If you’re camping near Charlottesville or live in the area, you’re in luck. Some of the best hiking and most breathtaking views in the eastern United States can be found right at your doorstep.
From small natural areas to hikes in the George Washington National Forest and Shenandoah National Park, here are 15 ideas for hiking near Charlottesville.
Best Hikes Near Charlottesville, Virginia
Ragged Mountain Natural Area
Distance: 6.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,082 feet
Distance from Charlottesville: 16 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Loop
Trailhead: 1730 Reservoir Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22902

You don’t have to drive far to be immersed in nature at the Ragged Mountain Natural Area. This 6.7-mile loop hike takes you through hardwood forests, some slight grading, and around a picturesque lake.
This loop hike is moderately difficult, but a great option for a day hike close to town. It’s long enough to make you feel like you accomplished something, but the terrain is gentle enough not to be too challenging.
Make sure to stop by the wood carvings of a mountain man, bear, and eagle at different parts of the trail.
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Ivy Creek Natural Area
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: 524 feet
Distance from Charlottesville: 17 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Loop
Trailhead: 1780 Earlysville Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22903

Another great Charlottesville hiking spot is combining the red, yellow, and green trail at Ivy Creek Natural Area for a 4-mile loop.
This hike takes you through a mixture of upland woods, pine stands, open fields, and streams, and is well marked. Due to its relatively gentle terrain, this is an easy hike suited for all ages and abilities.
If you’re looking to escape to a natural setting, but you don’t have a whole lot of time, this simple hike is a great option.
Chris Green Lake Park
Distance: 1.9 miles
Elevation: 347 feet
Distance from Charlottesville: 26 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Loop
Trailhead: 4748 Chris Greene Lake Rd, Charlottesville, VA 22911
Chris Green Lake Park is yet another great hiking destination a quick drive north of Charlottesville. At Chris Green Lake Park you’ll find four different loop trails that take you through dense hardwood forests along Chris Green Lake.
We recommend the running cedar to turkey trail loop for an easy 1.9-mile hike. This loop will take you through rolling hills and dense forest with lake views through the foliage.
After your hike, you can go on the running cedar loop for an additional 1.3 miles. Otherwise, you can simply relax at one of the picnic shelters or bring a fishing rod to try for a few fish at the lake.
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Saunders Monticello Trail
Distance: 4.3 miles
Elevation: 396 feet
Distance from Charlottesville: 8 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Out and back
Trailhead: 503 Thomas Jefferson Pkwy, Charlottesville, VA 22902

If you’re in Charlottesville, the Saunders Monticello trail is a must visit for Charlottesville hiking. Although it’s a very easy and extremely well-maintained trail, it gives you the opportunity to see the plantation estate of founding father Thomas Jefferson.
This out-and-back hike is very conveniently located at Kemper Park within city limits and takes you through a gravel and boardwalk path to the estate.
Take a trip back in time to colonial America and see the old growth forests and many bird species that frequent the area. Trust us, you won’t want to miss out on this one.
Chimney Rock
Distance: 3.2 miles
Elevation Gain: 846 feet
Distance from Charlottesville: 56 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Out and back
Trailhead: Riprap Trail Parking, Grottoes, VA 24441
Located within Shenandoah National Park is the popular sightseeing destination of chimney rock. Less than an hour from town, Chimney Rock is a great option for hiking near Charlottesville.
Chimney rock is a large flat top rock that gives you panoramic views of the blue ridge mountains and the Shenandoah valley. On this 3.2 mile out and back trail, you’ll work up a little bit of a sweat and see plenty of big rocks, wild mushrooms, and other beautiful plants on your way to the summit.
Turk Mountain
Distance: 2.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 702 feet
Distance from Charlottesville: 49 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Out and back
Trailhead: Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Crozet, VA 22932

After you’ve seen Chimney Rock, you may want to check out Turk Mountain while you’re in the area.
This 2.5 mile out and back hike is a moderately difficult hike that will get you to the summit of Turk mountain for breathtaking vistas.
While you can be sure to get your blood pumping with this hike, it’s perfectly doable within a couple hours. You should be able to tackle other hikes in the area along with this one in the same day.
Three Ridges
Distance: 13.3 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,917 feet
Distance from Charlottesville: 48 minutes
Difficulty: Hard
Trail Type: Loop
Trailhead: Appalachian National Scenic Trail, Roseland, VA 22967
Looking for a little bit more of an adventure instead of a quick and easy day hike? Well, three ridges may just be the perfect hike for you.
Three ridges is a difficult 13.3-mile loop trail that’s not for the faint of heart. Unless you’re really determined, three ridges is best suited for an overnight trip. There are plenty of free campsites along the Appalachian Trail portion of this loop, so why not?
With almost 4,000 feet of elevation gain, make sure you’re prepared with plenty of water. Also make sure to take advantage of the overlook areas along the trail to marvel at the landscape and take much needed breaks.
Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve
Distance: 4.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,259 feet
Distance from Charlottesville: 37 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Loop
Trailhead: Albemarle County, Virginia 22932
The 600-acre Patricia Ann Byrom Forest Preserve in Abemarle County is a great day hike destination from Charlottesville. It’s conveniently close to town, while still being far enough away to feel like you’ve escaped from the hustle and bustle of the city.
There are 5 hiking trails at Patricia Ann Byrom, but we recommend making a 4.5-mile loop so you can enjoy a satisfying day hike. This loop will take you through mixed hardwood and pine forests, calming streams, and rolling hills.
You’ll have beautiful views of the surrounding area, especially when the foliage is gone, so don’t miss out on taking a trip to this beautiful hiking area.
White Rock Falls
Distance: 4.7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,023 feet
Distance from Charlottesville: 54 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Loop
Trailhead: White Rock Gap Parking Area, Vesuvius, VA 24483
Everybody loves a nice waterfall, and white rock falls right off the blue ridge parkway is a must see.
This moderately challenging loop will take you to different levels of the cascading white rock falls, ending in unobstructed scenic views.
While you can opt to do the 4.4-mile loop, a shorter 2 mile out and back hike to see the falls can be done if you don’t want to commit to a longer trek.
Crabtree Falls
Distance: 3.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,131 feet
Distance from Charlottesville: 1 hour, 7 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Out and back
Trailhead: Crabtree Falls, 10438-, 10636 Crabtree Falls Hwy, Tyro, VA 22976

