FEST info

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.

How much does it cost?

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!

How can I participate?

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.

Do I have to run, hike or bike to go to the concert?

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.

Can I volunteer to help?

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

Where do I park?

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.

Are there bathrooms?

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.

How do I use the shuttle?

We will have a shuttle service running on an on-call basis. They can return you to RRC or to another Cheer Zone where you parked. Let a volunteer at any Cheer Zone know if you need a ride and they will call the shuttle to pick you up. Expect to wait a bit if they are currently completing another trip. The shuttle can accommodate bikes. Please thank your shuttle drivers and tip them if you can!

FAQ

Rules & Safety

How early do I need to arrive?

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.

How difficult is the full loop?

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.

What if I don't know which group to ride with?

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!

What if I can't finish?

We have an on-call shuttle available to pick you up if you need to tap out. There are 7 Cheer Zones along the route, roughly every 3 or so miles. Let a Cheer Zone volunteer know that you need a ride back and they will call the shuttle for you. Be prepared to wait if they are completing another pick-up. You can enjoy snacks, cold water and electrolytes with your Cheer Zone crew until the shuttle arrives! If you have a true emergency on the trail, your Leads/Sweeps will call for help.

What if it rains?

It did! In the interest of preventing damage to our trails and keeping our participants and volunteers safe, we made the decision to move our event from September 28th to October 6th.

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

Do you provide nutrition and hydration for participants?

There are 7 Cheer Zones along the 20-mile loop of trail that will have electrolytes (Tailwind orange), water, and snacks. If you have certain nutrition items you prefer, please plan to bring some of your own hydration and nutrition.

Will there be food on-site?

Yes!

There will be two food trucks (these have changed – thanks for your patience with us!). Two Brothers Southwestern Grill will begin serving at 12pm and Popitos Pizza will begin serving food at 5pm.

Will there be alcohol?

Yes! You can purchase beer, wine and cider starting at noon on Saturday at Rivanna River Company. Signature cocktails will be available in the Blue Ridge Cyclery Break Zone tent starting at 4:30. Drink tickets are $7.

Can I bring my own food and beverages?

Other than what you’ll need on the trail, outside food and beverages are not permitted on-site at Rivanna River Co.

The Trail

Below you can view the official 2024 Loop de ‘Ville route, as well as estimated arrival times for each guided group. We are aware of various trail closures and have either obtained special permission to use them for the event (one day only) or we have routed around them. The maps below reflect any reroutes necessary.

Please note that group times are estimated and based on the earliest possible arrival. Most groups will be slightly spread out based on varied paces of participants, so if you’re on the faster side of the range, these times should be somewhat accurate. If you’re on the slower end, be prepared to wait a little bit until your desired pace group comes through. Please note that due to current trail conditions, everyone’s pace will be affected — please expect the Loop to be more difficult and take a little longer to complete.

The shuttle will now be on-call if you need to be transported to or from a Cheer Zone. Let a volunteer at any Cheer Zone know if you need a ride and they will call the shuttle for you.

IMPORTANT: Due to construction, closures or safety concerns, some parts of the original trail are not part of our LDV route this year. The sections below, which were used for our monthly walks all year, may not be accurate for event day, so please refer to the updated Google map or the downloadable PDF above for accurate section information.

Section #1 - The Wool Factory to VFW

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

Section #2 - CHS to Lochlyn bridge

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

Section #3 - Meadow Creek Gardens to Greenbrier

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

Section #4 - Meadow Creek Gardens to Old Ivy Rd

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

Section #5 - Fontaine to Old Ivy Rd (O' Hill)

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

Section #6 - Azalea Park to Fontaine

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

Section #7 - Azalea Park to Jordan Park

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

Section #8 - The Wool Factory to Jordan Park

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