There is no better way to spend a beautiful sunny day than on a hike outside. A little nervous because you have been inside and less active for months? We have easy hikes for you! Looking for a little more of a challenge, we have those, too! Here are the best easy to moderate hiking trails near Charlottesville, VA.
Please plan ahead, and make sure you dress both for the weather and the hike that you are planning (water shoes for river crossings). Bring plenty of water and snacks for longer hikes and take appropriate precautions for ticks, mosquitoes and other wildlife.
Also, be aware that there is an entrance fee for Shenandoah National Park ($30 per car for seven days), Walnut Creek ($4.50 per adult for non-residents) and Crabtree Falls ($3 per vehicle).
Hikes Close to Downtown Charlottesville
- Ivy Creek Natural Area –(Easy) located 6 miles north of Charlottesville on Earlysville Road. There is a network of 7 miles of walking trails with six different trails through differing habitats, many of them shaded and family friendly. Check the schedule for guided walks.
- Walnut Creek Park –(Easy and Moderate) located 12 miles south of Charlottesville on Walnut Creek Road. There are 525 acres in the park, with 45 water acres (a lake) and 2 beachfront acres (swimming). With 15 miles of trails of varying lengths and difficulties you can find the experience you want.
- Kemper Park — (Easy and Moderate) located 4 miles south of Charlottesville along the Thomas Jefferson Parkway. It is 89 acres of land with a dozen trails that are rated by difficulty; a favorite is the Saunders Monticello Trail or the Secluded Farm
- Rivanna Trail — (Easy and Moderate) Circling the city of Charlottesville is a network of connected trails, some in more urban areas.
Hiking Trails in the Shenandoah National Forest
There are dozens of trails available in the Shenandoah National Forest for all levels of hikers. They are separated by length of hike, hikes to waterfalls, hikes for birding, etc–choose the trails that appeal most to you.
- Frazier Discovery Trail (Loft Mountain Loop) (Easy) 2.9 mile loop with a great view and an ice cream stop
- Turk Mountain (Easy) 2.2 mile round trip hike to the summit with great views
- Blackrock Summit (Easy) 1 mile circuit hike with incredible views
- Jones Run/Doyles River (Moderate) 6.6 mile hike to several waterfalls
Hikes along Blue Ridge Parkway
- Humpback Rocks (Moderate) 2 mile loop with a short and steep climb to the top of the mountain for amazing views
- White Rocks Falls (Moderate) 4.4 mile loop with some rock scrambling, wooden bridges and great scenery
- Crabtree Falls/Spy Rock (Moderate) 3.8 miles to a majestic 70 foot waterfall!
Other Great Destinations
- Sugar Hollow to Blue Hole (Easy) 3 miles to a series of swimming holes, including a rope drop into the water. Do this one on a hot day!
- James Monroe’s Highlands (Easy) Well marked trails that are part of Jame Monroe’s estate. Loops range from 1 to 3 miles
- Mint Spring Valley Park (Easy) Well maintained trails in a large park with a lake.
- North Fork Moormans River (Easy to Moderate) Out and back trail with a waterfall
As you can see, there are so many places to choose from, you will want to make sure that you book your stay at Foxfield Inn for more than one day! If you have questions about any of these areas, please make sure you ask, we are more than happy to help.
