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.
This is also an opportunity to speak with me if you have been wanting to go on a strenuous hike of mine. If you have signed up for strenuous hikes, and I have left you on the wait list, this is your opportunity to speak with me about what needs to be done to go on a strenuous hike.
Round trip distance to the entry gate is 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.
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.
Sorry, dogs are only allowed on the rural trails.