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About LDV | Guided activities on the Rivanna Trail and a free concert

FEST info

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  • Sep 28, 2024
  • charlottesville, va

FAQ

General Info

Loop de Ville Fest (LDV) was originally an annual hike of the Rivanna Trail loop for members of the Rivanna Trail Foundation. In 2022, LDV became a public, multifaceted festival event intended to celebrate, provide an experience of, and educate people about the Rivanna Trail. It is an annual event that takes place on or around National Public Lands Day.

Loop de ‘Ville Fest is a free event with a suggested donation to help us produce the event, prep and maintain the trails for heavy use, and ensure that participants have the best experience possible on the trail and at the after party.

Food and beverages are available for purchase on-site at Rivanna River Co. and The Wool Factory. 

Want to make sure the event stays free and accessible? Consider making a donation to the Rivanna Trails Foundation in any amount! 

There are so many ways to get involved with the Loop de Ville Fest! To find your ideal experience, check out the full schedule of events.

Nope! All events are open to the public! You are also welcome to do any mileage of your choice on the trail, but trail use is NOT required to partake in other Festival activities, including the concert.

We are always looking for volunteers! You can learn more about ways to volunteer and sign up here.

Rivanna River Co. is located at 1520 E High St, Charlottesville, VA 22902.

Handicap parking is available onsite at RRC.

Parking is available along Riverdale Drive and in the Burnley-Moran Elementary school’s lower and upper parking lots.

Burnley-Moran Elementary School lower parking lot (HIKERS/RUNNERS) — Directly next to Fabio’s Pizza, drive up Riverdale Drive. This will take you directly into the lower parking lot of Burnley Moran Elementary. Walk back down the hill and use the lighted crosswalk to cross E. High Street to the Rivanna River Company’s location directly behind Hogwaller Brewing.

Burnley-Moran Elementary School upper parking lot (RIDERS/OVERFLOW) — Best driving access to this lot is from Route 250 when driving east. From E. High Street, take Hazel Street to St. Claire Avenue to Mowbray Place. After parking, walk back down the hill and use the lighted crosswalk to cross E. High Street to the Rivanna River Company’s location directly behind Hogwaller Brewing.

Please DO NOT park in the Cosner Brothers Body Shop lot — they are under new ownership and you will be towed.

There will be restrooms and/or porta potties available at most aid stations, as well as at the start/finish. 

There are bathrooms on-site at Rivanna River Co.

FAQ

Rules & Safety

Please plan to arrive early (at least 30 minutes before your group’s scheduled departure time). Your leads and sweeps have graciously volunteered their time and we want to get them on the trail promptly.

The full loop is about 20 miles long. Keep in mind, the trail is uneven, hilly, and takes longer to traverse than a flat trail. If you are hiking, running or biking any distance on the trail, we recommend you look at the details within the Schedule of Events page or on RTF’s website for what to bring and what to expect. 

Ride groups are based on average mountain bike riding pace. If you are unsure which group to ride with, we recommend choosing a group that is one pace below. This is a very long ride and we want you to be safe and most importantly, have fun! 

On Saturday, there will be Veo scooters at the Fontaine Aid Station (about halfway) for those looking to cruise back. Designated leaders at any aid station can notify an event director if you need your bike transported to the finish line. If you have an emergency on the trail, your group lead/sweep will notify event directors and emergency services will be called if needed. 

It depends on how much rain, if it’s rained in the day or two beforehand, and what time it’s raining… so, stay tuned! 

The rain date for the 2024 LDV Fest is Sunday, September 29th.

Our top priorities are preserving our trail and keeping you safe. Lots of feet and bike tires on muddy terrain will do quite a bit of damage, but light rain after a dry spell could be totally A-okay, so we’ll make the call when we have enough data to do so. 

For the latest updates, check your email the night before the event. If you are an aid station or lead/sweep volunteer, check the GroupMe chat for updates.

This website will be also updated if and when any cancellations are made.