Another must-see waterfall near Charlottesville is Crabtree Falls. Interestingly, Crabtree falls is one of the highest vertical waterfalls in the eastern United States, so you shouldn’t miss out on this one if you’re in the area.
Located in the George Washington National Forest, the moderately difficult 3.6-mile out and back hike will take you through a mix of dirt trails and stone or wooden steps to reach the top of this amazing waterfall.
If you’re not up for a strenuous hike, the lower part of the falls is only about 500 feet away from the trail entrance, and you can always retrace your steps at any point.
Spy Rock Trail
Distance: 7 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,437 feet
Distance from Charlottesville: 1 hour, 29 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Out and back
Trailhead: Parking lot, Tyro, VA 22976

Some of the best mountain views in the Appalachian Mountain range can be seen from Spy Rock. If you’re up for a moderately challenging 7 mile out and back hike, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views, especially in the autumn to see the different shades of fall foliage.
As you approach the summit, you’ll gain some elevation through dirt and rocky trails until you reach some large rocks that you’ll have to scramble up to get to the very top.
Spy rock is a popular hiking destination, and the parking lot can fill up quick, so make sure to get there early, especially on weekends. If you can manage to go during the week, even better.
Blue Ridge Tunnel
Distance: 4.6 miles
Elevation Gain: 394 feet
Distance from Charlottesville: 32 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Out and back
Trailhead: 215 Afton Depot Ln, Afton, VA 22920

If you’re in the mood for easy but unique hiking near Charlottesville, the Blue Rudge Tunnel will surely be one to remember.
What was once a railroad tunnel under Rockfish Gap is now a popular hiking trail. Although its mostly gravel with minimal grading, the tunnel gets really dark, so make sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp.
For the best parking and an overall easier hike, most hikers start from the east end of the tunnel. Once you’ve reached the end, simply go back way you came to get to your vehicle.
Humpback Rocks
Distance: 3.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,102 feet
Distance from Charlottesville: 38 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Loop
Trailhead: Humpback Gap Overlook, Afton, VA 22920

Another great hike right off the blue ridge parkway in the George Washington National Forest is Humpback Rocks.
This moderately challenging 3.8-mile loop trail will take you to the iconic jagged rock summit of Humpback Rocks. Once you’ve reached the summit, you can marvel in the beauty the 360-degree view provides.
On the way to the summit, you’ll encounter rocky steps and scrambles, but once you turn to get on the Appalachian trail to complete the loop, it becomes much easier.
Shamokin Falls
Distance: 2.8 miles
Elevation Gain: 708 feet
Distance from Charlottesville: 1 hour, 2 minutes
Difficulty: Moderate
Trail Type: Out and back
Trailhead: Upper Shamokin Falls Trail, Roseland, VA 22967

This short but somewhat difficult hike within Shamokin Springs Nature Preserve is a great day hike to view Shamokin falls.
Starting at the old Appalachian trail, you’ll go through some relatively steep sections and rocky areas to get to the falls. Once you get to the falls, to get back just retrace your steps.
Shamokin falls is a popular hiking destination, so make sure to get there early to beat the crowds. Once you’re done with the hike and have taken some pictures, treat yourself to breakfast or lunch at the restaurants nearby at Wintergreen resort.
Hartman Orchard and Mountain Trail
Distance: 3 miles
Elevation Gain: 590 feet
Distance from Charlottesville: 10 minutes
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Loop
Trailhead: Lake Monticello, Virginia 22902
As an alternative to the main Saunders Monticello trail at Kemper Park, another great hike is the Hartman Orchard and Mountain trail to make a 3-mile loop.
After the easy Saunders Monticello trail, you may as well add this hike on for some additional exercise and to get away from most of the crowd.
While this is an easy hike by most accounts, it’s a great hike to enjoy the old growth forests and get a few more steps in while visiting Monticello.
Explore Other Adventures in Virginia
Virginia is chock full of all kinds of activities for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re looking to camp in Virginia Beach or explore the mountains, you’re guaranteed to find something that suits you.
We recommend you adventure to some of the state’s most gorgeous state parks, like Grayson Highlands State Park, Pocahontas State Park, Hungry Mother State Park or Kiptopeke State Park in the Northern Neck for your next adventure.