If you are looking to get outdoors and go hiking, below are some resources to get you started.
Rivianna Trail from visitcharlottesville.org
Top 10 Hiking Tips for Beginners
From HipCamp, check out their website for more details.
- Plan ahead, and check the weather.
- Stay prepared by bringing the essentials.
- Make sure you have the proper amount of food and water.
- Choose the right shoe/sock combo.
- Pack your phone, and make sure it’s charged.
- Always carry a source of light.
- Read up on basic first-aid.
- Bring a friend (or friends!) along.
- Remember to pace yourself.
Where to Hike in the Charlottesville Area
- Best Hikes in Charlottesville Area – a helpful list of local trails
- All Trails Charlottesville, VA – Website with details about trails
- The Hiking Project Central VA – Website with maps and details about trails.
An Easy Trail to Get Started
Rivanna Trails https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/virginia/rivanna-river-trail
The Rivanna Trails are great for hiking near the city. The 20+ mile loop trail system is primarily crushed gravel or dirt single-track, but the two-mile section from Riverview Park is paved and ADA accessible. Most of the system is within Charlottesville’s city limits and sections range from 0.5 miles to 2.5 miles, with varying difficulty. You’ll find the best parking options at Fontaine Research Park, Quarry Park, and Riverview Park. (from visitcharlottesville.org)