6 Reasons to Take Part in the Loop de' Ville Festival

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. At the Loop de 'Ville, there will be seven aid stations or "Cheer Zones" located around the trail. However, you can satisfy your food and drink cravings at the 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 trail with others. Remember: this is not a race! So come and chill with like-minded folks and enjoy the day! Each group will hit the trail at different start times. Take a look at the groups going out this year and be sure to register on the Loop de 'Ville website!

3-Mile Mini Loop Walk

Start Time: 2PM at Rivanna River Company
Walk Time: Approximately 1 to 2 Hours
Difficulty Level: This guided, inclusive walk is suitable for all people of all abilities. It will follow the Rivanna River south towards Riverview Park and highlight trail and stewardship projects along the urban Rivanna River corridor.

10-Mile Half Loop Run

Start Time: 10AM at Fontaine Research Park (9:30AM shuttle from Rivanna River Company)
Run Time: Approximately 2 Hours
Difficulty Level: This is a strenuous run — 10 miles over occasionally uneven terrain. We will have a number of volunteers in our group, and over the course of the run may spread out into faster and slower groups, but assess your endurance honestly. . . and break in your shoes before the day!

10-Mile Half Loop Hike

Start Time: 10AM at Fontaine Research Park (9:30AM shuttle from Rivanna River Company)
Walk Time: Approximately 4.5 Hours
Difficulty Level: This is a strenuous hike – not technically difficult, but it’s a long day. We will have a number of volunteers in our group and over the course of the day may fall into faster and slower groups.

20-Mile Full Loop Run

Start Time: 8AM (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.

20-Mile Full Loop Hike

Start Time: 8:30AM 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 Mountain Bike Ride

Start Time: 11AM, 1PM, or 2:30PM (depending on your speed) at Rivanna River Company
Bike Time: SLOW (6-7 hours), BRISK (4-5 hours), and FAST (2.5-3 hours)
Difficulty Level: These rides are "No Drop," meaning there will be a ride leader and a sweeper so that nobody gets lost or left behind.

30-Mile Super Loop Mountain Bike Ride

Start Time: 11:30AM at Rivanna River Company
Bike Time: approximately 3 to 4 hours
Difficulty Level: The new “RTF Super Loop” is here! Join CAMBC for a group bike ride around Charlottesville on the 20-mile Rivanna Trail main loop plus an additional 10 miles of the RTF’s River North trail. This ride is intended only for experienced riders who want more of a challenge. This group may break into two groups during the ride and riders can self-select into a faster group or a chill group. All groups will have a ride leader and sweeper. There will be no aid stations on the 10 miles of the River North trail.

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.

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

You can choose to experience one of the segmented sections that are part of the Rivanna Trail Monthly Walks. 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!

No matter the speed at which you recreate, this event is for you. You are encouraged to do whatever mileage you feel comfortable doing. This event is NOT A RACE, so choose your own adventure!

You don't have to participate in a trail event to join the celebration at the finish line!

There will be a DJ at the Rivanna River Company playing all day, plus local beers and food truck fare available for purchase. The Loop de ‘Ville is family-friendly, free, and open to the public. We’ll have loads of fun celebrating the accomplishments on the trail (whether you Looped that day or not)!

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 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.

Don’t miss the chance to take part in this special outdoor event! Registration is now open on the Loop de 'Ville website, where you can find more information on all the trail festival events. To learn more about the Rivanna Trail Foundation's regular trail programming, including monthly work parties and volunteer trail adopter opportunities, please visit their website.

See you on the trail!