We love hiking as a family – getting outdoors, creating memories together, and being active. We’ve explored a lot of hiking trails in the area (and even moreso as once the pandemic hit, hiking felt like a safe outlet to allow us to leave our house).
I’ve compiled our eight favorites in the Charlottesville area. These are all a bit longer and/or more challenging than what a toddler-friendly hike would entail, I think. But it depends on your toddler!
We usually hike 4-5 miles. And since we’ve been hiking with our kids for a long time, they do a pretty good job with elevation. Also, we bribe them. (We stop every 1 mile and, if they haven’t complained, they get a Jolly Rancher. No shame on this – it works.)
It is likely that not all of these will be the right fit for your family, so please research with the links provided before you go.
But we really don’t think you can go wrong hitting the trails as a family.
Fortunes Cove
We were the only ones on this dreamy trail and felt like we had made an important discovery. The single-track, fern-laced trail wandered through what felt like fairy land. Alas, no dogs. But we ended the hike in a big field, playing baseball with a rock and a stick and had lunch beside a trickling fall in a gorgeous forest glen. This was a great memory for our family.
Blue Hole/Snake Hole/Sugar Hollow
This hike is best in the summer, when you can get wet! Because you WILL – get wet. Whether you follow the trail to Blue Hole or go the other direction to Snake Hole, you can’t go wrong, but you will traverse creeks and river.
Also, you won’t be alone as this spot is VERY popular with locals. Trailhead parking is limited so go early. Bright side? No fee to enjoy it.
Humpback Rock
This is pretty much the defining hike of the area. It seems you can’t really be considered a resident until you’ve done this hike (and that goes for college students, too). It is short if you do the quick out-and-back (more aggressive hikers can make it a loop, using the Appalachian Trail) but STEEP. The views at the top, though, are incredible. This hike is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, so plan to be with a lot of other people.
Spy Rock
This hike is a bit further afield than Humpback Rock, but so lovely, the outcropping larger and, in our opinion, more impressive. We love this hike.
They’ve been moving this trailhead and parking for a variety of reasons, so be sure to research the latest information before you go.
Crabtree Falls
Not too far from Spy Rock is Crabtree Falls. While Shenandoah National Park has falls galore, this particular waterfall doesn’t require the hefty National Parks fee and provides just as spectacular views. We found the hike very fun and not too difficult – although it gets icy in the winter. I left with a bruise from a pretty spectacular slip and fall. So be cautious, but enjoy!
Inside Shenandoah National Park
We proudly purchase the National Parks Pass each year, so Shenandoah National Park feels accessible to us (indeed, we basically HAVE to use the pass to make it pay for itself).
But note that otherwise, SNP charges a hefty fee per car to enter.
Read more about Shenandoah National Park, as well as road closures due to weather, on their website.
Rose River Falls
This loop was beautiful when we went during the late fall, and would be especially fun during the summer. Try to go right after a big rainstorm or snow melt. There are so many little pools of water to dip toes in. This trail can get muddy and/or icy, depending on conditions. But dogs (on a leash) are allowed.
Turk Mountain
This hike was such a nice surprise. One of the often-overlooked hikes in the area yet very close to Crozet, we really enjoyed this.
The outcropping at the top wasn’t huge and was quite rocky (we couldn’t get our dog out there, for example), but it was a wonderful overlook and a very special experience.
Doyles River
This is my personal favorite waterfall hike we’ve done to date. There are two stunning waterfall views, as well as a gorgeous trail. The hike back up was steep (we did the out-and-back, although there is a longer loop option).
Got a favorite you really want to tell us about? We’d love to hear it. Please drop it in the comments below!
Happy trails.
Raising Charlottesville is a website dedicated to highlighting fun & local activities for families living in the Charlottesville, VA area.