Ivy Creek Natural Area and Historic River View Farm

Ivy Creek Natural Area and Historic River View Farm is 219 acres of land open and free to the public from dawn to dusk. Rich in local and natural history, it is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

Founded in 1870 by Mr. Hugh Carr after his emancipation, River View was his family's farm for over 100 years. The Carr-Hawkins-Greer family was deeply involved in the Union Ridge community and devoted to the education and civil rights of Albemarle County and Charlottesville's Black residents. Working with local environmentalist Babs Conant, the Nature Conservancy, and others, the family preserved the land for public access. A local's favorite, this former farmland on the Rivanna Reservoir is known for its natural beauty, diverse wildlife habitat, and watershed protection.

Today, there are seven miles of trails, including a paved 3/4 mile loop, to enjoy. The trails traverse a rolling landscape of forests, streams, shoreline, and remnant farm fields. A visit includes trail-side signs exploring the history and nature of the site and the historic dairy barn with exhibits on 20th century farming and local wildlife. The site is co-owned by Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville and managed by the non-profit Ivy Creek Foundation. Call (434) 973-7772 for more information.