Hike The Monticello Trail (r/trip 5 mi Visitor Center; 4 mi entry gate)
Details
The Monticello Trail is a lovely gravel and boardwalk trail ascending through lush woods to the Visitor Center at the summit. There are water fountains and restrooms at the Visitor Center, where we stop for 5-10 minutes. Bring water for late afternoon hikes, when the gate to the Visitor Center is closed (around 6pm.)
Sorry, dogs are only allowed on the rural trails.
Round trip distance to Visitor Center - 5 miles; to entry gate - 4.4 miles.
We hike at a good pace, but it is okay for you to walk at your own pace. Feel free to bring a friend.
In case of inclement weather, check the Hiking Group's MeetUp page for possible cancellation. If not a downpour, plan on the hike going forward.
If you are running late or need to cancel last minute, please CALL or TEXT Linda at 540 688 8482, so that we don't unnecessarily wait for you. Please don't email or post your cancellation on the MeetUp site, within one hour of hike start time.
We will meet at the far end of the Thomas Jefferson Parkway parking lot that is located directly off Rt. 20 south, at Dairy Barn Road (across from Piedmont Community College.)
DIRECTIONS: From Charlottesville and I-64, take Rt. 20 south toward Scottsville. After I-64 ramps, pass through the light at College Drive, continuing to the next intersection at Rt. 53. You will see the parking lot on the left, but it is illegal to make a U turn here. There are two options to position yourself northbound on Rt. 20:
Option 1) Left onto Hwy. 53 for about 100', then turn around in small upper parking lot on the right, returning back to Hwy. 20 northbound, then right on Dairy Barn Road.
Option 2) Stay on Hwy. 20, through the light at Hwy. 53, then right onto Willow Lake Drive. Make a U turn, then left onto Hwy. 20 northbound, and right on Dairy Barn Road.
If the lot is full, it is okay to park alongside the lawn on both sides of the driveway entrance & along the east side of Hwy. 20.