1. Hiking
Fancy yourself an all-weather hiker? You’ll be delighted to enjoy a clearer view due to the absence of foliage – perfect for sunsets, stargazing, and glimpses of wildlife. A few of the locally recommended spots include Ragged Mountain Natural Area, Mint Springs Park (Crozet), and Ivy Creek Natural Area. The Rivanna River Trail has multiple access points throughout Charlottesville connecting neighborhoods and parks. It has mostly level terrain, and great for those who prefer a brisk walk over a hike.
2. Golf
Fore! Shake off those winter blues with a round of golf. The Charlottesville area offers several fantastic courses. Bring your clubs from home or inquire directly with each pro shop regarding rentals. Meadowcreek, the municipal course, has great winter rates and is centrally located. Birdwood Golf at Boar’s Head Resort has public tee times available at its award-winning course – most recently mentioned in Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, and Golf Week. Fun fact: Birdwood was designed by PGA Pro Davis Love III! If it’s too cold or if you want to work on your swing, head inside to the Boar’s Head Swing Studio – a state-of-the-art golf simulator! Guests of Keswick Hall can play a round at Full Cry, a recently renovated course designed for both novice and expert-level golfers. Old Trail Golf Club in Crozet offers a picturesque 18-hole course as well as an indoor Swing Lab – so you can play no matter what Mother Nature has in store. Enjoy off-season rates, discounted stay & play packages, and special rates for kids 17 and under playing with an adult.
Are you more of a disc golfer? Or looking for a fun activity for a group? Check out the disc golf facilities at Chris Greene Lake, Meadowcreek, and Walnut Creek! Winter means less foliage and more fun – especially if you’re a beginner.
3. Fishing
Don’t miss out on catching “the big one” due to cooler temps! Whether you prefer to cast your line from the riverbank, from a boat, or wade out into the water yourself, there’s options for everyone in the Charlottesville area.
Whether you’re an avid fly-fisher or just getting into the sport, there are plenty of options in the area! In fact, Wine and Country Life recently cited Charlottesville and Albemarle County as “ripe with opportunities” for Virginia fly-fishing and the perfect hub for embarking on fly-fishing adventures at nearby Shenandoah National Park and Moormans River! We recommend checking out Albemarle Angler for supplies and to utilize their exceptional services. Book a private guided trip or sign up for a clinic, like their monthly women’s beginner clinic!
If you’re looking for more traditional fishing, there are plenty of local options that are stocked annually with fish. For trout, check out the 8 acres of water at Mint Springs Valley Park. Located in Crozet, this park has two state-regulated stock trout lakes and an ADA wheelchair-accessible fishing pier! Looking for walleye, crappie, bass, and channel catfish? Head over to Beaver Creek Park’s 104-acre fishing lake, which boasts canoe and kayak access along the water and a concrete boat launch (electric motors allowed). If you’re looking for something a bit more remote, we recommend Totier Creek Park in Scottsville. With 69 water acres, this creek is stocked with sunfish, channel catfish, and largemouth bass. Fishing features include a boat launch, a newly built fishing pier, and three miles of maintained trails, with a portion running along the water’s edge. Chris Greene Reservoir and Walnut Creek Reservoir are also stocked with channel catfish. Both spots boast ample parking, with an accessible fishing pier available at Chris Greene and accessible facilities at Walnut Creek.
4. Running
Did you know? The Charlottesville area is known for being a celebrated running community. In 1976, the Charlottesville Track Club formed and has since been organizing several of the area’s most notable races, including the Charlottesville 10 Miler, which will enjoy it’s 50th running this year. These not-for-profit races attract residents and visitors alike while supporting local charities. You can plan your visit to Charlottesville and Albemarle County around one of these race events or simply enjoy our runnable city layout and numerous parks throughout your stay. Here are some events to put on your calendar and start prepping for!
February 8th:
Ronald McDonald House of Charlottesville presents Freeze Your Socks Off 5K Run/Walk
Walnut Creek 5 and Dime / 5k and 10 Miler Event
March 1st:
Liberation and Freedom Days Reparations Run/Walk
March 8th:
Panorama Farm Naked Creek Trail Race
The Haven Run for Home 8k Run / 4k Walk
March 22nd:
April 5th:
Speaking of parks, Albemarle County’s newest and largest park – Biscuit Run – just opened in December 2024. Featuring 8.5 miles of maintained trails for both pedestrian and bicycle use, Biscuit Run Park is a great recreation destination. At just under 1,200 acres, the park offers a multitude of areas to connect with the natural world through landscape and wildlife observation.
5. Sauna
Recover, restore, and relax by booking a session at Riversong Saunas. Part of the Rivanna River Co., the two saunas feature Atlantic White Cedar paneling and are heated by Kuuma wood-burning sauna stoves. Self-described as a “rustic sauna, close to nature, best enjoyed with the spirit of adventure,” Riversong Saunas encourage you to heat up and cool down at 15-minute intervals by use of the cold-plunge tub, bucket shower, or by taking a dip in the river itself. This is a great way to begin or end a busy day of winter recreation in Charlottesville. Private and community sessions are available to book through March.
There’s never a wrong time to stop by and enjoy Charlottesville and Albemarle County’s myriad of outdoor activities, but if you are aiming for March, we recommend the 7th – 9th so you can check out the Banff Mountain Film Festival too! Hosted by the Shenandoah National Park Trust at the Paramount Theater, this event features the best short films that capture inspiring moments and thought-provoking action in mountain sports and culture.
A day exploring the outdoors is best wrapped up by enjoying a cozy night at one of our many places to stay. Montfair Resort Farm provides wooded cottages and houses, perfect for couples and families. They also offer group, military, and multi-day discounts! Plus, onsite lakes are stocked with bass, catfish, and bluegill - and visitors can even rent canoes to take out on the water. Bonus activities on the 129-acre property include birdwatching, hiking, stargazing and more. Groups should also consider the Lodge at Sugar Hollow. This beautiful retreat is located just below Sugar Hollow Reservoir along the Moormans River. The 4-bedroom lodge has stunning views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, as well as 2 stone fireplaces and a pool. Access to the Shenandoah National Park is just a short drive up the road. Want to be closer to the nightlife in town so that you can check out one of our many restaurants? We’ve got plenty of options to help you find your perfect stay!