Hiking Trails near UVA

Hello,

I%26#39;m looking to make a weekend (possibly even a day trip from Richmond) to Charlottesville VA. I%26#39;d like to take a hike while there. Any good trails that will have pretty views of the mountains? Thanks, in advance, for your suggestions!

Hiking Trails near UVA

You are only an hour (or less) from Shenandoah National Park; take 29 north to 33 west to enter SNP. Great hikes for all abilities, beautiful views, if you are interested in SNP check out www.nps.gov/shen, look at some of the hikes, and post again with additional questions. If you are only interested in C%26#39;ville, check this website, www.charlottesville.org/Index.aspx?page=1725, and here are a couple that I have hiked:

Saunders-Monticello Trail, 2 mile 1 way, beautiful trail, mild uphill, ends at Jefferson Visitor%26#39;s Center so you can visit Monticello after enjoying the hike. I loved this easy walk, more information at www.monticello.org/parkway/trail.html.

Ragged Mountain is located at the reservoir, interesting trail, wooded, no other hikers, when I was there one of the the trails was hard to follow due to leaves and minimal trail markings, my guess is hikers commonly end up in someone%26#39;s backyard.

Rivanna River Trail, this is really a pleasant walk, I started at Riverview park, that section is paved and popular so you%26#39;ll have company (if you prefer less crowded, look at the trail map and select another trailhead), bikes, strollers, dogs, very scenic, hope to have the chance to walk more of the trail, additional information on the ';trails'; website above.

Hope this helps. If you find others trails, please post about your hike, I%26#39;m always looking for new places.

Happy trails.

Hiking Trails near UVA

Great suggestions above! One of the reasons we moved here was that so many hiking opportunities are close by.

In addition, you can try Humpback Rock on the Blue Ridge Parkway: I-64 or Rt. 250 West to Blue Ridge Parkway. South to milepost 6. Park at Humpback Rocks Visitor Center or at trailhead itself across road. Beautiful views from on top of the rocks of the valley.

Sugar Hollow trails (be prepared to cross streams over rocks): take Barracks Rd./Garth Rd. out of town northwest for half an hour to Whitehall, where the road takes a 90-degree right turn just before a country store. Instead of following the road, go straight on to Sugar Hollow Rd. and go to the end.

White Oak Canyon Falls: Rt. 29 North 30 minutes to Rt. 231 in Madison. Stay on Rt. 231 (it bears left after downtown Madison) to Banco. Left on Rt. 670 to Syria, then right on Rt. 643. Left on Rt. 600, four miles to trailhead parking.

These are just a few suggestions, but a good variety to choose from. You can pick up a small book at local book stores of day hike in Shenandoah Nat. Park.

Have fun!

Laura