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.
Great trail for families as it is very flat, has pretty scenery plus a covered bridge and an old railcar at the start. Decent parking at the beginning of trail. Trail seemed well maintained.
We took our tandem 29er out and back both ways from Farmville. As others have said, the main attraction is the High Bridge, and its great. The trail is very well maintained and has plenty of bathrooms along the way...but as others have said, not a lot of places to get water. Make sure you have plenty, especially on these 90° days. Much of the trail is shaded so that’s a plus. Except for the bridge, it’s probably not a destination trail yet as there’s not much in the way of places to stop along the trail. Still, it’s a great place to get some miles. Some have mentioned the crowds but we saw none of that on a Sunday.
If biking, Afton is a better starting point than the West start. It's neat to be able to basically coast the entire tunnel, as the grade helps considerably.
My wife and I rode the trail recently on our fat tire ebikes. Beautiful late winter day, almost 70 degrees. The trail was well maintained, almost entirely flat. The first 1/2 mile is not that great, another reviewer noted it passed by an old mine site. After that, once the trail follows the river, it was very nice. The trail was not crowded on the day we went (not a weekend). We passed several bikers and some families walking with strollers. The trail is plenty wide for passing, or being passed, in either direction. There was some "evidence" of horses, but we saw no one horseback riding on the day we went. Nice, comfortable ride, we'll go back.
This is a relatively easy trail for all ages and abilities. West side from parking to entrance is more difficult but east side has very little grade to entrance. As others mentioned, parking is limited, but hikers are coming out regularly so it’s not much to wait for a space. We were there on Sunday afternoon and waited just 10 minutes for a parking space. Great family activity.
The tunnel requires a light of some sort because while you can see the end, you are walking for about .84 miles in darkness. The flashlight is a nice addition to the hike, though, as you are able to see the differences in the tunnel as you progress from one end to the other. The parking lots on both the east and west end of the trail are small, but the west end does offer more room. It is also a steeper trail so keep that in mind; you will need to all back up unless someone meets you on the other side.
First... let me say I was nervous about the tunnel! But know that you can see “the light at the end of the tunnel” so I wasn’t claustrophobic,as I had feared. Know that they mean it when they say lights are required. Otherwise, you are not visible to other hikers even when you’re within arms length! We began at the Afton end and although we arrived before 10am all parking was taken. We ended up parking at the post office. As you exit the tunnel on the Waynesboro end there is a good uphill hike...a very distinct path/trail. The entire path is 2.5 one way. We saw plenty of dogs on the trail which was another question I had... we’re dogs allowed? As an added bonus it snowed! We saw
While this trail is good, you better get there early. Parking is incredibly limited and if you park out of the marked area, your car will get towed. Rude people abound.... Once in the tunnel, it is FULL of people with all manner of lights and kids shining flashlights in peoples eyes. There are better trails without the parking and crowd hassles.
Nicely maintained trail. The west side is a little steep. The actual tunnel is flat. Make sure to have a flashlight as it is pitch black in the tunnel. It’s a beautiful area and neat experience. Lots of history!
On my bucket list. 50 degree year round. Bring a light. Dark inside
Love this trail. It just get crowded on the weekend so better be early. A lot of people especially kids on the bridge so u have to really pay attention in this part.
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