left behind.

This event is for everyone, including those that may not want to do a full 20 miles! Pick a section of the Loop to run, hike, or bike! You are welcome to: do an out-and-back, bring two cars and drop one at your desired destination, hop on with the guided group at any Cheer Zone, or utilize the bailout/sag wagon (free shuttle service at Cheer Zones that will take you back to the Rivanna River Company or to another Cheer Zone).

This is a great chance to explore a new section you may not have done before!

You can choose your section using the routes from Rivanna Trail Monthly Walks but be sure to check in at any Cheer Zone when you arrive for your trail experience. There’s plenty of parking at each Cheer Zone location with fluids and snacks that you’re welcome to take with you and/or enjoy when you’re done.

Saturday night is when the fun really takes off! Join the After Party at Rivanna River Company for a free concert from Ebony Groove with DJ Double U, local beers, and food truck fare, plus a raffle with some seriously sick prizes, and loads of fun celebrating the accomplishments on the trail (whether you Looped that day or not)!

The group hike will end at the Rivanna River Company about 5 PM in time for the concert. Beer and food can be purchased at Hogwaller Brewing all afternoon. Local beer, wine, and food trucks will be on-site at Rivanna River Company starting at 12 PM, with the concert beginning at 4:30 PM.

This family-friendly event is free and open to the public – everyone is invited! Participation in the weekend’s trail events is not required to attend the concert and After Party.

The Loop de’Ville Festival exists to introduce the beauty of the trail system to the wider community and ensure it continues to exist for generations to come! Proceeds raised throughout the Festival weekend will benefit the Rivanna Trails Foundation which is dedicated to maintaining the trail, expanding its offerings, and reaching a wider and more diverse set of trail users.

By taking part in an event or attending the After Party, you’ll contribute to the Rivanna Trails Foundation’s new trail maintenance program which will hire local youth from underserved communities in Charlottesville to help maintain and experience the Rivanna Trail.

Don’t miss the chance to take part in this special outdoor event! Registration is now open on the Rivanna Trails website where you can find more information on all the rides and regular trail programming.

See you on the trail!