Hiking

Charlottesville is known for its proximity to Shenandoah National Park but you can hike miles of beautiful trails right here in town and surrounding Albemarle County!

Hop along any section of the Rivanna Trail for a quick slip into nature, views of the Rivanna River, and a chance to grab a bite to eat or drink along the route. Try a steeper hike at the Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve Loop or opt for a more low-key path at the Preddy Creek Loop.

Blue Hole Out & Back

3.1 miles

A great little hike starting from the National Park parking area above Sugar Hollow Reservoir. The trail is a gentle grade on an old fire road and culminates in an incredible swimming spot known as Blue Hole. This hike also includes a few creek crossings and is great for warmer summer days.

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Crozet Connector Trail

4.8 miles

The Crozet Connector Trail connects Crozet Park and Downtown Crozet to Lickinghole Basin, a very popular birding site. The route also ventures through forests and prairie with multiple species of trees and wildflowers growing in abundance.

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Heyward Community Forest Hike & Bike

3.1 miles

This route features some of the most recent trails built in the Heyward Community Forest. The trails are biking influenced, but still a great way to explore the forest, taking you from the summit of Round Top down to the plunge pools of Moore's Creek.

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Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve Loop

4.2 miles

This route is about as close to hiking in the National Park as you can get in Albemarle County. The terrain is steep and you are in the backcountry. The route has winter views when the foliage is off the trees. Users should be prepared to support themselves in the event of a trail emergency as cell phone service is extremely limited.

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Mint Valley Springs Loop

3.6 miles

A fun exploration of one of the County's most diverse parks. This loop takes you to the highest point in the park as well as the Landmark Tree "Boundary Oak," a stunning Northern Red Oak recognized with a plaque by the Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards. This route is a great activity for a hike or mountain bike and can be enjoyed in either direction.

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Preddy Creek Loop

3.9 miles

A great option for entry-level hikers and mountain bikers with minimal elevation change and great singletrack. Take in nature at this county park in Northern Albemarle

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Credit: AerowingVA

Ragged Mountain Loop

6 miles

A singletrack loop around the Ragged Mountain Reservoir. The route is great for hiking, with great views and even a few wooden sculptures along the way.

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Rivanna Trail

20+ miles

A 20+ mile, car-free, Mixed Surface Trail that circumvents the city of Charlottesville. This route is occasionally hiked and biked in full but is also commonly used in shorter sections.

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Walnut Creek Mini Loop

4.2 miles

A good sample of Walnut Creek Trails that can be either enjoyed on foot or by mountain bike. Route takes you to the highest point in the park and through diverse forest growths.

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Explore Popular Hikes

Click on the colored routes below to learn more about popular hiking trails. You can return to all outdoor routes here.

These are a sample of some of the most popular hikes in Charlottesville and Albemarle County. For more routes and hiking ideas, explore Albemarle County Trail Maps, Charlottesville Trail Maps, and Shenandoah National Park Hiking Information.

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Prepare for Your Adventure

Bring enough food and water. It's important to stay hydrated at any time of year. Make sure you have enough food and water for the duration of your hike.

Pack it in, pack it out. Make sure any trash created during your hike stays with you and is properly disposed of. Wrappers and packaging can fly out of pockets!

Be aware of the local wildlife. You may encounter local wildlife during your hike. Stay aware of your surroundings and give wildlife the proper space if you encounter them on the trail.

Have a plan and make sure someone knows the plan. Make sure you know how to get back to your vehicle at the end of your hike. Be sure to share your plans or location with someone you trust.

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.