The Blue Ridge Mountains present limitless alternatives for scenic hikes, spectacular views, and lasting reminiscences. Nestled within the foothills, Charlottesville and Albemarle County supply entry to our favourite mountains and extra, with numerous pure areas, metropolis paths, and forest preserves to discover.
A Basecamp for Trailblazing
Only a brief 30 minute drive from the place the Blue Ridge Parkway meets with Shenandoah Nationwide Park, it’s a no-brainer to make use of Charlottesville as a basecamp on your Appalachian mountaineering adventures. The famed Appalachian Path meanders by means of each the Parkway and the Park, the place you may as well discover nice day hikes with summit views at Humpback Rocks and Blackrock Summit.
Discover Charlottesville’s pure magnificence at Ragged Mountain Pure Space, a stone’s throw from downtown. With a 6-mile loop across the reservoir providing charming views, it’s good for nature lovers. Simply outdoors Charlottesville, Ivy Creek Pure Space and River View Farm combine historical past right into a hike. The world was as soon as owned by Hugh Carr, a former slave, and now spans 125 acres and showcases the household barn on weekends. Uncover the property’s historic roads and comes, making for a wealthy outside expertise.
Expertise a Nationwide Park-like hike at Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Protect, the place steep ascents on the base of the Blue Ridge result in the two,300-foot Little Flat Mountain loop, providing breathtaking valley views. The doorway monument, a undertaking by Albemarle Blue Ridge Heritage, honors the households displaced by Shenandoah Nationwide Park.
Heyward Neighborhood Forest, which surrounds Ragged Mountain Pure Space, encompasses a serene stream path with cascading water flowing into a number of swimming pools.
To seek out extra hikes and extra path data, go to the Trails and Outside Routes pages on VisitCharlottesville.org!
Relaxation, Chill out and Un’wine’d
The Rivanna Path is nice for a leisurely hike inside the metropolis that passes by nice breweries, eating places, and cafes. Circumventing the town of Charlottesville, hikers can trek the entire 20+- mile path or smaller segments, and seize some refreshments afterward. The historic pedestrian Downtown Mall is one other wonderful place within the metropolis to dine open air, take pleasure in reside music, and spend the evening.
Sip world class wines on the 40+ wineries on the Monticello Wine Path, all inside 25 miles of Charlottesville. Guests can expertise Virginia winemaking, with a backdrop of the bucolic countryside and mountain silhouettes. October is Virginia Wine Month, and what higher place to take pleasure in it than in Wine Fanatic’s 2023 Wine Area of the 12 months? Many native wineries are having particular occasions all through the month for people to take pleasure in.
Plan a midweek keep for extra flexibility within the fall, as weekends can get busy. You’ll discover loads of charming lodging, from mattress and breakfasts and boutique inns to historic inns and enjoyable resorts.