It's Your Move
Local Motion
March 10, 2010

Testimonial Photo

"Walking is an easy exercise - you just have to put one foot in front of the other. QCC Walks! is a friendly group. You move at your own pace and age is not a barrier to participation."
— Margaret C.

"Walking with my children to the store is a very interesting voyage; we do it two or three times a week. They love to sightsee with me and get some of their energy out."
— Mary F.


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Those who helped make this campaign possible.

City of Charlottesville

Albermarle County

Martha Jefferson Hospital

Thomas Jefferson Health District

WCAV-TV

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Maps for Active Living



Albemarle County Trails and Greenways

Albemarle County has an extensive and growing system of greenways and trails. Over 28 miles of trail are available for walking, running and hiking. At the webpage (link above) you can find maps for the following three trails in Albemarle County:

  • Mint Springs Trail
  • Rivanna Trail
  • Walnut Creek Trail

The map for the Mint Springs Trail shows topography and length of the trails. The Walnut Creek Trail map shows topography, length of the trails, and degree of difficulty (easiest, intermediate, most difficult). Pick a trail that works for you!


City of Charlottesville Trails and Bikeways

The City of Charlottesville has a variety of trails that are great for different activities. Some are paved, some are unpaved, some run through parks, some run through mature forests.

City trails (some of which are located in parks) include:

  • Schenk's Greenway
  • Pen Park
  • Fitness Trail
  • McIntire Park
  • Greenleaf Park
  • Forest Hills Park
  • Greenbrier Park
  • Meadowcreek Gardens
  • Rivanna Trail

For pictures and more information on these trails and parks, and for the City's Trail Map, Bicycle Map, or Bicycle and Pedestrian Plan, click on the above link.


Peter Jefferson Parkway trails

These trails are part of the vision of the Worrells who sold the property to Martha Jefferson Hospital, providing a green space for people to get outside and exercise. The paths are blacktopped and about 4-5 feet wide. They encircle the ponds where one can observe turtles and several kinds of fish. There are some very steep areas, but you can choose a flatter journey.


Rivanna Trail

The Rivanna Trail is a trailway loop around the City of Charlottesville that also links to several neighborhoods. The trail is designated a National Recreation Trail and a Virginia Birding & Wildlife Trail. To view maps of the Rivanna Trail, click here.

The Rivanna Trail links to the following neighborhoods:

  • Greenbrier (at Michie Dr.)
  • Belmont at Quarry and Jordan Parks
  • Frye's Spring at Sunset Avenue bridge and Azalea Park
  • The Meadows at Earhart Drive and Barracks Road
  • Barracks at Barracks Road/Cedars Court
  • Locust Grove at Holmes Avenue
  • JPA at Fontaine Research Park and O-Hill

Saunders-Monticello Trail

The Saunders-Monticello Trail is a beautiful, scenic paved trail accessible to walkers, joggers, cyclists, and those in wheelchairs. The design of the trail was partially inspired by Thomas Jefferson's description of how he wished to present the spectacular views from Monticello. The trail can be accessed from Route 53 near Monticello.


Ivy Creek Natural Area

A network of more than 7 miles of walking trails leaves large areas of natural habitat undisturbed. A 0.7 mile paved trail is provided for visitors with special needs. Jointly owned by Albemarle County and the City of Charlottesville, and managed by the Ivy Creek Foundation, the land has been set aside in perpetuity for free public use as an unspoiled natural area.


Ragged Mountain Natural Area

Seven miles of hiking trail lead through majestic forest, along rugged terrain, and through areas rich with wildlife and offer a unique opportunity for wilderness hiking within minutes of Charlottesville. Please note that dogs, running/jogging, bikes and horses are not permitted.