At 219 acres, with very little elevation change, streams and creeks to splash in, and 7-miles of walking trials, Ivy Creek Natural Area is a great place for Charlottesville families to get outside.
Really, this seems to have become the go-to for families in the area, judging by the number of organized family hikes we’ve been on here. Not that we’re complaining. Given that it is close to town yet feels so remote, we’re always up for some Ivy Creek hiking.
Ivy Creek is operated by the Ivy Creek Foundation and its origin explains a lot about how to use and enjoy this land: it’s all about wildlife protection.
Back in 1975, the area was slated for development and a community member sprang into action. Environmentalists noticed the area is unique with a combination of wetland and woodland, two miles of shoreline, an abundance of wildlife, a low floodplain and high bluffs. Additionally, it abuts both city development and the reservoir. At the time, the reservoir was dealing with a pollution problem that strengthened the argument to, and the desire to, keep this area from being developed by high-density residential properties.
Eventually, The Nature Conservancy was able to purchase the land for $175,000 and to this day Ivy Creek Natural Area remains true to the original vision.
The mission of Ivy Creek Natural Area is to “protect its unique nature while still allowing humans to enjoy its qualities.” Because of this, there are some things to plan for when you visit.
First off, no sporting activities! Your family can bring a picnic, just don’t plan to play football or rugby (if your family plays rugby together, please contact me because that sounds amazing) or any other sport your family loves while here.
Also, no dogs. (Not even those cute little ones you can carry in a backpack.) No pets, period.
Also, no bikes and they even discourage jogging. The Ivy Creek Foundation does not mince words: this place is to preserve nature and you are welcome to observe it, but you may do nothing to disturb it.
Of course, we know as parents and leaders of our families, that “disturbance” is a sliding scale when it comes to kids.
But it is also really important to allow kids to be outside, to understand the landscape they live in, and to see nature up close. And teaching them to respect their environment, staying on the trail, honoring what is around them, is a valuable lesson.
Um, and allowing them to poke the water with sticks … that’s cool, too … right? (not asking for a friend…)
When we visit Ivy Creek Natural Area, we most typically do the red trail. It’s 1.7 miles and, like everything here, very well marked.
But heading out to the peninsula and also to the lookout are worth the extra half miles or so. In fact, the trail network itself is one the most family-friendly aspects. Nothing is terribly long or strenuous. You have to actively work to get lost (this is not a challenge), which means you can roam fairly free. There are many benches to rest on and at the end of the trail is a large sunny area.
We enjoy Ivy Creek Natural Area year-round. Of course, we usually are on the higher end of the “disturbance” scale so rarely see wildlife, but with a crew quieter than ours, you may luck out!
More in Ivy Creek Natural Area
- Official Ivy Creek Foundation website.
- A recommended 4.8 mile loop
Raising Charlottesville is a website dedicated to highlighting fun & local activities for families living in the Charlottesville, VA area.