FAQ

Food & Beverage

There are at least three aid stations along the 20-mile loop of trail that will have some electrolytes, water, and snacks. Because supplies are limited and there are quite a few miles between aid stations, please plan to bring some of your own hydration and nutrition.

Yes!

Högwaller Brewing Company shares a parking lot with Rivanna River Co and has a full menu and brews for purchase, starting at noon.

Food trucks will also arrive onsite at RRC in the afternoon and stay through the concert.

Yes! You can purchase beer, wine, and cider starting at noon on Saturday at Rivanna River Company. Drink tickets are $7.

Other than what you’ll need on the trail – which we highly encourage you to bring, outside food and alcoholic beverages are not permitted on-site at Rivanna River Co.

The Trail

  • Trail Section Info
  • The Wool Factory
    1810 Broadway St
    Charlottesville, VA 22902-5879
  • 5 miles
    (total out and back)

The first section of the Rivanna Trail loop goes from the Wool Factory to the VFW on the paved trail along the river.

This portion of the trail is easy.

what you get

Remember to record your miles on the spreadsheet: https://rb.gy/mucxvn

  • CHS
    1243 Melbourne Rd
    Charlottesville, VA 22901
  • 5.8 miles
    (total out and back)

Section #2 is the portion of the loop from Charlottesville High School to the Lochlyn Bridge (Megan Crt) along Meadow Creek.

80% of the trail is dirt and uneven terrain but not technical and the grade is mostly flat.

There is street parking near the football field and additional parking at the high school across the street if needed. Check the weather report and make sure to dress appropriately.

what you get

Remember to record your miles on the spreadsheet: https://rb.gy/mucxvn

  • 2030 Morton Dr
    Charlottesville, VA 22903-6803
  • 4.1 miles
    (total out and back)

Section #3 is the portion of the loop from Meadow Creek Gardens (behind the Bodo’s on Emmet St) to Greenbrier Park.

Most of the trail is dirt and on uneven terrain but it is not technical and the grade is mostly flat. There is one significant creek crossing but there are stepping stones and a cable. 

what you get

Remember to record your miles on the spreadsheet: https://rb.gy/mucxvn

  • 2030 Morton Dr
    Charlottesville, VA 22903-6803
  • 4.4 miles
    (total out and back)

Section #4 is the portion of the loop from Meadow Creek Gardens (behind the Bodo’s on Emmet St) to Old Ivy Rd.

what you get

Remember to record your miles on the spreadsheet: https://rb.gy/mucxvn

  • 400 Ray C. Hunt Dr
    Charlottesville, VA 22903
  • 3.8 miles
    (total out and back)

Section #5 is the O’Hill portion of the loop between Fontaine Park and Old Ivy Rd.

what you get

Remember to record your miles on the spreadsheet: https://rb.gy/mucxvn

  • 427 Mobile Ln
    Charlottesville, VA 22903-4114
  • 4.7 miles
    (total out and back)

Section #6 is the portion of the loop from Azalea Park to Fontaine Ave. This section is beautiful and unique! You’ll have to ford Moore’s Creek. Hiking poles are recommended. Be prepared to get your feet wet. 

what you get

Remember to record your miles on the spreadsheet: https://rb.gy/mucxvn

  • 324 Monte Vista Ave
    Charlottesville, VA 22903-4121
  • 5.6 miles
    (total out and back)

Section #7 is the portion of the loop from Azalea Park to Jordan Park. This section is beautiful and has a remote feeling. It straddles Moore’s creek and 5th Street Station. There is a large creek crossing at the beginning and a couple of smaller ones later on, so bring hiking poles and be prepared to get your feet wet. 

what you get

Remember to record your miles on the spreadsheet: https://rb.gy/mucxvn

  • 2026 E Market St
    Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States
  • 5.9 miles
    (total out and back)

The final section to close the loop is between The Wool Factory and Jordan Park. This section is rugged and straddles Moore’s creek. There is a bridge over the largest creek crossing but there are a couple of smaller ones you’ll have to ford. Bring your hiking poles and be prepared to get your feet wet. 

what you get

Remember to record your miles on the spreadsheet: https://rb.gy/mucxvn

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