Mountain Biking Routes

Charlottesville offers mountain biking both in the heart of the city and beyond it. The Rivanna Trail is a 20+ mile course that circumvents the city and offers a gorgeous ride past the Rivanna River. Preddy Creek Park, just north of the city on route-29, is another great spot with fun and flowy trails that are great for beginners and mountain bikers of all ages. Or try the 3.6 mile loop at Mint Valley Springs in neighboring Crozet.

Mountain Biking at Preddy Creek Park

Heyward Community Forest

4.2 miles

This route features some of the most recent trails built in the Heyward Community Forest with the help of CAMBC, the Charlottesville Area Mountain Bike Club. This ride takes you from the summit of Round Top down to the plunge pools of Moore's Creek.

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Preddy Creek Park

3.9 miles

A great option for entry-level hikers and mountain bikers with minimal elevation change and great singletrack. Take in nature at this county park in Northern Albemarle County.

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Rivanna Trail

21 miles

This 20+ Mile Mixed Surface Trail circumvents the city of Charlottesville. The route is occasionally hiked and biked in full, but also commonly used in shorter sections. Entrances to the trail are easily found all along the loop.

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Mint Valley Springs

3.6 miles

This loop takes you to the highest point in the park as well as the Landmark Tree "Boundary Oak," a stunning Northern Red Oak recognized with a plaque by the Charlottesville Area Tree Stewards. This route is a great activity for a hike or mountain bike and can be enjoyed in either direction.

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Walnut Creek Mini Loop

4.2 miles

A good sample of Walnut Creek Trails that can be enjoyed on foot or by mountain bike. Route takes you to the highest point in the park and through diverse forest growths.

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Kemper Park Hike & Bike

3.6 Miles

An exploration of the hiking and biking trails in Kemper Park outside of the Saunders-Monticello Trail. This route provides spectacular views of Downtown Charlottesville and UVA, especially in the winter months.

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Explore Mountain Biking Routes

Explore the map and read summaries of popular mountain biking routes below. You can return to all outdoor routes here.

These are recommended routes within Charlottesville and Albemarle County. There are other neighboring routes close-by that mountain bikers will enjoy including Blue Ridge School and Sherando/Torry Ridge.

Explore Outfitters

Blue Ridge Cyclery — Downtown Central VA’s favorite local bike shop, located in the Historic Coke Building in Downtown Charlottesville. Learn More
Blue Wheel Bicycles We strive to give you, the customer, the information you need to make the best decisions about bicycle purchases, accessories and repairs. Every bike is assembled and test ridden by an experienced mechanic. Every repair is double-checked and test ridden… Learn More
Blue Ridge Bicycle Tours CITY & CAMPUS TOURS Want to see the highlights and secrets of Charlottesville? Take a casual tour of the city including historical sites, University of Virginia, and exciting new areas. CUSTOM TOURS Have a dream tour that you’ve always wanted… Learn More
Endeavor Cycles We’re passionate about bicycles. We ride what we sell and stock a lot of brands and accessories that you might not find at the bigger shops!Located just across from the University of Virginia grounds, we are here to serve the… Learn More
Public Lands Our public lands should be celebrated and protected for all. Let's get together outside to explore, push boundaries and protect our public lands. Learn More

Prepare for Your Adventure

Before you hit the trail, make sure you're prepared for the route ahead.

  • Bring enough food and water. It gets hot here in the summer and it's important to stay hydrated at any time of year. Make sure you have enough food and water for the duration of your ride.
  • Pack it in, pack it out. Make sure any trash created during your ride stays with you and is properly disposed of. Wrappers and packaging can fly out of pockets!
  • Be aware the local wildlife. You may encounter local wildlife during your hike. Stay aware of your surroundings and give wildlife the proper space if you encounter them on the trail. For more information on protecting yourself and the natural habitat, visit Wildlife Center of Virginia.
  • Watch out for vehicles. Some routes may include sections of road that are shared with vehicles and without protected bike lanes. Stay aware of your surroundings and be sure to signal your intentions to others on the road
  • Have a plan and make sure someone knows the plan. Make sure you know how to get back to your vehicle at the end of your ride. Be sure to share your plans or location with someone you trust.

Land Acknowledgment

We acknowledge that the land we recreate on and refer to as Charlottesville and Albemarle County is the ancestral lands of the Monocan Nation and its people. The Monacan Indians have lived here for over 10,000 years and continue to live here to this day. We acknowledge their presence as well as their current and historical contributions to this region.