In preparation for First Day Hike (which is a tradition we highly recommend – last year we were on the Jack Albright Loop on New Years Day, the year before in Pocahontas State Park), I thought I’d pop on here and share some of our favorite family hikes around the Charlottesville area. With a pandemic and trying to socially distance ourselves, we have taken to the trail even more than normal. This year we’ve logged well over 100 miles of hiking as a family.Â
We’ve conquered Mint Springs, Ivy Creek, the Saunders-Monticello trails, Wintergreen, the Rivanna Trail, trails near our house, and more. Honestly, just getting outside with the kids, we feel we rarely go wrong. But to help make your decision easier, here are some of our favorite experiences.
Top Family Hikes in Charlottesville, VA
Fortune's Cove
This hike was a hidden gem. We were the only ones on this dreamy trail. The single-track, fern-laced trail wandered through what felt like fairy land. Alas, no dogs. But we ended the hike in a big field, playing baseball with a rock and a stick and had lunch beside a trickling fall in a gorgeous forest glen. This was a great memory for our family.
Blue Hole / Snake Hole / Sugar Hollow
This hike is best in the summer, when you can get wet! Because you WILL get wet. Whether you follow the trail to Blue Hole or go the other direction to Snake Hole, you can’t go wrong, but you will be walking through creeks and river.
Also, you won’t be alone – this spot is VERY popular with locals. Trailhead parking is limited so go early. Bright side? No fee to enjoy it.
Humpback Rock
This is pretty much the defining hike of the area. It seems you can’t really be considered a resident until you’ve done this hike (and that goes for college students, too). It is short if you do the quick out-and-back (more aggressive hikers can make it a loop, using the Appalachian Trail) but STEEP. The views at the top, though, are incredible. This hike is located right off the Blue Ridge Parkway, so plan to be with a lot of other people.
Spy Rock
This hike is a bit further afield than Humpback Rock, but so lovely, the outcropping larger and, in our opinion, more impressive. We love this hike.
They’ve been moving this trailhead and parking for a variety of reasons, so be sure to research the latest information before you go.
Crabtree Falls
Not too far from Spy Rock is Crabtree Falls. While Shenandoah National Park has falls galore, this particular waterfall doesn’t require the hefty National Parks fee and provides just as spectacular views. We found the hike very fun and not too difficult – although it gets icy in the winter. I left with a bruise from a pretty spectacular slip and fall. So be cautious, but enjoy!
Inside Shenandoah National Park
One of the (many) things we love about living in Charlottesville is having Shenandoah National Park right down the road.
This park has so many options for hiking, depending on your mood, and you really can’t go wrong. You can read all of our thoughts and opinions on Old Rag, one of the most epic and famous hikes inside the Park. But we don’t necessarily recommend that for a First Day Hike with kids…Â
The Park is one of the few pay-to-enter National Parks. We bought the Annual National Parks Pass (as we’ve mentioned here) and it has paid off. But plan to pay $30-35 for entry otherwise.
Also, a lot of hikes inside the Park are quite popular, especially on holidays and weekends. With part of Shenandoah National Park within very easy access to D.C., the trail crowds can swell if you don’t time it right. We have the best luck parking and enjoying the trails when we get there early in the morning.
Rose River Falls
This loop was beautiful when we went during the late fall, and would be especially fun during the summer. Try to go right after a big rainstorm or snow melt. There are so many little pools of water to dip toes in. This trail can get muddy and/or icy, depending on conditions. But dogs (on a leash) are allowed.
Turk Mountain
This hike was such a nice surprise. One of the often-overlooked hikes in the area yet very close to Crozet, we really enjoyed this.
The outcropping at the top wasn’t huge and was quite rocky (we couldn’t get our dog out there, for example), but it was a wonderful overlook and a very special experience.
Doyles River
This is my personal favorite waterfall hike we’ve done to date. There are two stunning waterfall views, as well as a gorgeous trail. The hike back up was steep (we did the out-and-back, although there is a longer loop option), but worth it.
Hiking in this area is such a gift and, after living at the flat, sandy coast for a couple of years, not something we take for granted. I mean, when the biggest challenge is to decide whether you want a landscape view or a waterfall, how can you go wrong?
Plus, as someone who has lived here her whole life told us, it’s so fun that you can talk to 50 different people in the area and they will suggest 50 different trails, some of which you’ve never heard of. There are boundless options, it seems.
So get out there, and start exploring!
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Oh, and do drop a comment below and let us know YOUR favorite that we may have left off. We’re always up for exploring – and we still haven’t decided on OUR First Day Hike (but I am sure we’ll share it here).