Find the top rated birding trails in Charlottesville, whether you're looking for an easy short birding trail or a long birding trail, you'll find what you're looking for. Click on a birding trail below to find trail descriptions, trail maps, photos, and reviews.
Amazing tunnel and a fun experience with kids. Be sure to bring your flashlight.
Started my journey at Piney River trailhead very early on a crisp October morning. The temperature was 37 degrees, but the sun was rising, and there was no wind. Riding east, my only companions were squirrels, deer and the many birds flying overhead. I LOVE the peace and quiet this trail provides with the squishy crunch of the finely crushed gravel beneath my tires, and the gentle rush of water spilling over rocks in the Piney and Tye Rivers. No nearby roads or traffic meant for a little over an hour of pure escape. The farm and forest scenery and multiple bridges spanning the river provided ever changing views. I was thankful for the regular milepost markers, posted every 1/4 mile along the entire trail length. On the return trip I counted 75 spins of my crank arm to traverse a 1/4 mile section of the trail. The path was well-maintained throughout, with just the right amount of trail-side markers, benches, and memorials to provide short breaks. I didn't use the restrooms, but they were available at the western trailhead and at Roses Mill trailhead near the western end. If I had one wish for this trail, it would be to extend along the original 20 miles of the original Blue Ridge Railway right of way. I'm not sure if that's possible, but I feel it would make this trail garner more attention than it currently receives. The trail's location between Charlottesville and Lynchburg is in one of the prettiest parts of Virginia, and is just south of the many breweries, vineyards and distilleries along Route 151 in Nelson County. It is also a short drive from Wintergreen resort. Come check it out!!
The High Bridge trail is a great trail with a truly amazing experience as you traverse the bridge. There are three pull offs on the bridge that allow you to stop and view the wonderful landscape. The trail mileage is based on distance from the bridge both East and West, so for example if you start in Farmville, VA you'll be at West 5 miles. The new visitor center on the East side in the State Park is almost complete and was built to look just like the train station in Farmville. I would image it will house historical items on the rail and Civil War. Also, the trail provides a bonus with a Civil War-era fort (Fort Paradise) with plaques explaining the historical significance. I rode my Trek Cyclocross with 700x32 tires and was fine. Definitely looking to go back in the Fall.
Paul and I are continuing our RV travels and crossing off bike trails from our bucket list along the way. Today we rode the VA Blue Ridge trail. Beautiful, natural trail with crushed stone path (I would have preferred asphalt), but it wasn't bad. I just had to be careful and watch for rocks and kept praying I didn't pop a tire. Off road or hybrid bikes do fine. I ride a Lectric Trike with wider tires and husband rides a hybrid type bike and did fine. It is nicely shaded about 95% of the way. No road noise. Two rivers parallel the path making nice scenery. Some ladies ahead of us spotted a beautiful black bear walking along the shore of the river and got a great video clip. We had a deer cross in front of us. Benches are scattered along the trail. The only thing I would change would be asphalt instead of crushed stone but otherwise a great trail to ride!
Being a native plant enthusiast, walking this trail is disturbing to me because of all the invasive plants that edge the path. Instead of enjoying the greenery, I have to look away from it to have pleasure on this walk.
What can I say, pleasant ride, 5 stars, will be returning soon enough to ride again.
This is a great trail. It has many access points to the river which my dog loved. She began recognizing the access points because she loves the water. Not too busy on Celebrate Trails Day. Only passed a few people. Beautiful trail to enjoy water, flowers, quiet, and nature!
Great trail for our first RTC bike. Trail nicely maintained. Saw some wildlife and great views of the river.
TomPark,Thanks for the good review - your unusual rear bike rack caught my eye as well. Would you please tell me more about it and where purchased? Constance
This is absolutely worth the drive from near or far. The tunnel is nearly one mile long and nothing less than amazing. Kids will be astounded by the tiny waterfalls, dripping water, dark tunnel, and Tarzan vines everywhere. Take a headlight for them and you’ll be a hero. You can easily shorten the hike and get rid of almost all the elevation change by starting at the East trailhead and turning around after going through the tunnel. If part of your group want to finish the whole trail, the others can sit on a bench a few hundred feet outside of the tunnel. Enjoy!
TrailLink is a free service provided by Rails-to-Trails Conservancy (a non-profit) and we need your support!
Scan the QR code to get TrailLink on your phone
Map Search
