Thank you to Yuki Weaver with Bennett’s Village, and Caitlin Marcotte with Charlottesville Parks & Recreation’s Adaptive Program for their contributions to this blog. Please note that this list is non-exhaustive and that because inclusion and accessibility look different to everyone, an experience that may suit one individual may not work for another.
Parking is located off of Highway 53 as well as Highway 20, with multiple accessible spaces. For access to restrooms, users can park at the Visitor Center and make their way down the trail from Monticello. Please note: Access to visitor center and restroom is free but requires users to pass through a security checkpoint. These amenities are only open during Monticello’s hours of operation.
Located in Pen Park, Bennett’s Village is a free, inclusive play space designed to welcome people of all abilities and ages to play, grow, and learn together. There are accessible parking spots and bathrooms available via a paved path next to the play space. As of spring 2025, the organization has completed the first phase of the project – an accessible treehouse and communication board.
The treehouse is level and includes a covered room with seating and an outlet for charging devices. The wrap around deck gives visitors a view of the tree canopy and the gravel path below.
The communication board encourages play through looking at the board, touching the pictures and saying the words.
The Farmers Market at the IX Art Park, held every Saturday morning, is a great place to buy fresh produce, baked goods, and artisan gifts from over 70 local vendors. For those with mobility devices, the paved vendor lot is level, but you may experience cracks in the pavement as you explore. There are several paved and level parking areas, including multiple accessible parking spots. Make sure you refer to the market map to plan ahead for your visit.
If you can’t make it to the market, we highly recommend exploring IX anyway, as it is home to several art installations including The Looking Glass, an immersive indoor art experience created by over two dozen local and regional artists. The Looking Glass has step-free entrances, paved floors, and an accessible restroom. Check their site for hours and tickets, including special no-fee hours on certain days.
The Blue Ridge Tunnel, located in neighboring Nelson County, is a nearly mile-long historic railroad tunnel built in the 1850s. For the most accessible visit, start at the East Trailhead in Afton. It has a larger lot for easier parking and a flat approach to the main trail, which is made of crushed gravel and is fully ADA accessible. The East Trailhead to the East Tunnel Portal is .63 miles and has a max grade of 5.3% for 150 feet. The tunnel itself has an average grade of 1.3% and is very dark, so a headlamp or flashlight is recommended. Dripping water within the tunnel may create ruts or puddles on the path, so be cautious. This hike is free and popular on the weekends, so those looking for a quieter experience should arrive during the early hours or plan to visit during the week.
Blue Ridge Packs & Tracks, an organization dedicated to providing access to the outdoors, has partnered with Nelson County to offer free tours of the tunnel with electric, offroad capable Track Chairs. This program requires advanced reservations and take place on Tuesday mornings at 10AM and Sunday afternoons at 1PM.
With an amazing mix of shopping, dining, and entertainment, the historic Downtown Mall is Charlottesville’s main pedestrian mall and a must-visit for any visitor. Because of its historic nature, some shops can be a challenge to navigate due to small bathrooms and steps. A full list of shops with step-free and/or accessible entrances can be found here. Many shops and business owners are happy to accommodate accessibility needs, including the Ting Pavilion, which hosts many events and concerts year-round. They offer accessible accommodations such as ramps, easy access between stages, and accessible bathrooms. With 48-hour notice ahead of any event, the Ting Pavilion is happy to prepare for any additional accommodation needs.
The Rivanna River Company (RRC) is a staple for outdoor enthusiasts in the area and its owners, Gabe and Sonya Silver, are committed to providing a place for everyone.
Over the past few years, the RRC has made several improvements, such as the creation of accessible parking spaces, the creation of accessible paths made of compact stone dust, and the addition of adaptive paddling equipment. The staff has also collaborated with Charlottesville Parks and Recreation to receive in-depth training on the use of the adaptive kayaks.
Mint Springs Valley Park, located just outside the nearby town of Crozet, contains two small lakes with largemouth bass and bluegill. From October to June, the lakes are also stocked with trout. The lower lake has multiple ADA accessible fishing piers, small picnic shelters, and accessible pit toilets that connect to the parking area via paved paths. Please note: a Virginia DWR freshwater fishing license is required and from late May – early September there is a $5 cash entry fee to access the park.
After fishing, we recommend visiting Chiles Peach Orchard and Farm Market for ready-picked produce, apple cider donuts, ice cream, or baked goods. They have a paved lot that is attached to their market. Nearby King Family Vineyards is also a treat, with local wines, food trucks onsite, and several accessible features including step-free entrances, accessible parking spaces, and an accessible restroom.
Located on the banks of the scenic Rivanna River, Darden Towe Park is home to multiple points of interest, including the start of Old Mills Trail, the Free Bridge Lane Promenade, and the Lewis and Clark Exploratory Center. We recommend parking at the center of the baseball fields, as it has multiple accessible spaces as well as nearby restrooms. For those looking to explore Free Bridge Lane, parking is marked in the image below. The trail is paved all the way to the point where it passes under the Highway 250 bridge.
Darden Towe Park is a great place for birding and is also included on the Monticello & Rivanna Bird and Wildlife Trail produced by the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources. Listen for red-bellied and downy woodpeckers and keep an eye on the river for migratory waterfowl.
Are you ready to visit and embark on your next outdoor adventure? We hope to see you soon! Don’t forget to visit our Accessible Travel page for more information on accessible things to do, lodging, and transportation. Additionally, check out our Free Things to Do blog for some fun ideas to aid your exploration!
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