Trails & Outdoor Routes

It is incredibly easy to enjoy the outdoors in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. With paths and trails just minutes from the Downtown Mall, and terrain that offers everything from mountain biking to overnight paddling trips, our little piece of Virginia is incredibly diverse in its outdoor recreation offerings.



Find popular trails and outdoor routes in Charlottesville and Albemarle County using the interactive map below. Or search for a route based on how you want to hit the trail – by foot, bike, or with a paddle.

Explore Popular Trails & Routes

Click on the colored routes below to learn more about some popular spots to hike, bike and paddle.

Within the city of Charlottesville, you can bike, hike and jog along paved trails and nature trails, including the 20+ mile Rivanna Trail loop. When you head into surrounding Albemarle County, you'll find 80 miles of maintained trails from the edge of the Blue Ridge Mountains, up Highway 29, and down to Scottsville.

These are just a snapshot of the most popular routes here in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. Find more information and guidance to help you plan your outdoor adventure by using the resources below.

Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge that the land we recreate on and refer to as Charlottesville and Albemarle County is the ancestral lands of the Monocan Nation and its people. The Monacan Indians have lived here for over 10,000 years and continue to live here to this day. We acknowledge their presence as well as their current and historical contributions to this region.