Get to know the trail
Want to test out the trail before LDV Fest? Maybe you want to do all 20 miles but want to break it up. Perhaps you just want to walk with other trail lovers. Monthly walks are a great way to get to know the RT, section by section!
Where?
Location changes monthly — refer to the schedule below!
When?
Every Second Sunday
(Weather permitting)
Monthly trail walks are led by experienced members of the Rivanna Trail Foundation (RTF) board.
Each month, you can experience a section of the trail (usually about 2-2.5 miles one way) on a fun, guided out-and-back walk on the 20 mile loop of the Rivanna Trail that encircles the city of Charlottesville.
Hiking boots or trail runners are recommended. Some sections may have water crossings — descriptions on each event and the Facebook event postings will help you plan accordingly.
We can’t wait to see you out there!
Walk calendar
All paces and experience levels are welcome! If you want to “close the loop” with us or on your own (walk, hike, run or bike!), make sure to track your progress in our spreadsheet.
All “loopers” will be recognized and get a special prize at the festival on September 28, 2024!
- 2024 Walk Schedule
Section #1 - Jan 21 @ 12pm
- The Wool Factory
1810 Broadway St
Charlottesville, VA 22902-5879
- 5 miles
(total out and back)
Our first walk of 2024 will be from the Wool Factory to the VFW on the paved trail along the river.
This walk is easy but the remember the weather can be unpredictable, so check ahead and bring the appropriate gear!
what you get
If you can’t join us this month we still encourage you all participate by walking/biking/running this section of the trail and recording your miles on the spreadsheet: https://rb.gy/mucxvn
We will celebrate all the “loopers” at this year’s Trail Fest on September 28th!
No registration required and everyone is welcome, so bring a friend!
Section #2 - Feb 18 @ 12pm
- CHS
1243 Melbourne Rd
Charlottesville, VA 22901
- 5.8 miles
(total out and back)
This month we are walking the portion of the loop from Charlottesville High School to the Lochlyn Bridge (Megan Crt) along Meadow Creek.
80% of the trail will be on dirt and uneven terrain but not technical and the grade is mostly flat. Meet us at the CHS football field off Melbourne Rd. There is street parking but additional parking at the high school across the street if needed. Check the weather report and make sure to dress appropriately.
what you get
Thanks to Magnolia Rabbit Design Co. for being this month’s sponsor.
If you can’t join us this month we still encourage you all participate by walking/biking/running this section of the trail and recording your miles on the spreadsheet: https://rb.gy/mucxvn
We will celebrate all the “loopers” at this year’s Trail Fest on September 28th!
No registration required and everyone is welcome, so bring a friend!
Section #3 - Mar 17 @ 12pm
- 2030 Morton Dr
Charlottesville, VA 22903-6803
- 4.1 miles
(total out and back)
In March we are walking the portion of the loop from Meadow Creek Gardens (behind the Bodo’s on Emmet St) to Greenbrier Park.
Most of the trail will be 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. Check the weather report and make sure to dress appropriately. Meet at the RTF shed next to the community gardens.
what you get
Thanks to the Rivanna River Company for being this month’s sponsor.
If you can’t join us this month we still encourage you all participate by walking/biking/running this section of the trail and recording your miles on the spreadsheet: https://rb.gy/mucxvn
We will celebrate all the “loopers” at this year’s Trail Fest on September 28th!
No registration required and everyone is welcome, so bring a friend!
Section #4 - Apr 21 @ 12pm
- 2030 Morton Dr
Charlottesville, VA 22903-6803
- 4.4 miles
(total out and back)
In April we are walking the portion of the loop from Meadow Creek Gardens (behind the Bodo’s on Emmet St) to Old Ivy Rd.
what you get
If you can’t join us on this month we still encourage you to participate by walking/biking/running this section of the trail and recording your miles on the spreadsheet: https://rb.gy/mucxvn
We will celebrate all the “loopers” at this year’s Trail Fest on September 28th!
No registration required and everyone is welcome, so bring a friend!
Section #5 - May 19 @ 12pm
- 400 Ray C. Hunt Dr
Charlottesville, VA 22903
- 3.8 miles
(total out and back)
In May we’ll do the O’Hill portion of the loop between Fontaine Park and Old Ivy Rd.
what you get
If you can’t join us on this month we still encourage you to participate by walking/biking/running this section of the trail and recording your miles on the spreadsheet: https://rb.gy/mucxvn
We will celebrate all the “loopers” at this year’s Trail Fest on September 28th!
No registration required and everyone is welcome, so bring a friend!
Section #6 - Jun 16 @ 12pm
- 427 Mobile Ln
Charlottesville, VA 22903-4114
- 4.7 miles
(total out and back)
This month we are walking the loop from Azalea Park to Fontaine Ave. This section is beautiful and unique but we will have to ford Moore’s Creek. Bring your hiking poles and be prepare to get your feet wet. Check the weather report and make sure to dress appropriately.
what you get
If you can’t join us on this month we still encourage you to participate by walking/biking/running this section of the trail and recording your miles on the spreadsheet: https://rb.gy/mucxvn
We will celebrate all the “loopers” at this year’s Trail Fest on September 28th!
No registration required and everyone is welcome, so bring a friend!
Section #7 - Jul 21 @ 12pm
- 324 Monte Vista Ave
Charlottesville, VA 22903-4121
- 5.6 miles
(total out and back)
This month we are walking the loop from Azalea Park to Jordan Park. This section is beautiful and has a remote feeling but 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 your hiking poles and be prepare to get your feet wet. Check the weather report and dress appropriately.
what you get
If you can’t join us on this month we still encourage you to participate by walking/biking/running this section of the trail and recording your miles on the spreadsheet: https://rb.gy/mucxvn
We will celebrate all the “loopers” at this year’s Trail Fest on September 28th!
No registration required and everyone is welcome, so bring a friend!
Section #8 - Aug 18 @ 12pm
- 2026 E Market St
Charlottesville, VA 22902, United States
- 5.9 miles
(total out and back)
This month we are going to close the loop and walk from The Wool Factory to Jordan Park. This section is pretty but rugged and straddles Moore’s creek. Bring your hiking poles and be prepare to get your feet wet. Even though there is a bridge over the largest creek crossing there are a couple of smaller ones. Check the weather report and make sure to dress appropriately.
what you get
If you can’t join us on this month we still encourage you to participate by walking/biking/running this section of the trail and recording your miles on the spreadsheet: https://rb.gy/mucxvn
We will celebrate all the “loopers” at this year’s Trail Fest on September 28th!
No registration required and everyone is welcome, so bring a friend!
- peek at past walks
